ultrachallenge.com Reviews 89

I am currently signed up for London to Brighton Ultra. However I’ve been for weeks trying to get in touch with Ultra Challenge as I was diagnosed with a illness in September last year and have had 5 surgeries… I need to withdrawal… I asked for weeks about cancelling, they explained that I could only get 50% back even with medical notes.

However they never reply, I’ve asked several different people over a period of a month and every time they start helping me they never reply.

Seems they are only interested in the money. Very disappointing and as a result our whole group has decided to not do it.

I’ve completed a number of Ultra Challenge events, and every single one has been fantastic. They never fail to deliver. Any query I’ve had has been answered quickly, clearly, and with genuine courtesy—it honestly feels like chatting with old friends.

Registration on the day is simple and stress-free, which really helps take away those pre-event nerves. The routes are always through spectacular scenery, no matter which event you choose. Each rest stop is well stocked with everything you need, and the volunteers are incredible—always smiling, approachable, and ready to help with anything.

A special mention for the new catering partners—they are absolutely spot on, thank you!

I just have two very minor bits of feedback:

1) At the Windsor 50k, the only diet drink option in the packed lunch was Coke Zero. It would be great to have a bit more variety, such as Diet Sprite, Tango, or even just water. I’m caffeine intolerant, so unfortunately the Coke Zero wasn’t suitable for me 😪
2) It would be really helpful if there were a small “essentials” section at each rest stop—things like hair bobbles, tissues, or face/neck wipes. Those little items we all somehow forget on race day!

I’ve already signed up for The Gower (The Mumbles 50k) and I’m so excited 🎉

I absolutely love these events—my rating is 8 bananas 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌

Wonderfully organised events. Really smooth registration process and enjoyable 50km route in Windsor. Rest stops were well stocked with drinks and good selection of snacks and food.

Excellent support staff walking along route to help those struggling this literally get me the help I needed to mentally get through

Can’t wait to sign up for more

Feels like I'm expected to reach a business target!
I regretfully have to advise that the Alzheimer's Society and Action Challenge have removed my place to the Thame Bridges Trek (25 km) on 14 September, while all I wanted was to raise awareness and donations, in loving memory of my great grandmother and grandparents who got affected.

I did enter the event through the charity, pledging to raise £240.

Unfortunately, due to a rigid rule from the organiser "Action Challenge" according to which you need to raise 50% of the requested donation amount 3 weeks before the event date (literally during the summer vacation), the Alzheimer’s Society has asked the organiser to remove my place.

I did appeal to the charity, as advised by Action Challenge, who would have been happy to reinstate my place if the charity was happy to cover for the cost (whatever the cost and despite £86 raised so far), and sent them an email advising so.

Unfortunately, despite raising £470 less than a year ago (close to 200% the amount requested) towards the the Alzheimer Society when I took part to the Oxford 1/2 Marathon, and although I was assured by Action Challenge that this was in the Alzheimer's Society power, the charity has opted not to request the reinstatement of my place.

I feel bitter, disappointed and frustrated not to be able to take part.

I have asked the charity to refund all donations including mine, since I would rather give the money to a charity that appreciates your effort and that you are taking part to a challenge with your unconditional heart, rather than having to abide to rules that make me feel like I am requested to reach a business target!

I will also make sure to avoid supporting a charity that involves Action Challenge, as they are making my charitable activities a real challenge!...

This relates to my experience with the September 2024 event.
This review was posted against the wrong organiser. I'm now posting it against the right organiser

I have participated in several events organised by this team, including the Jurassic, Isle of Wight and Winter Walk events. On-the-day delivery is generally strong: the events themselves are well managed, well supported and operationally effective. While some administrative processes could be refined, the overall event experience at the point of delivery is good.

However, the post-booking and customer service experience falls significantly short of the standard expected from a professional event provider.

For the Winter Walk, I did not receive a start time. When I queried this, I was informed that emails had been issued and advised to use the Active app to request a time slot. This function was not available within the app. When I sought further clarification, the response was abrupt and unhelpful stating " i have already told you what to do". The matter was eventually resolved when my original start time email was resent — a simple action that could have been taken at the outset.

Similarly, after purchasing a multi-event deal, I did not receive the advertised T-shirt. When I contacted the organiser, I was told that I had not registered correctly and that the necessary information had been sent via email. I had not received these emails, nor were they in my junk folder, which suggests a potential issue with their mailing system. The tone of the response again placed responsibility solely on the participant, rather than seeking to resolve the issue constructively.

A further concern arose following a missed payment in December, after my wallet was stolen and bank cards were cancelled. I believed all recurring payments had been updated. In the second week of February — two months after the missed payment — I received a voicemail stating that unless payment was made within 48 hours, my events would be cancelled. This was the first notification; no prior email communication had been received.

I immediately contacted the organiser to settle the balance but was told that payment could not be taken over the phone and must be completed via the Active app. The app displayed no outstanding payments against my account. After logging out and attempting to log back in, the authentication code repeatedly failed due to an unreasonably short verification window, which made access extremely difficult.

When I raised concerns about the rigidity of the process and the lack of proactive communication, the response given was that they are a small team managing hundreds of bookings. While operational pressures are understandable, this does not negate the responsibility to provide responsive and professional customer support. Participants are not simply purchasing a race entry; they are buying into an experience that should include reassurance, clarity and support throughout the booking lifecycle.

Ultimately, while the events themselves are delivered well, the administrative processes and customer service approach undermine confidence. The repeated deflection of responsibility, limited communication, and reliance on inflexible systems detract from the overall experience. On this basis, once I have completed the two remaining events already booked this year, I am unlikely to book further events with this organiser and will consider alternative providers.

Do you like this personality?

Did the ultra challenge half marathon winter walk 2026.
Loved it. Well organised, fully supported from start to finish. A medal and a hot meal at the end. Communication in the run up to the event is brilliant and the app is full of information for everyone no matter your fitness level

I thoroughly enjoyed the events I did over the weekend 24/25 Jan. I did the marathon solo on 24th and the 10k with my husband on the 25th. I am a seasoned walker and love doing these challenges. My husband however is recovering from ill health and took on the challenge to give him a goal to work toward. The marshals, volunteers and trek masters were so helpful and encouraging.
The catering team provided a great selection of snacks and drinks at all the rest stops and the hot meal at the finish point was really welcome. I certainly did not expect a hot meal after the 10k but it was gratefully accepted.
I have more events lined up for the year and will look forward to seeing faces from past events I have attended.

The organisation of the event is outstanding. Plenty of pre-event information, which ensured I arrived fully prepared. Registration upon arrival is smooth - no hanging around to book in.
During the walk, there are plenty of markers - I walk alone and rely on the markers when there are no other participants around - at no point did I feel lost or uncertain.
Great refreshments at the midway point and at the end and the volunteers make you feel like your efforts are really appreciated.
These events are so good - I've signed up for 7 this year!

Very well organised (great snack stops just when you need them) and good support and encouragement. If you are new to the whole longer distance walking challenge thing, would thoroughly recommend.

The London winter walk 2026 was great it was well organised and all of the staff were very helpful and pleasant from start to finish

I recently completed the london winter walk 10km challenge. Very well
Organised event, great hot food. Route was well marked and every volunteer was very professional and efficient. Loved the warm up too. Will definitely sign
Up for another event soon

We had a lovely day out at the winter walk. It was really well organised and the staff were really friendly. The route was well sign posted and we loved looking at all of the london landmarks along the way.
The food and drinks were really appreciated and much needed. We would definitely do it again and are looking into attending the summer one.

I had the pleasure of working with Elysia on an advertising campaign. She was an absolute delight to work with, professional, polite, and always quick to communicate, making the whole process seamless. I hope to work with Elysia again in the future!

Excellent event - brilliant organisation- well marked routes with fab Marshalls. Can’t complain about the rest stops - food, drink and snacks galore.
Highly recommend- we will be looking to book another

I recently completed the Kent Downs 50 and have previously done the Isle of Wight challenge. Both events have been really well managed with great communication, friendly staff and volunteers on the days of the events with a good selection of food and snacks at the rest stops. Route clearly marked out. Can’t wait to do another one.

Well organised, easy to navigate with clear signage. Great supportive Staff

I had a fantastic day doing Ultra Challenge's Chiltern 50k event. I did the full 50k walking and like other events of theirs that I have participated in, I found it to be really well run. With staff, volunteers and Trek Masters all brilliant. I am a solo challenger but always feel happy doing these alone, as I never feel alone on the day, I feel well supported. The rest stops are great and always eat and drink well on the day. I have recommended these events to friends and am happy to say have signed some of them up for future events! I definitely will sign up for the Chiltern 50 again next year. A big thank you from me to all involved in staging these events.

We completed the Chiltern 50km walk at the weekend. We thought the event was well planned, with plenty of people to help and we loved the organisation of the rest stops as well. Would definitely participate in one again.

I have now completed 9 ultra challenge events and find them to be very well organised , the staff are always friendly and helpful the facilities are excellent from clean toilets showers ect always medical staff available and generally a very safe environment to be in

I've done several challenges... here are my thoughts:

- Pre-event communication is thorough, with event details and updates communicated via an app (it can be a lot of info to wade through, but I guess there is a lot of info required with these events!)

- A lot of thought has gone into route planning and logistics. Challenges are varyingly.... errr.... challenging (!) in terms of terrain and elevation, but there's plenty of information on the routes available, good choices on distances, and they are often covering spectacular countryside (which is a lot of what it's about, for me). Last minute route changes are handled and communicated well, where necessary.

- Great service in pre- and post-event transfers to start/end points or local railway stations.

- The volunteers... oh, the volunteers... what a marvellous bunch. Always there with a friendly word, a little motivation, advice, help, blister support... I even had a chat with the lady cleaning the portaloos and she said it was the best company she'd ever worked for.

- They make it manageable. Don't get me wrong... ultras are hard. Do the training. But there's a lot of inclusivity here. Whether you're elite or just trying to get by, there's a training plan for you beforehand, and plenty of advice and motivation.

- It's fun. Even when it's hard, it's fun. Partly down to the camaraderie of participants, but also thanks to the creation of a fantastic team atmosphere.

- It's safe. They take care of people. Especially participants going through the night, and especially people competing alone. You never need to leave a pitstop alone if you don't want to.

- Talking of pitstops - they're great - I've never had to queue for a loo more than a minute. There's nothing better than fresh pineapple and Freddos mid-challenge, and there's always plenty of them.

In conclusion - if you're wondering whether to try an ultra, try one of these. Find a route and a distance you like the look of, get out there and give it a go. It'll be worth it.