Elephant Challenge - Harwell

MAR
24
2026
The Elephant Challenge is a flexible 6-hour trail run in the award-winning Salcey Forest. Choose your own distance on a 3.5-mile forest loop, suitable for runners and canicross participants. It's a popular event with a format that welcomes all paces and goals.
Tue 24 Mar 2026
80 kilometers Marathon Half Marathon 5 kilometers

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Event Overview

The Elephant Challenge is a 6-hour timed event held at Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire. The format allows participants to complete as many laps as they wish within the time limit.

Course Details

The route consists of a 3.5-mile (approximately 5.6 km) off-road loop. The course uses well-maintained forest pathways with no asphalt. Surfaces include crushed stone and forest floor, which can become muddy in wet conditions.

Participation

The event is open to runners, walkers, and hikers. A canicross-specific race option is available for those wishing to run with a dog. Participants can choose their own distance, from a single lap to over 50 miles. The event also supports participation through an on-demand option via a partner app for those who cannot attend on the scheduled day.

Venue & Logistics

Salcey Forest is a Forestry England site near Northampton, with a café and toilets on site. Parking is available for a fee. The venue is accessible by public bus, car, and train (nearest station is Northampton). Participants can opt to receive a finisher's medal or a tree token that results in a tree being planted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

80 km
80k
Marathon
Marathon
Half Marathon
Half Marathon
5 km