Key event information
Date: Saturday 12th July 2025
Location: Surrey Hills
Distance: 50km, 25km and 10km challenge options available, options to walk, jog or run
The North Downs 50 challenge is a route with real variety and some wonderful views of the Surrey Hills, North Downs way and surrounding countryside – and easily accessible from London. You will receive ‘Ultra Challenge’ support and hospitality all the way – helping you to push yourself further and achieve something really special for the National Literacy Trust.
This challenge will test both your physical and mental strength but is totally achievable with good preparation and support from the Ultra Challenge and National Literacy Trust fundraising team. You may have to dig deep at times, but you'll have a fantastic experience, meet new friends along the way, and raise crucial funds to change lives through literacy!
Fundraising options
- Charity Sponsorship Place - pay a small registration fee and do lots of fundraising.
- Mixed Funding Place - pay a higher registration fee and fundraise less.
- Self-Funded Place - pay the full cost of the event. There’s no fundraising target, just raise as much as you can!
- Already signed up? We’d love you to join #teamliteracy - sign up here.
How will my fundraising help?
£50 could help to train a volunteer to give parents with low literacy levels the confidence and skills to help develop their child’s literacy and communication skills.
£100 or more could contribute towards our work in communities facing the biggest literacy and poverty challenges in the UK, helping to create long-term change for children and families.
£280 could inspire a class of children to read for pleasure through a 10-week motivational programme working with the Premier League.
£600 could enable us to recruit and train 10 business volunteers – enough to help a class of young people from disadvantaged communities to improve their communication skills, preparing them for employment.
What will I get if I sign up?
- National Literacy Trust t-shirt or running vest
- Dedicated fundraising support from the National Literacy Trust Fundraising and Events team
- A fully signed route, with a team of ‘Trekmasters’ out on the trail to support you
- Regular covered rest stops, with free food and drink, massages and medics
- An epic finish line moment, with a glass of fizz, medal and t-shirt
- Camping, transfer and parking options to make travelling to and from the event easy