Around 3,000 participants descended on the Peak District over the weekend for the hugely popular Peak District Ultra Challenge, collectively raising more than £800,000 for charities while taking on one of the UK’s most scenic endurance events.
Held on 4-5 July in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the Challenge welcomed runners, walkers and joggers of all abilities, with participants tackling distances of 100km, 75km, 50km, 25km and 10 miles. Challengers set out from the event’s Bakewell basecamp to explore some of the region’s most iconic landscapes, including the Chatsworth House estate, the Monsal Trail and the Peak District’s dramatic valleys and dales.
The event attracted participants from across the UK, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the weekend and bringing thousands of visitors into Bakewell and surrounding communities. Local hotels, pubs, cafés and shops benefited from increased footfall as friends, families and supporters travelled to the area to cheer on those taking part.
Open to people of all ages and abilities, the Peak District Ultra Challenge offers a fully supported experience, with rest stops, hot food, welfare teams and clearly marked routes helping participants achieve their goals, whether completing a first-ever endurance challenge or taking on an ultra-distance test.
Experienced ultra runner Michael Young broke the 52km course record, completing the distance in 4:10:05. Fanny Thieffry was the women’s 52km winner in a time of 5:40:07. In the 100km, Andy Day was the fastest male across the like in 10:22:26, before Nola Calladine finished in 12:40:08.
Alongside the ultra running pros, many of those taking part this year were Challengers with powerful personal stories. Hugo and Anya Sousa, took part to raise awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) after their son Leo died on New Year’s Day 2024. Nathan Chilton, who has overcome significant health challenges after relearning how to walk, was also among those taking part. Meanwhile, Ellis and Charlotte Dawson took on the Challenge as part of their ongoing journey following Ellis’s life-saving transplant operation.
Their stories reflected the determination, resilience and community spirit on display across the weekend, with many participants taking on the event to raise funds in support of causes close to their hearts.
The Peak District Ultra Challenge forms part of the Ultra Challenge Series, one of the UK’s leading charity endurance events, helping participants raise millions of pounds for good causes every year. This year’s Peak District event alone generated more than £800,000 in charitable fundraising.
With another successful edition completed, organisers are already looking ahead to next year’s return, when thousands more are expected to take on the spectacular Peak District routes.
Entries recently opened for 2027’s Peak District Ultra Challenge. Visit www.ultrachallenge.com
