Elephant Challenge - Harwell
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Event overview
The Elephant Challenge is a six-hour timed running event on Tuesday 24 March 2026 at Salcey Forest, NN7 2HX. Entrants complete as many laps as they wish within the six-hour limit on a set loop. The organiser gives examples: a marathon requires seven laps plus an out-and-back, and a half marathon requires three laps plus an out-and-back.
Location and travel
The event takes place at Salcey Forest (Wootton Rd), a Forestry England site with a café and toilets. The number 33 bus stops inside Salcey Forest and runs between Northampton and Milton Keynes. The closest train station is Northampton. The site is about 18 minutes from Northampton and about 9 minutes from Junction 15 of the M1. Paid parking is required; the organiser has a negotiated parking offer of £3.50 for the day.
Course and race format
The route follows well maintained off-road pathways with no asphalt. Surfaces are mainly crushed stone or compacted forest floor; narrower sections may have tree detritus and can become muddy or slippery when wet. On dry days road shoes are acceptable; on wet days trail shoes may be preferable. A GPX of the route is available. The event permits canicross entries (with short leads and specific canicross rules) and supports rucking.
Entries, fees and extras
Entry fees are tiered: £37 before 24/02/2026 and £42 after that date; unaffiliated entrants pay an extra £2. Finishers receive a medal or, as an alternative, a Big Bear Tree Token through the Earth Runs partnership; each token results in a tree being planted and contains wildflower seeds. Optional fundraising for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is offered during entry. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
