Elephant Challenge
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Elephant Challenge : event overview
The Elephant Challenge is a six-hour off-road running event held at Salcey Forest, NN7 2HX. The next scheduled race date is 24/03/2026. Participants run repeated laps of an off-road loop within a six-hour time limit. The event allows runners, hikers, walkers, canicross participants and ruckers to take part under the same format. There is an option to support Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity during entry; donations go to the charity.
Location and course
The venue is Salcey Forest near Northampton. Parking is paid; a negotiated daily parking rate of £3.50 is available. The number 33 bus stops inside the forest. The site is about 18 minutes from Northampton and 9 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1. The closest train station is Northampton.
The route follows well maintained forest pathways with no asphalt. Surfaces are mainly crushed stone or trodden forest floor and can be muddy or slippery when wet. On dry days road shoes are acceptable; on wet days trail shoes may be preferable. A GPX file for the route is available.
Distances and entry
- 3.5-mile loop per lap
- 5k possible within the lap structure
- Half marathon: 3 laps (+ a short out-and-back)
- Marathon: 7 laps (+ a short out-and-back)
- Over 80K is possible within six hours
Entry fees: before 24/02/2026 £37, after 24/02/2026 £42. Unaffiliated entrants pay an extra £2. Canicross entrants must enter the canicross-specific race and keep leads short. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
