08:00
Age 16 & over
Pairs entry fee
£49.50
Minimum sponsorship
£950.00
Team entry fee
£99.00
Minimum sponsorship
£1900.00
The famous triathlon-style adventure charity fundraising challenge!
Get together with friends and/or workmates to Race the Sun on a journey through the spectacular and renowned Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, home to many caverns and, of course, the nation's favourite cheese too!
Race the Sun by bike, canoe and on foot including cycling up the gorge.
Admire superb panoramic views from the top ridge.
Ideal for pairs, couples and groups of friends, family and colleagues.
Equipment and guidance is included so you can focus on the task.
Set an achievable goal for 2025 and stay motivated with your training.
By one of the most experienced charity events teams ever.
Highly recommended - read the reviews here.
Race for a reason and save the lives of sick babies and children.
Race the Sun serves up enough adventure to challenge those looking to lay down a fast time, as well as those who just want a fun, exhilarating day with friends and family.
It's achievable by people with a reasonable fitness level who are prepared to train beforehand. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy it.
It’s a great incentive to get fit and work different muscles, knowing you’re raising funds for an excellent cause at the same time.
Road, hybrid or e-bike.
As the route is on-road, using a mountain bike is not recommended. However, if you have trained on it and are confident you can complete the course you are more than welcome to use it.
You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.
On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.
In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.
Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.
There is a Best Dressed Team Award for those who want to go the extra mile! It's about having fun and raising money for charity.
Why not make a weekend of it with friends and family?! Supporters will be able to join you at the event HQ, then track your progress live online.
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar
Somerset
BS40 7XU
UK
This unforgettable charity fundraising team challenge starts and finishes Cheddar, the bustling town right at the bottom of the famous Cheddar Gorge, home to many caverns and, of course, the nation's favourite cheese too!
Set off on a 25 mile ride through Somerset that takes in the best of the west!
The route tackles ascents, and some rewarding descents, as you weave your way round quaint villages. Admire the views of Blagdon Lake as you pedal your way to Butcombe before heading back to the Gorge.
The highlight of the route is the ascent through Cheddar Gorge - a must for any cyclist.
The 9-mile circular route gives a panoramic views of the Gorge as you ascend to the top ridge to start your hike.
Paths are all big wide bridleways with no difficulty underfoot.
Lifejackets on, it's now time to take on the final stage of the challenge!
Launching into Cheddar Reservoir, teams will take to the water in canoes or kayaks.
The 2-mile course will be easy to navigate, following buoys around the reservoir to complete the paddle.
No canoe or kayak experience is necessary, and everything will be provided. Just bring some clothes you don't mind getting wet and a sense of adventure!
Upon completing the water section, it is a short walk back to the finish line to celebrate your achievements with your medal, a drink on us, and a well-deserved bite to eat!
You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.
As the route is on-road, using a mountain bike is not recommended. However, if you have trained on it and are confident you can complete the course you are more than welcome to use it.
On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.
In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.
Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.
The training and fundraising are part of the challenge!
Race the Sun is organised by children’s charity, Action Medical Research.
Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs for 70 years.
They have helped to beat polio, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, helping to save thousands of children’s lives and change many more. Today they continue to tackle the challenges disease and disability present by funding high-quality research to save and change children’s lives and are driving forward research to help protect children.
By taking part, not only will you have a great time with first-class support throughout the day, but you’ll also be helping to raise vital funds to help sick and disabled babies and children.
Jack was born extremely prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing just 1lb 15oz.
He needed oxygen, help with his breathing and feeding tubes to survive. He suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleeds and contracted the potentially deadly bowel infection necrotising enterocolitis. Jack went on to endure many more serious health problems and spent four and a half months in hospital fighting to survive before he was finally allowed home. Jack's mum is so grateful for the work that Action does:
It is so important that studies like those funded by Action Medical Research are done. Without research, we wouldn’t have medical advances, and Jack probably wouldn’t be here.
16-17 year olds must be accompanied by their parent or guardian throughout the challenge.
Please note that by registering for this event you are committing to fundraising a minimum of £1900 for a four-person team and £950 for a two-person team for children's charity Action Medical Research.
Funds raised will help fund groundbreaking research that will help save and change children's and babies lives.
The event was brilliantly ran by the organisation and everyone was very friendly. The challenge itself was tough and definitely required more training than I expected. Really good day and excited for 2025. Chris P
From the moment we registered the updates and support was fantastic, from fundraising ideas to event info and guidance. On the day all the marshals were so friendly and motivational, I personally thank each and everyone for this. The food was all on point and the safety was never in doubt, brilliant event and I highly recommend. Vicki E
Beautiful setting and a stunning cycle course and kayak. Fuelling before, during and after the event was delicious and plentiful. Event space well organised and maintained during the event. Really friendly and helpful volunteers. Event was on the right side of challenging. Thank you to all the team for a really memorable day. Jenny H
Well organised by super friendly people. Loved the bike ride and the canoe. The climb was incredibly hard but we got there and back. Surprised and pleased to get a trophy for fastest mixed 4 person group. Not bad for our first event like this. Matthew K
Absolutely sensational event. Exceptional organisation with a fantastic team . Also a big fan that they had thought so much about sustainability, from the pre comms through to the choice of medals. Brilliant. Jo C
I can highly recommend getting involved with an Action event, not only for participation in a personally challenging event, but also to support a very deserved charity. I will definitely participate again in the future!
We had a fantastic weekend, and loved the novelty of doing 3 different disciplines. What took the event from being really good to being really special was the atmosphere created by the Action staff and the other participants who were all incredible!
Race the Sun Cheddar Gorge is brand new for 2025 so these reviews are from another challenge in the same series, Race the Sun Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with thanks to RaceCheck