Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge 2026

Sunday 3 May 2026

Pedal for Pilgrims at the 2026 Cycle Challenge!

We’re delighted to announce that the Cycle Challenge is back for 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the start line!

Begin and end your challenge at our buzzing event village at the University of Kent in Canterbury, and take on one of five routes designed for beginner to experienced riders alike.

Explore east Kent’s stunning countryside, all the while knowing that with every pedal, you’re making a real difference to the lives of local people who are living with a life-limiting illness.

Join the ride with family, friends or colleagues, and make more friends along the way! Are you ready to make the 2026 Cycle Challenge the best year yet? Register today!

Watch our trailer below to see just how special the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge really is!

What’s on offer?

This fully supported event includes:

Pre-event pack – posted out to all participants in April 2026
Regular rest stops with drinks and snacks
Post-ride massage
Bike mechanic support
Fully signed route
Free Pilgrims Hospices app
Event medical support

This year’s routes

Ride it your way by choosing one of five ride distances and routes.

The Circuit: 30 miles – View map A flatter, circular route taking in the beautiful countryside and charming villages around the Stour Valley and beyond, with a rest stop at Preston.
The Classic: 50 miles – View map A scenic and undulating circular route between the Ashford and Canterbury hospice areas. Ride through ancient woodland and conquer the notorious Stowting Hill before returning via the beautiful Elham Valley.
The Challenge: 75 miles – View map A circular route passing through the charming village of Wye before turning east through the Elham Valley and onward to the picturesque town of Sandwich. From there, you’ll head through flatter countryside and towards Herne Bay before making the final push through the beautiful Thornden Wood.
The Century: 100 miles – View map A circular route connecting all three Pilgrims hospice service areas and incorporating an undulating approach to Dover for the ultimate challenge; always a hit with those looking to test their legs and their lungs to the next level.
The Epic: 125 miles – View map An epic 125-mile circular route connecting all three Pilgrims hospice service areas that incorporates the fast flats of Romney Marsh before rejoining the 100-mile route; this is the ultimate test of strength and endurance.

Start waves: Riders will be set off in 30-minute intervals from 07:30–11:00, with longer routes starting earlier. It is always aimed for teams to be given the same start wave, so please let us know your team name when entering.

Parking: All routes will start from, and finish at, our event village at the University of Kent in Canterbury. A Drop-off area is available as well as ample free parking at the Giles Lane Car Park.

Finish cut-off: All riders must check back in by 19:00.

Entry information

Early Bird Entry: closes 8am, 02 March 2026

The Circuit – 30 miles: £30
The Classic – 50 miles: £40
The Challenge – 75 miles: £40
The Century – 100 miles: £50
The Epic – 125 miles: £60

Standard Entry: closes 8am 13 April 2026 (or sooner if capacity is reached)

The Circuit – 30 miles: £35
The Classic – 50 miles: £45
The Challenge – 75 miles: £45
The Century – 100 miles: £55
The Epic – 125 miles: £65

On The Day Entry: (subject to capacity)

The Circuit – 30 miles: £40
The Classic – 50 miles: £50
The Challenge – 75 miles: £50
The Century – 100 miles: £60
The Epic – 125 miles: £70

Age Requirements: Participants must be at least 14 years old on the date of the Event. Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult, and the registration form to the Event must be completed by a person aged 18 years or over.

Participant Packs: Please note that participant packs will be sent out after Standard Entry is closed on 13 April.

Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Jerseys and Merchandise.

Ride with pride in our official Pilgrims jerseys and neck buffs, which are both made from recycled material. Both the Series 1 and the Series 2 jersey (introduced in 2025) are available again this year, along with our versatile neck buff.

You can order yours ahead of the event using our online form, or pick one up at our event village on the day subject to availability. Every purchase helps fund Pilgrims Hospices care across east Kent, order yours today and help us to make a difference!

Cycle Jersey Series 1: £45
Cycle Jersey Series 2: £50
Neck Scarf: £5

Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, XXL (Jersey sizing guide)

Order yours today!

Sponsorship Information. Are you ready to ride for a reason?

We want to start by saying a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Cycle Challenge over the years. Whether you’ve ridden, cheered, volunteered, or sponsored, your contribution has made a lasting difference.

Since the first event in 2010, together, we’ve raised an unbelievable £1.7 million for Pilgrims Hospices. So if you’re new to the event, you’re not just joining a long-standing ride with superb support, you’re becoming part of a passionate community making a real difference.

In 2025 alone, our cyclists achieved a record-breaking £156,000, the highest total not only for the Cycle Challenge, but for any hospice event ever!

In 2026, we’re aiming even higher, and with your support, we can do it again. Open your JustGiving page today! or download a paper sponsorship form here!

Get the Pilgrims Hospices Event App

We’re proud to offer the Pilgrims Event App, available for iOS and Android devices. It’s free to download from the App Store and Google Play and is the perfect companion to enhance your Pilgrims event experience. Keep your training on track by recording your training activities and liking and commenting on your teammates. Receive up-to-date event information, view detailed route maps, earn in-app achievements, and link your JustGiving page to see how your fundraising is going, all in one place.