Photo Thomas Tucker / Unsplash
- Marathon
- Half
Cheddar Gorge Challenge
Cheddar Gorge Challenge
Breathtaking trail race on the world famous Cheddar Gorge.
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2027 edition
Next up
Countdown
223
days to 13 Jun 2027
- Distance
- Marathon
- Course
- —
- Climb
- —
- Entry
- £50
About
The race
Breathtaking trail race on the world famous Cheddar Gorge. Expect great views and big climbs! Whatever distance you take part in, you are racing one of the toughest events of it's kind in the south-west. You will do more climbing just getting to the start than you will in most other events (we start at the top of the gorge and let you finish at the bottom). Each event takes in what has been affectionately dubbed the 'Hell Steps'; a cheeky little flight of steps with a surprise midway up.
Before you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Point-to-point descent
You start at the top of the gorge and finish at the bottom, so plan transport to the start before the 10:00 gun — don't leave your return to chance.
From the description
- 02
Mild morning
Typical race-day temperature is around 15.2C, so expect cool, changeable conditions on the exposed gorge top; carry a layer to the start.
From the temperature
- 03
Respect the climbing
The organizers bill this as one of the toughest events of its kind in the south-west, with big climbs — pace the ups conservatively and use the descents to recover.
From the description
- 04
Save legs for Hell Steps
The 'Hell Steps' come with a surprise midway up, so keep something in reserve for that climb rather than emptying yourself on earlier ascents.
From the description
- 05
Ballot entry
Entry is by ballot, so get your application in and sort travel and accommodation once your place is confirmed rather than assuming a spot.
From the entry
In Cheddar
Gorge-side spectating
The village and the gorge road give spectators easy views of runners, and the finish at the bottom of the gorge is a natural gathering point.
Narrow roads on race day
The gorge road is narrow and busy when events are on, so spectators should park in the village and walk in rather than driving up the gorge.
Recover in the Mendips
Cheddar sits at the edge of the Mendip Hills; an easy walk by the reservoir or a look at the caves makes a gentle recovery day.
Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.
Every year
Editions
Ballot, charity and tour places
Getting in
Ballot
Entries are drawn at random from everyone who applies.
Ballot
Dates not announcedBallot opens
TBA
Ballot closes
TBA
Draw
TBA
Results
TBA
Charity places
No charity places listed yet.
We're gathering them from organizers. Until then, the official site lists its charity partners.
Tour operators
No tour packages listed yet.