Elephant Challenge - Harwell
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Event overview
Elephant Challenge is a timed six-hour off-road running event held at Salcey Forest on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Entrants run repeated laps of a marked loop and can complete as many laps as they wish within the six-hour time limit. The event allows walking, hiking, rucking and running in the same format. A canicross category is available; dogs must be on short leads and entrants should choose the canicross entry when registering.
Location and course
The event takes place at Salcey Forest, Wootton Rd, NN7 2HX, near Northampton. The route uses well maintained forest pathways with no asphalt; surfaces include crushed stone and trodden forest floor. Narrower sections can hold tree detritus and become muddy or slippery when wet. Road shoes are suitable on dry days; trail shoes are recommended in wet conditions. A GPX file of the route is provided and the course will be waymarked on race day.
Distances
- 3.5-mile loop
- 5 km possible with one lap plus out and back
- Marathon roughly 7 laps plus a short out and back
- Distances up to 80+ km possible within six hours
Entries, fees and extras
Early entry fee is £37 before 24/02/2026 and £42 after that date. Unaffiliated entrants pay an extra £2. A parking rate of £3.50 for the day has been negotiated. Entrants can opt to raise money for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. An on-demand option via an app is offered for those who cannot attend on the event day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
