Early Bird Entry: closes 8am, 26 January 2026

• 21km - £35
• 20km - £30
• 10km - £25
• 3km - £7

Standard Entry: closes 8am, 02 March 2026

• 21km - £40
• 20km - £35
• 10km - £30
• 3km - £10

On the Day Entry: (On The Day Entry is subject to Event capacity, so early registration is advised to avoid disappointment)

• 21km - £45
• 20km - £40
• 10km - £35
• 3km - £13

Note: Under 3s go free no matter when you sign up for the Explorer Route.

This fully supported event includes regular rest stops with drinks and snacks (except the Explorer route, where refreshments are available at the finish only), a fully signed route, a posted pre-event pack (sent to all participants in March 2026), bag drop, runner’s bib, event medical support, and a finisher medal.

Once your Event place has been purchased, we are unable to refund the price difference if you decide to reduce your distance. Please let the Events Team know ASAP of any route changes at: [email protected] 

If you would like to increase your chosen distance, you must let the Events Team know ASAP at: [email protected] You will then be required to pay the difference of the route change. The difference will be calculated based on when you purchased your Event place, i.e Early Bird or Standard Entry.

Pilgrims Hospices are committed to making the Miner’s Way Challenge as inclusive and accessible as possible, and we aim to support all participants in taking part safely and comfortably.

For accessibility reasons, participants using wheelchairs or those who require smooth terrain are advised to take part in the routes within Betteshanger Park only.

The Loop the Loop and The Circuit routes at Betteshanger Park are recommended as the most suitable options. Both follow a smooth, tarmac surface, making them accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. These routes are well maintained and provide an enjoyable and safe experience within the Country Park. Please note that because Betteshanger is a country park, some surrounding areas can be uneven.

The Explorer route, however, takes participants beyond the main tarmac trails and onto more uneven ground, including gravel and grass paths. As such, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users, those with mobility aids, or anyone requiring a consistently smooth surface.

The Challenge is a multi-terrain event taking place on rural paths, trails, road-crossings and over a bridge with steps. Additionally the event is taking place in March so the ground may be water-logged, and difficult underfoot.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy taking part in the Miner’s Way Challenge, and our team is happy to offer further guidance if you have specific accessibility requirements. If you have any accessibility needs or requirements please let the team know so we can support you. Please get in contact with [email protected] or call our friendly team on 01227 812609. ­­

In addition, if you are visually impaired, or if your disability or medical condition means you need a support runner, you can apply for a free place for your support runner. Please email your request to the team as soon as possible, explaining your circumstances so we can assist appropriately.

Accessible toilets are available on-site at Betteshanger Park. Visitors holding a valid Blue Badge (or equivalent) are also eligible for free parking for the duration of their visit. Please show your badge to a member of staff at Reception so that your vehicle can be exempted from the ANPR parking system.

Cancellation:

Any participant intending to cancel their place in the Event shall inform the Organiser as soon as reasonably practicable and prior to 08:00a.m on 2nd March 2026 (standard entry closing). 

At their discretion prior to the above deadline, the Organiser will liaise with the Participant whether the place is deferred to a future Miner’s Way Challenge event, or cancelled and the registration fee donated to the Charity or refunded.

The Participant acknowledges that:

• A cancelled place will be made available for resale as per the Event capacity.

• Any refund request must be received by the Organiser prior to the Event’s Standard Entry closing on 2nd March 2026 at 08:00a.m. There will be no refunds after Standard Entry is closed, because at this point runner packs are being processed. 

• Once your Event place has been purchased, we are unable to refund the price difference if you decide to reduce your Event distance. Please let the Events Team know ASAP of any route changes, at and prior to 2nd March 2026, at 08:00a.m: [email protected].

• If you would like to increase your chosen distance, you must let the Events Team know ASAP and prior to 2nd March 2026 at 08:00a.m by emailing: [email protected]. You will then be required to pay the difference of the route change. The difference will be calculated based on when you purchased your Event place, i.e Early Bird or Standard Entry. 

Deferrals:

A Participant can defer their entry to the equivalent future Event, provided the deferral request is received before Standard Entry closes on 2nd March 2026 at 08:00a.m. Notice of a Participant deferral must be requested by emailing [email protected] stating clearly the desire to defer their entry. No deferrals can be made after 2nd March 2026 at 08:00a.m. 

A Participant can transfer their entry to another individual provided this takes place prior to 2^nd March at 08:00a.m. Notice of a participant transfer must be requested by the outgoing participant by emailing [email protected] stating clearly the desire to transfer their entry and the full name and email address of the new entrant. After this point, the event is closed and all registrations are accepted and can no longer be changed.

It’s the Participant’s responsibility to make the Organiser aware of any changes to the information submitted on the registration form. Failure to do so may impact some of the services made available for you whilst on the Event. This includes informing the Organiser of any change of address, or email address, that will affect the postage of event correspondence. Any change of information should be made to the Organiser by emailing [email protected].

For more information regarding terms and conditions, please click here. 

Much of the entry fee goes towards running the event and making sure that you have an enjoyable and safe experience. Therefore, we ask that you pledge to raise as much as you can for your challenge (after all, it’s no easy feat to run all that way!) Alternatively, if you'd rather not ask your friends and family to sponsor you, we hope you might consider making a personal donation towards the care we provide. This can be done at any time on our website, by phoning the Supporter Relations team on 01227 782062 (9am-4pm, Mon-Fri), or on the day of the event.

It costs Pilgrims Hospices over £17 million to run the full range of services at each of our hospices, and events like these help us to continue caring for local people as they near end of life. Please download a sponsorship form or set up your own online fundraising page with JustGiving.  

Don’t forget to encourage your sponsors to tick the Gift Aid box if they’re eligible to do so; for every £1 donated, we’ll be able to claim an extra 25p from the Government at no cost to you or your sponsors. It makes a huge difference.

Please note that there are two start locations for the Miner’s Way Challenge, depending on your chosen distance:

The Challenge - 21km

Start Location: Aylesham Community Hall, Ackholt Road, Aylesham, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 3AJ

Please note, there is no on-site parking, but plenty of spaces are available throughout Aylesham village, just a 5-minute walk from the hall.

The Loop the Loop - 20km

The Circuit - 10km

The Explorer - 3km Family Trail

Start Location: Betteshanger Country Park, Sandwich Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 0BF

All of these routes start and finish at Betteshanger Country Park, where paid parking is available (Up to 1 hour £2.50, 1 – 2 hours £3.50, 2 – 3 hours £4.50 & £5.50 for 3+ hours). Please follow event signage and be mindful of other park users.

Free parking is available for Blue Badge holders at Betteshanger Park, please ensure that you bring your Blue Badge to reception at any time during your visit so that the Betteshanger Team can register your permit and car registration number.

All routes finish at Betteshanger Country Park, where you’ll collect your finisher medal and celebrate your achievement!

To avoid congestion at the start venues and early sections of the route, all participants will be given a 30-minute check-in window and start wave, based on the estimated pace and distance provided during registration.

Please arrive within your allocated check-in time. Arriving outside your designated window may delay your start or prevent entry to the start area.

Aylesham Start - The Challenge (21km Half Marathon)

• Start Wave A - The Challenge: Check in between 08:30 - 09:00

• Start Wave B - The Challenge: Check in between 09:00 - 09:30

• Start Wave C - The Challenge (Hikers): Check in between 09:30 - 10:00

Betteshanger Country Park Start - The Loop the Loop (20km) and The Circuit (10km)

• Start Wave D - The Loop The Loop: Check in between 08:30 - 09:00

• Start Wave E - The Circuit: Check in between 09:00 - 09:30

Betteshanger Country Park Start - The Explorer (3km Family Trail)

• Start Wave F - The Explorer: Check in between 11:30 - 12:00

• Start Wave G - The Explorer: Check in between 12:00 - 12:30

Finish Times

• The latest finish time for The Challenge (21km) is 16:00
• The latest finish time for The Explorer (3km) is 13:30
• The latest finish time for all other routes within Betteshanger Country Park is 12:30 

No, dogs are not allowed to take part in the Miner’s Way Challenge on any of the routes. We want to make sure everyone, including runners and volunteers, has a safe and enjoyable experience on the day. 

While dogs are welcome to come as spectators within Betteshanger Park, they must be kept away from the running routes at all times. 

We do, accept guide or medical assistance dogs on the routes. However please note that there will be no catering, or veterinary support in the event of an emergency. 

The roads will not be closed for traffic for those on The Challenge, so please take extra care on any sections of the Miner’s Way Challenge that cross or follow the road. There are several points where the route briefly meets or runs alongside roads; these sections will be marshalled.

Runners must stay alert at all times and follow the Highway Code for pedestrians. Specific areas requiring extra caution will be highlighted in the pre-event information sheet emailed to participants. We also recommend wearing bright or fluorescent clothing during the day to remain clearly visible.

The routes for the Miner's Way Challenge 2026 are:

• The Challenge - Half Marathon
• The Loop The Loop - 20km
• The Circuit - 10km
• The Explorer - 3km

The routes will be clearly signed with acorn national trail signage arrows, supplemented by orange fluorescent signs with black arrows marked with the Pilgrims Hospices logo.

It is recommended that you download the free Pilgrims Hospices Events App for iOS and Android smartphones as it contains a detailed route map with GPS tracking.

You will also receive a runner's bib which contains a QR code which will you to a map of the route. 

Yes, the Miner's Way is clearly marked with finger posts and markers depicting an acorn on a yellow arrow. These will be supplemented with bright orange way-markers on more complicated sections of the trail, together with road crossing and hazard signs. 

It is recommended that you download the free Pilgrims Hospices Events App for iOS and Android smartphones as it contains a detailed route map with gps tracking.

You will also receive a runner's bib which contains a QR code that takes you to a map of the route.

Each Miner’s Way Challenge route offers a different running experience, with varying levels of elevation:

• The Challenge - 21km
  This route starts in Aylesham and finishes at Betteshanger Country Park. It features gentle rolling hills, particularly in the early stages, followed by a gradual descent towards the finish. Expect some undulating terrain, but nothing too steep - perfect for runners who enjoy variety!
• The Loop the Loop - 20km
  Set entirely within Betteshanger Country Park, this course is mostly flat and smooth, with just a few gentle inclines across the laps. It’s ideal for those looking to maintain a steady pace, train for an event, or aim for a personal best.
• The Circuit - 10km
  This route follows a smooth, mostly flat course within Betteshanger Country Park, with a few gentle rises to keep the run varied. It’s perfect for maintaining a steady rhythm, building race confidence, or enjoying a fast, comfortable run in scenic surroundings.
• The Explorer - 3km Family Trail
  This short, scenic route is mainly flat, with only mild rises and dips. It’s designed for families, beginners, and younger runners to enjoy safely and comfortably.

Overall, the Miner’s Way Challenge routes are not too hilly, but do include some gentle elevation changes that make for a rewarding and enjoyable run through Kent’s beautiful countryside.

There’s no denying it, running 21km, 20km, 10km, or 3km is a tough challenge by anyone’s standards. After all, it is called the Miner's Way Challenge for a reason!

We recommend that you can comfortably run at least 75% of your chosen distance beforehand. This will help ensure you have an enjoyable experience on the day and can harness the energy of the finish line and cheering crowd to carry you through to the end.

To give you the support you need, we’ve created tailored training plans designed to help you reach your goals. View our training plans here!

The Miner’s Way Challenge is primarily a running and jogging event, designed with runners in mind. However, hikers may also take part on certain routes:

• The Challenge - Half Marathon (21km) multi-terrain course

• The Explorer - 3km Family Trail

Hikers will be placed in later start waves on the half marathon to ensure safety along narrow sections where runners need to pass. When sharing the course with runners, please keep to the right-hand side to stay visible and avoid impeding others.

Please note: the latest finish time for The Challenge (21km) is 16:00.

There will be regular rest stops (excluding the Explorer route) providing water and snacks, as well as first aiders and medical response vehicles positioned along the way in case of emergency.

If you’re unable to continue, please stop at the nearest rest stop, where a volunteer can assist you and contact a loved one to collect you. Make sure to inform the organisers before leaving the event, by calling the participant hotline number, so that we can account for your safety.

Running can take its toll, so we recommend carrying a small first aid kit with blister plasters, spare socks, food, and water. Always fill out your medical details on the reverse of your runner's bib, and carry ID, some emergency money, and a fully charged phone.

If there is a medical emergency, call 999 immediately, then the participant hotline number provided in your final event pack. The emergency services are aware that the Miner’s Way Challenge is taking place.

If you have any health concerns, please consult your GP before taking part. We recommend that participants can comfortably complete at least 75% of their chosen distance before event day.

Yes! All routes have regular rest stops with drinks and snacks suitable for runners, except the Explorer route, where refreshments are available at the finish only.

The Challenge - 21km
There will be two rest stops along the route, at Elvington Village Green and St Mary the Virgin Church in Northbourne, plus a rest stop at the finish. Each stop will offer water, and energy bars to keep you fuelled throughout your run.

The Loop the Loop - 20km
The Circuit - 10km
Both routes include a rest stop on the course where you can top up with water, and energy bars, plus a final rest stop at the finish in the Event Village.

The Explorer - 3km Family Trail
There will be refreshments available at the finish in the Event Village, perfect for celebrating your achievement together.

At the Finish Line
All routes finish at Betteshanger Country Park, where you’ll find a rest stop, the Event Village, and an on-site café serving delicious food and drinks to purchase and enjoy after your challenge.

Facilities
Toilets will be available at Aylesham Community Hall and Betteshanger Country Park, with portaloos provided at Elvington Village Green and St Mary the Virgin Church. 

We're looking for volunteers to help with registration, route marshalling and refreshments at each location. Contact the fundraising team on 01227 812609 or email [email protected] for more information!

• Posted pre-event pack - posted out to all participants in March 2026
• Regular rest stops with drinks and snacks suitable for runners
• Fully signed route
• Bag drop
• Runners-bib
• Event medical support
• Finisher medal
• A festival atmosphere! 

All participants will receive a runner's bib containing a unique number that identifies you as part of the Miner’s Way Challenge. Please wear this lanyard visibly at all times so our event team and marshals can easily recognise you.

You’ll also be sent a runner’s bib, which should be securely attached to the front of your running top. Make sure to fill in your medical details on the reverse before the event, this information is essential in case of an emergency.

If you have raised sponsorship in the form of cash and cheques, may we ask that you forward this to Pilgrims Hospices before 25 April 2026 in one of the following ways:

1) By post to Pilgrims Way Challenge, Supporter Relations, Pilgrims Hospices, 56 London Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8JA (sponsorship forms and cheques only)
2) By making a website donation for the equivalent amount and then sending in your sponsorship forms to the address above in order for us to claim any Gift Aid. (Remember to select 'Pilgrims Way Challenge' as the reason for donation within the donation form)

NOTE: If you have raised sponsorship purely online via a JustGiving page, we will send you an official thank you letter for your total after the above hand-in date.

Comfort is key on event day, so make sure you’re dressed for the distance and the conditions.

We recommend:

• Broken-in running trainers - comfortable, supportive shoes you’ve trained in.

• Running socks - ideally with padding to help prevent blisters.

• Sports leggings or running shorts - lightweight, breathable, and designed for movement.

• Pilgrims Hospices running vest or technical t-shirt - available to purchase here to show your support while you run.

The Kent weather can be unpredictable, so bring light layers you can easily add or remove. These can be carried in a lightweight running pack, along with your water carrier and other essentials.

And remember, event day isn’t the time to test new kit. Make sure you’ve worn and trained in your gear beforehand so you know it’s comfortable and works well for you.

You can find a comprehensive kit list of recommended items here.