Pilgrim Challenge
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Pilgrim Challenge : event overview
The Pilgrim Challenge is a two-day trail event that follows a celebrated section of the North Downs Way National Trail, taking in countryside once walked by pilgrims bound for Canterbury. The two-day format covers a total of 66 miles, and the route passes through woodlands, rolling fields, historic churches, and small villages.
Support and logistics are included: the course is waymarked, GPX files are provided, and aid stations, hot meals, luggage transfers and evening accommodation are organised for participants. A Course Manager oversees the event and a fully qualified medical crew is in attendance. Minibus shuttles run between key locations and a small number of mid-event hotels; limited parking is available at Sandy Farm Business Park for full-event participants, with gates locked overnight.
Compulsory kit items listed by the organiser include a fully charged mobile phone, at least 500 ml of water, a waterproof jacket and a head torch if a competitor is likely to finish in the dark. Weather can vary widely in winter; organisers note conditions may include snow, ice, rain and muddy sections, and additional kit requirements may be imposed depending on conditions.
Registration and timing-chip collection are carried out at Sandy Farm Business Park (Farnham) for full-event and Day 1 entrants, and at Carrington School (Redhill) for Day 2 entrants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
