Best endurance event in the UK?

Last month, I headed down to Leeds with around 20 others from my running group to participate in Endure24 Leeds. Endure24 is a 24-hour event where hundreds of runners and walkers take on 5-mile loops through the woods of Bramham Park, from midday Saturday to midday Sunday. I managed to cover 20 miles in blazing heat over thos 24 hours, sometimes running, sometimes walking, and sometimes having a boogie. What does an event that touts itself as being the Glastonbury of running events have to do with long-distance walking, you may be saying out loud to your computer screen? Read on, my friend, read on.

If you’ve ever considered trying a long-distance trail, a multi-day hike, or an endurance challenge —but felt unsure about doing it alone or overnight— then an event like Endure24 is the perfect place to test your legs, mind and spirit.

An Endurance Trial without the Isolation

Long-distance challenges often come with a fair amount of solitude. That’s part of the appeal, for some. Although not for me. I always manage to convince someone to join me on my next slightly madcap endeavour in the pursuit of health and wellness (Hi, Debs!). But for first-timers, the idea of tackling 10, 20, or even 50 miles can be daunting—especially when you're unsure how your body or mind will hold up. At Endure24, you're never truly on your own. Whether you’re running solo, in pairs, or as part of a team, you’re surrounded by hundreds of people all working through the same challenge. Some are aiming for personal bests. Others are there just to see what’s possible.

A Taste of Long-Distance Trails, with a Safety Net

The looped course is five miles of undulating trail weaving through ancient woodland and open fields with just enough hills to make it 'interesting' (other adjectives are available for loops 4+), but thankfully nothing too technical or treacherous. Along the way, you might pass inflatable aliens and T.rexes, the music mobile hosted by a brilliant duo who, over the hours, morphed into Elvis (and companion), the Beach Boys, and the Blues Brothers. At night, there were fairies and twinkling lights

Unlike most long-distance trail events, you’re never far from what you need. Food, toilets, showers, a 24-hour coffee van, and even a bar right next to the finish line! It’s all there. The atmosphere is buzzing throughout the day and into the night, helping keep everyone's spirits up when legs (and motivation) start to waver. You can run, walk, or do a bit of both. You can participate as a duo, small team, large team or fun team, with only one rule: only one member of your team on the course at any time. You can also participate as a solo. However, there’s no rule that says someone has to be on the course at all times. People rest when they need to, then head back out when they’re ready. There’s no pressure, just your own rhythm and resolve.

Those tackling as many laps as possible in 24 hours are usually walking by the final stretch. Many wear small signs identifying them as solo participants, so others know to shout encouragement, walk alongside them for a bit, or simply check in. Most are quick to return the support, even through exhaustion. Some are deep in their pain caves, barely able to lift their heads as you pass, but there’s an unspoken understanding among everyone out there. Most know that dark place, and there’s a shared empathy in every nod, word, and weary smile.

Meet Laura, from Somerset

We met while waiting our turn at the massage tent. Laura is 65, and this was her fifth Endure24 Leeds. Ten years ago, at age 55, she decided she wanted to get fitter and signed up for a women’s boot camp. At the end of the programme, everyone was encouraged to set a goal. Laura’s? To run an ultra.

So, she started with couch to 5k. Then, parkrun. Then, a half-marathon. Eventually, she began training for that ultra, and somewhere along the way, she fell in love with trail running.

Although she doesn’t run with a club, she keeps coming back to Endure24. Over time, she’s found her tribe here. There's a group of Yorkshire women she reconnects with each year. It’s become a cornerstone of connection. A way to test her limits. And a place where, even as a solo runner, she feels part of something.

Community Over Competition

From our running group, we had two full women’s teams, a men’s team, and one incredible solo runner. The running itself was only half the fun. The rest was cheering people in and out of the transition tent, swapping stories between laps, watching the headlamps wind through the woods at night, and feeling that shared sense of “we’re doing this”—whatever this was for each of us.

And that’s the beauty of Endure24. Whether you’re clocking 5 miles or 50, your effort is seen, celebrated, and respected.

Confidence for the Next Challenge

If you’re thinking about tackling a long-distance trail —whether it’s a solo hike along Hadrian’s Wall or a guided multi-day trek abroad— events like Endure24 are an ideal way to trial the physical and mental demands, without the pressure of being far from help or home. You’ll learn what gear works, what fuels you, how your legs behave at 3 a.m., and what it feels like to push past your usual limits in a safe, supportive space. Run or walk, it doesn't matter. I think Endure24 Leeds is one of the best endurance events in the UK. I've participated three times, and each time it was different. It certainly isn't the only one... to help you decide, think about where it is, how long (miles and time) it is, what time of year, and then look up race reviews for that event. Having other people's input can be really helpful in making a decision.

Fancy trying an endurance experience that’s every bit as supportive as it is exciting? Women Walk the Wall is all about finding your pace, your people, and your grit. Lots of encouragement, challenge, and laughs along the way. Join us!

The Bit at the Bottom Where We Answer Stuff...

How to prepare for an endurance event?

First, set your goals. What is the reason you want to participate? What do you want to achieve? How does this goal fit into your wider goals for your life? Then, create a plan that is at least 12-20 weeks before the event. Focus on improving strength, as well as stamina.

What is considered an endurance event?

Any event that takes place over multiple days or miles. It doesn't have to require blood and tears, although sweat is very likely.

Why do people do endurance events?

They test your mind as much as your body. Training for an endurance challenge can change everything: how you think, how you spend your time, and how you see yourself. It can redefine you. Many people take part because they’re looking for positive change, or they’re moving through something, whether it be recovery, loss, or grief. Whatever the reason, the journey becomes about far more than the miles.

Some days it just flows and I feel like I’m born to do this, other days it feels like I’m trudging through hell. Every day I make the choice to show up and see what I’ve got, and to try and be better. My advice: keep showing up. —Des Linden, Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion