Y2Y North Downs Trek / Run
Sunday 23 March 2025
We hope you enjoyed the 2025 Y2Y North Downs Challenge! Save the date for next year’s event – Sunday 22 March 2026
- 26.2 mile Marathon or 14 mile walk or run across the North Downs
- Commemorative t-shirt, medal, transport to start and free refreshments at support stops (and finish)
- Showers, changing, parking, free cake and coffee at the finish
Walk it or run it, but don’t miss it!
Now in its 18th year, the Y2Y North Downs Trek/Run follows the North Downs Way along the beautiful Surrey countryside. Choose between a 26.2 mile Marathon (starting in Guildford) or a 14 mile route (from Ranmore Common) with both routes finishing at YMCA East Surrey in Redhill. Each distance is well-marked with stunning views, undulating landscapes and occasional challenging hills.
We provide free transport to start points, refreshments at support stops en route as well as showers, changing, cake and hot/cold drinks at the finish back at the YMCA. Each route will have experienced leaders/backmarkers for navigational support. This event is open to ages 18+.
Entry cost
£30 Marathon Walk or Run
Includes commemorative medal, technical t-shirt, and three support stops (incl. bacon roll halfway, plus teas, coffees, energy drinks and a variety of snacks).
£25 Half-marathon Walk or Run
Includes commemorative medal, technical t-shirt, and one support stop (teas, coffees, energy drinks and a variety of snacks).
Route
The route is fully signed, however you can download the GPX route below for your GPS device, or view the Strava route.
Provisional timings
Y2Y Marathon Challenge | 26.2 miles
07:00 – Arrive at YMCA Princes Rd RH1 6JJ
07:15 – Leave in YMCA Buses for Guildford
08:00 – Arrive at Guildford
08:05 – Start Marathon Challenge
3 support stops at West Hangar car park Staple Lane, Ranmore Common & The Old Pheasantry, Mogador)
Y2Y Half-marathon Challenge | 14 miles
09:00 – Arrive at YMCA Princes Rd RH1 6JJ
09:30 – Leave in YMCA Buses
09:45 – Arrive at Ranmore Common
10:00 – Start 1/2 Marathon Challenge (1 support stop at The Old Pheasantry, Mogador)
Please note times are subject to change.
Support stops
Our well-stocked support stops will have everything you need to fuel up en route with water, hot drinks, squash to drink and a wide variety off snacks from crisps, energy/trail bars, cake, jelly babies etc.
Support stop 1 (Marathon route)
West Hangar car park, Staple Lane
Google maps
What3Words ///locals.boost.stole
Support stop 2 (Marathon route)
Ranmore Common
Google maps
What3Words ///lost.valley.goals
Support stop 3 (Half and Marathon route)
The Old Pheasantry, Merrywood Grove, Tadworth, KT20 7HF
Google maps
What3Words ///finest.ship.poet
Training
We have a selection of free training walks and runs organised to help you get ready for your challenge. All are welcome to attend, whether you are booked on a YMCA Challenge Event or not.
Fundraising - help to build a brighter future for homeless young people!
To keep event fees affordable, the entry cost solely covers the expenses of organising this event. Whilst there is no minimum fundraising target for Y2Y participants, we encourage and hope that you will be inspired to raise funds for us.
All money raised from our 2025 challenge events will go towards our Life Change Fund set up to help young people belong, contribute and thrive through YMCA East Surrey’s charitable projects.
Join us in making a difference and creating a brighter future for young people.
Read more about our tips on fundraising or speak to a member of our team who will be more than happy to help you with ideas.
If you prefer the more traditional method of fundraising, please download an official sponsorship form.
Alternatively, you can make a donation to YMCA East Surrey towards the Life Change Fund.
Find out more
If you would like more details about the event, please contact the Challenge Events team