Butser Hill Challenge
The Butser Hill Challenge is a timed fell run on the highest point in the South Downs National Park. The race is open to all with both Junior (school years 3-11) and Senior (age 16+) races enabling everyone over seven years old, up to adults to participate.
Founded in 1978 as one of the first major - and toughest - mass runs, this event pre-dates the first London Marathon and was founded well before both the Great North and Great South Runs.
It has raised in excess of £200,000 for charities over the years - for 2024 we will once again support The New Blendworth Centre, a charity which helps young adults with varying degrees of learning (Registered Charity No: 1152182).
Entries are made via our eventrac website:
Entries have now closed for 2024.
The following details will help you enjoy the day so please take a little time to read.
- Venue: Queen Elizabeth Country Park, (PO8 0QE), signed just off the A3 south of Petersfield
- Race Times: All Juniors compete in school year groups, not ages.
- Please arrive at least 40 mins before the start
- Race numbers should be collected on the day, 30 mins before your start time. Your number must be worn on the front with contact and medical details filled in on the back of the number. Please do not swap numbers.
| Event | Distance | Start Time | Approx. Trophy Presentation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Year 3 | Approx. 1km | 9.50am | 10.25am |
| School Year 4 | Approx. 1km | 10.00 | 10.25am |
| School Year 5 | Approx. 1km | 10.15am | 10.35am |
| School Years 6 & 7 | Approx. 2km | 10.50am | 11.20am |
| School Years 8 - 11 | Approx. 3km | 11.35am | 12.15pm |
| Senior (min age 16) Fell Run | Approx. 5 miles | 12.30pm | 1.45pm |
Facilities available are:
- Toilets
- First Aid
- Free parking - follow the signs for free race parking once off the A3 and into QECP. (Parking in the centre car park is chargable.)
- Refreshments.
Please note there are no changing and limited bag storage facilitie
The grass slopes of Buster Hill can be slippery and as such good trainers are essential. The weather can also be cold and wet so please wear sensible clothing during the event and something warm and dry to change into afterwards.
If the conditions are dry then trainers, road shoes and off-road studs (not football) will be suitable.
In wet conditions off-road studs are recommended, although road shoes with plenty of tread will suffice.
No spikes will be allowed - any runners using them will be disqualified.
Butser Hill Challenge Enquiries
If you have any questions about the event, please get in touch with us by emailing [email protected].