Butser Hill Challenge 2026

The Butser Hill Challenge returned on Sunday 20 September, bringing runners of all ages to Queen Elizabeth Country Park for a morning of running and community spirit. 

From the junior races to the challenging five-mile fell run, runners young and old took on the famous Butser Hill, with plenty of support from spectators around the course.

Organised by Churcher’s College for the local community, the event welcomed around 365 participants, including runners from 40 clubs, as well as individual runners and families. From the junior races to the challenging five-mile fell run, runners young and old took on the famous Butser Hill, with plenty of support from spectators around the course.

The atmosphere was wonderful and it was great to see the whole community getting behind the event - Will Scott, Headmaster

For new Headmaster Will Scott, it was his first Butser Hill Challenge. He said: “It was an impressive event and a brilliant first experience of Butser. With the sun shining, it was great to see runners of all ages taking on what is the highest fell run in the south. The atmosphere was wonderful and it was great to see the whole community getting behind the event.”

This year also saw the introduction of a new digital timing system, making it easier to record runners’ times and results across the different races.  Churcher’s Rock School bands also performed during the morning, giving runners and supporters live music from Bryan Adams to The Killers. Despite having only two weeks to prepare, they were warmly received by the crowd.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, volunteered or supported the event. We hope to see you all back on Butser Hill next year.