Around 3,000 participants descended on the UK’s Peak District last weekend for the Peak District Ultra Challenge, collectively raising more than £800,000 for charities. The event is organised by Action Challenge as part of its Ultra Challenge Series.
Held on July 4–5, 2026 in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the event welcomed runners, walkers and joggers of all abilities. Participants tackled distances of 100km, 75km, 50km, 25km and 10 miles. Challengers set out from the event’s Bakewell basecamp to explore landscapes such as the Chatsworth House estate, the Monsal Trail and local valleys and dales.
The event attracted participants from across the UK, bringing thousands of visitors into Bakewell and surrounding communities. Local hotels, pubs, cafés and shops benefited from increased footfall as friends, families and supporters travelled to the area to cheer on those taking part.
The Peak District Ultra Challenge offers a supported experience, with rest stops, hot food, welfare teams and marked routes helping participants achieve their goals, whether completing a first endurance challenge or taking on an ultra-distance test.
Ultra runner Michael Young broke the 52km course record, completing the distance in 4:10:05. Fanny Thieffry was the women’s 52km winner in a time of 5:40:07. In the 100km, Andy Day was the fastest male across the line in 10:22:26, while Nola Calladine finished in 12:40:08.
Alongside the endurance athletes, many of those taking part this year were participants with personal stories. Hugo Sousa and Anya Sousa took part to raise awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) after their son Leo died on New Year’s Day 2024.
Nathan Chilton, who has overcome significant health challenges after relearning how to walk, was also among those taking part. Meanwhile, Ellis Dawson and Charlotte Dawson took on the challenge as part of their ongoing journey following an operation.
Their stories reflected the determination, resilience and community spirit on display across the weekend, with many participants taking on the event to raise funds in support of causes close to their hearts.
The Peak District Ultra Challenge forms part of the Ultra Challenge Series, a major UK charity endurance event series helping participants raise funds for good causes every year. This year’s Peak District event alone generated more than £800,000 in charitable fundraising.
With another edition completed, the organisers are already looking ahead to next year’s return, when thousands more are expected to take on the routes.
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