If you're keen to take on a proper challenge, shape up, re-energise and support an important cause, this ultra will help you go further than ever before - whether you walk, jog or run your way to the finish line.
You'll be supported all the way from the moment you sign up with an event app, online guides, forums and training walks. On the challenge there are safe venues, camping options, fully signed routes, chip timing, marquee rest stops, fantastic food and drink and expert safety, medical and welfare teams to get you over the finish line where you'll receive a huge cheer, medal, glass of fizz, t-shirt, massage, BBQ and more!
50km, at your pace, through the day and into the night if you’re walking.
25km at your own pace.
1st half of the 50km loop – along the coastal path.
2nd half of 50km loop – up and over Exmoor – back to basecamp.
10km loop – up and around the Deer Park next to the Castle.
Taking on an ultra trek or run is a serious challenge and tough for most people, but also achievable with the right training plan which you'll get access to when you sign up. This challenge is fully supported meaning it's the perfect way to have-a-go at a longer distance.
Fundraising for a cause close to your heart is part of the challenge and you'll receive a wealth of support, advice and tips from your chosen charity to make sure you smash your fundraising target.
The Full 50km loop challenge, with 1000m of climb, starts from basecamp beneath Dunster Castle, and heads to the coast and the official Minehead start of the famous 630 mile South West Coastal Path. The coastal path provides fantastic views across the Bristol Channel towards South Wales in the distance.
The historic village of Porlock marks the halfway point – then it’s through forests and into the beautiful Exmoor National Park. Across moorland and a climb up Dunkery Beacon – Exmoor’s highest point – with amazing panoramic views, before descending towards Minehead and on back to the finish line on the lawns of Dunster Castle base-camp where a very welcome finish line celebration awaits!
With weekend camping options at basecamp, a bar, BBQ, music and entertainment – there’s going to be a summer festival feel on this challenge!
Every year hundreds of challengers get a discounted charity place in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charity it gives the participant advantages too, from saving tens of pounds on the registration fee to supporting a cause that is close to your heart and much more.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and train, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous participants.
Whether this is your first ultra or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elites too, who can provide exclusive tips for your challenge preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champions.
When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest for the big day, and often a training top too.
You won't be the only person taking part for that charity, so it's well worth meeting others through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training days, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels high.
Ultra challenges and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you go the distance for?
