Charnwood Challenge 2026
Start times
- 9:00 Walkers
- 10:00 Runners
- 10:15 Junior Challenge fun run
Registration opens at 8:30
The Charnwood Challenge is an off-road event for runners and walkers and covers an approximately 10 mile route through the Charnwood countryside. To see the route click here.
Contents
Event HQ
The Event HQ will be located at: 1st Nanpantan Scout Group HQ, Nanpantan Road, Loughborough, LE11 3YE. Race registration, refreshments, bag drop, toilets, etc. will all be inside the main building. However, in order to accommodate everyone attending we will still need to make use of the outside area, so please come prepared for the weather if it is wet / cold / windy on the day. We also kindly ask that you do not wear muddy footwear inside the building, and leave them outside where possible.
Route
The route will be predominantly as per previous years, starting and finishing at the Scout Group HQ building, and approximately 10 miles in length - details on the website. However, this year the final mile or so will now pass through Jubilee Woods and the Outwoods, before crossing private farmland to pick up the usual track to the finish at the Scout Hut. We hope that the views on the descent towards the finish make up for the slightly longer course (approx 300m).
Due to a large fallen branch hanging from one of the trees on the Buck Hill section of the course, on safety grounds we have re-routed the race to avoid this. The course will instead exit the Permissive Path earlier and pass through the Outwoods. Please follow the directions of marshals on the short section along Woodhouse Lane / Breakback Road.
Note that just after the exit from the Outwoods there will be a low fence to step over to enter the final fields. This will be marked with hazard tape, but please slow down at this point and take care and follow the instructions of marshals. The route will have been well marked with arrow signs at turns, and red/white tape streamers to let you know you are on the right track, and marshals at key points. As the majority of the course is on public rights of way, please stay on the path and be courteous and considerate to other users you may meet, especially where the path is narrow. Entrants are reminded of the hazards inherent in off-road/trail running and acknowledge that they are entering and running/walking this race at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event. These hazards include rough and uneven ground, such as rocks, mud, tree roots, and wet grass, together with steep climbs and descents, and that some sections are rural and remote from road access. Participants are also reminded of the Event Disclaimer which they will have accepted as part of the entry process. In particular, this year we are aware that some sections of the bridleway to Woodhouse Eaves and the permissive path alongside the stream after the Dean’s Lane road crossing are quite rough underfoot and eroded in places, so please watch your footing. This also applies to the rest of the course where, as a result of the dry summer, it does also seem that some parts have more rocks and roots sticking up. There may also be some low branches to watch out for, and be aware of the risk of ‘sudden branch drop’ when passing through the woodland parts of the course. There may be livestock at several points along the public footpaths, and we suggest giving them plenty of space and passing them widely if you feel the need to. Ideally we would like all participants to be safely back at the Event HQ by 1pm so we can stand down the marshal team, who will have been out on the course since early that morning. While we would like everyone to be able to enjoy the event and take on the challenge at their own level, please bear this in mind (and we kindly request that you wait until after you have finished before stopping for lunch!).
The provisional route can be found here:
Dogs
As the route passes through several areas where livestock may be present, and private land, unfortunately dogs are not permitted to accompany runners or walkers competing in the event. Please also note that only assistance dogs are permitted within the Scout HQ building. We ask that any dogs are on leads within the Scout HQ grounds, and please do not allow them to foul within this area as it is frequently used by the scout group for their outdoor activities.
How to Enter
Enter online at SI Entries.
| Entry | Fee |
|---|---|
| Runners and walkers, prior to 31/08/2026 | £16 affiliated, £18 unaffiliated |
| Runners and walkers, between 31/08/2026 and 28/09/2026 | £18 affiliated, £20 unaffiliated |
| Runners and walkers, from 28/9/2026 | £20 affiliated, £22 unaffiliated |
| Junior walkers | £6 affiliated and unaffiliated |
| Junior Challenge fun run | £4, entry on the day at the event HQ |
On the Day
Registration
Registration will be open from 8:30 for collection of race numbers and any last-minute queries. Please pin your number to your front and make sure it can be clearly seen by the marshals at all times during the event, so these can be recorded for safety purposes. All walkers will be asked to provide the number of a mobile phone which they will be carrying and which could be used to contact them during the event, if required. Any Junior Walkers (under 16) must remain with their parent/guardian for the duration of the event. Note that there may be photographs taken by the marshals or members of the scout group during the event which may be used for future publicity of the event. If you do not wish your photograph to be used for this purpose then please make this known at Registration so your race number can be noted. For any friends or family who would like to participate in the event, please note that should there still be places available then we will accept entries on the day, which can be administered through the SI Entries page.
Start Times
The start times for the event are as follows:
- 9:00 Walkers
- 10:00 Runners
- 10:15 Junior Challenge fun run
Walkers and runners will both have a mass start, with a short briefing 5 minutes beforehand.
Water
There will be a water station just over halfway round the course (at approximately 5.5 miles / 9 km) on the approach to the Broombriggs carpark. If you think you may need more than will be provided at this stop then we suggest you carry a bottle or similar for the event. Water will also be available at the finish. This may be using disposable cups, so if you are able to bring your own reusable water bottle then we will happily refill it for you.
Refreshments
Refreshments will be available to purchase at the Event HQ, including tea, coffee, soft drinks, cakes, breakfast cobs, and a selection of other snacks.
Changing and Toilets
Toilets will be available at the Event HQ, however no separate changing facilities are available. To avoid long queues and the risk of delaying the race start, please make sure you allow enough time. Note that the accessible toilet is also available to use, but please allow anyone with specific needs to use it as a priority. During the event itself, please note that there are public toilets at several points close to the route (i.e. top or bottom of Beacon Hill, Woodhouse Eaves village), although a short detour may be needed – please ask a marshal for directions if necessary and advise them of your race number and that you need to deviate from the event route so we can track your location.
Bag Storage
Secure bag storage will be situated at the Event HQ, manned by members of the scout group. To help avoid delays it would be appreciated if competitors could drop their bag off at least 15 minutes before the race start time. You will need to show your race number to pick up your bag after the race.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded in categories to include: Runners – 1st man, 1st lady, 2nd man; 2nd lady, 3rd man, 3rd lady Walkers – 1st man, 1st lady, 1st junior (Please be aware that any walkers observed running, or admitting to (!), will be reclassified.)
All participants will also receive a unique Charnwood Challenge 2026 Scout badge for taking part, as specially designed by one of the young people in the group.
Parking
Please car share if driving to the event, where possible. There will be no parking for competitors immediately outside the Scout HQ building on either side of the road for safety reasons, and to ensure access is clear for race organisers and first aiders etc. As Nanpantan Road can be busy the recommended option is to park at the nearby Nanpantan Sports Ground off Watermead Lane (LE11 3TN). However, please be aware that this is a public carpark shared with several sports groups, so please park considerately. If you do park on local roads or side streets, then please make sure not to create a traffic hazard, not to block the access for any local residents, and not to double-park along Nanpantan Road as this may cause an obstruction to other road users. For those competitors with the energy to cycle to/from the event there are facilities at the Event HQ for cycles to be parked and secured, and although there will be members of the event team around during the day this will be at the owner’s risk.
First Aid and Emergencies
For any first aid or other emergencies experienced while at the Event HQ, please inform a marshal. First aid cover on the course and at the Event HQ will be provided by experienced first aiders. As sections of the route are rural, rough underfoot, and remote from the road, in the event of an accident or a runner becoming unwell please stop to provide assistance if necessary, and ensure that a marshal located at one of the road crossings is informed of the situation as soon as possible. In the unfortunate situation that you are unable to finish the event and need to retire, please make your way to the nearest road crossing, and inform the marshal located there, who will be able to provide assistance. If you do retire from the race, it is important that you report to the finish before you leave the event.
Junior Challenge Fun Run
Please car share if driving to the event, where possible. There will be no parking for competitors on the road immediately outside the Scout HQ building for safety reasons and to ensure access is clear for race organisers and first aiders etc. As Nanpantan Road can be fairly busy there is the option to park at the nearby Nanpantan sports ground off Watermead Lane (LE11 3TN). However, please be aware that this is a public carpark shared with several sports groups, so please park considerately. If you do park on local roads or side streets, then please make sure not to create a traffic hazard, and not to block the access for any local residents. For those competitors with the energy to cycle to/from the event (!) there are facilities at the Event HQ for cycles to be parked and secured, and although there will be members of the event team around during the day this will be at the owner’s risk.
Race Permit & Insurance
ARC Permit applied for – details to be confirmed.