This Ultra Challenge, in the ‘Garden of England’ with a base camp near Maidstone. It will test spirit and determination but is totally achievable with good preparation and the Ultra Challenge support.

11 Oct 2025
Maidstone
£15 - £139
£70 - £375

A challenge event you can take on at your pace. The Kent Downs 50 Challenge invites you to walk, jog or run a distance of your choice, along a sign-posted route. There will be free food and drink at regular rest stops, plus support including medics, marshals and massage. Get the ‘Ultra Challenge’ support and hospitality all the way, helping you to push yourself further and achieve something really special for Cats Protection.

Choose your distance: 10km, 25km or 50km

sign up from £15
walk, jog, or run – it’s your challenge, your way!
regular covered rest stops, with free food & drink, massages and medics
full fundraising support, and a choice of fundraising options

I’m in! Sign me up!

Sign up between 26 December - 31 January and take advantage of our exclusive offer!

If you register for an Ultra Challenge event between 26 December - 31 January, you'll recieve:

50% off registration fees on Full Sponsorship for Charity - save up to £25!
Free beanie hat - an Ultra Challenge beanie hat, worth £20!
Free virtual challenge - Free entry into our January Virtual Challenge, perfect to stay active during the winter months (and boost fundraising!), worth £10!

This is the end-of-season Ultra Challenge, in the ‘Garden of England’ with a base camp near Maidstone. Parking and weekend camping options available. The main 50km looped route heads anticlockwise around the Kent Downs, starting on the North Downs Way to Blue Bell Hill, around picturesque Aylesford, and following the River Medway to Mote Park at half-way for a picnic. Then it’s along the Len Valley Walk to the majestic Leeds Castle, before taking the North Downs Way back to the showground finish line and celebration. It will test spirit and determination but is totally achievable with good preparation and the Ultra Challenge support. With 25km and 10km challenge options also available, there's a challenge here for everyone. You can join as an individual or as a team of friends/family.

You may have to dig deep at times, you’ll meet new friends along the way, and the journey will be unforgettable! As you cross the finish line, you’ll get a big welcome from the cheer squad, a glass of fizz, t-shirt, and a special medal to celebrate your achievement.

As Cats Protection are an official partner on this event, you get a 25% discount on the ‘Full Sponsorship’ registration fee when signing up to support us

Click here for full details of prices and to sign up

How far is the walk?

Choose your distance: 10km, 25km or 50km

How we support you throughout your journey

When you join Team Cats, you’ll get a first-class experience including:

dedicated support from our Events team, ready to answer your questions and share their top tips
a brilliant fundraising pack containing information, top tips and sponsorship forms to help you hit your fundraising target
a branded t-shirt to wear with pride during your training and walk
access to our Facebook community so you can connect with other cat lovers and exchange ideas, tips and advice
inclusive & fun event with a great atmosphere and camaraderie
a fully signed route, with a team of ‘Trekmasters’ out on the trail with you
an epic finish line moment, with a glass of fizz, medal and t-shirt
camping, transfer and parking options to make getting there & away easy

How do I sign up for the walk?

On the sign-up page you’ll see there are a few different sign-up options. Please choose one of the below options when you’re signing up:

Full sponsorship for charity: Pay a small registration fee and commit to a fundraising target for Cats Protection. You can choose Cats Protection as part of the sign-up process
Mixed funding: Pay for half your place cost and commit to a smaller fundraising target. You can choose Cats Protection as part of the sign-up process
Own place charity fundraising: Pay the full cost for your place, raise what you can and try to exceed at least £100. You can choose Cats Protection as part of the sign-up process

As Cats Protection is an official partner on this event, you get a 25% discount on the ‘Full Sponsorship’ registration fee when signing up to support us.

Click here for full details of prices and to sign up

Why should I take part in the walk for Cats Protection?

Two reasons, both are as important as each other:

firstly, to help cats and kittens in need across the country. Your generosity and kindness enables our teams to help make a better life for cats
secondly, for yourself! By taking part in this walk, it can be a fantastic and fun way to challenge yourself and mix up your day to day, get fit and raise vital donations for cats in need. We like to think of it as the good kind of nervous. You’re getting out of your comfort zone but you’ll be having so much fun doing it!

Take part for Cats Protection today