2026 Cotswold Way Challenge

Take on the Cotswold Way Challenge

A challenge event you can take on at your pace. The Cotswold Way Challenge invites you to walk, jog or run a distance of your choice, along a signed route, with free food and drink at regular rest stops, plus support including medics, marshals and massage. Get the ‘Ultra Challenge’ support & hospitality all the way – helping you to push yourself further and achieve something really special for Cancer Research UK.

Pick your fundraising option and select CRUK today to help fund life-saving cancer research.

How to join Team Cancer Research UK

Step: 1

Decide whether you'll enter with your own place or get a charity place

Step: 2

Sign up to get Team Cancer Research UK perks

Step: 3

Get fundraising for life-saving research

Step: 4

Get over that finish line and smash your fundraising target

About the Cotswold Way Challenge

The magical Cotswold Way provides a stunning setting for a testing challenge - with some fantastic views en route and tough hills in between! The base-camp in Cirencester is the hub for a full challenge looped route through the heart of the Cotswolds, which provides a stunning setting for 2,000 adventurers to test themselves. There are rolling hills, villages, the scenic Cotswold Way, footpaths & trails, with some fabulous views en route. It will test your spirit & determination but is totally achievable with good preparation and the Ultra Challenge support. With 50km, 25km and 10km challenge options also available - there's a challenge here for everyone – and 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 Cancer Research UK are an official partner on this event, you get a 50% discount on the ‘Full Sponsorship’ registration fee when signing up to support us.

Visit the Challenge website for all the info

Why take part with Cancer Research UK

Meet Bridie

On the day of my first Great North Run I wore my Cancer Research UK vest with pride, I was so happy to be taking part.

- Bridie

Bridie has taken on the Great North Run six times as part of Team Cancer Research UK. She fundraises in memory of her Dad, who died of bowel cancer.

"My first runs were really hard, but I trained and persevered, and I got better. On the day of my first Great North Run I wore my Cancer Research UK vest with pride, I was so happy to be taking part. The atmosphere was amazing and crossing the finish line I was ecstatic! I was so proud of myself and how far I’d come. Every step is worth it. For every person we lose to cancer, it spurs me on even more to continue fundraising so that we can find a cure."

Team Cancer Research UK runners receive

A personalised Cancer Research UK running t-shirt or vest

Training tips and plans to help you prepare

Fundraising support to help you smash your target

An official finisher’s medal for completing your race

Get training support

We've teamed up with experts to give you the best training support and advice for your event. Whether it's your first time training or you're looking to smash a PB, we've got a training plan for you.

Get fundraising support

We're with you every step of your fundraising journey so you can smash your target. Once you've signed up, we'll send you everything you need to get going such as fundraising ideas, top tips, planners and posters.

Get kitted out

We worked with Scimitar to create Cancer Research UK sportswear that’s comfortable, looks great and supports our vital work. 20% of the price of these products will be paid to Cancer Research UK.

Support for you

Practical fundraising help

Get practical advice and useful tools such as planners and posters, to help you start fundraising.