Swan Challenge
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable day of running, hiking, or walking at the Swan Challenge, hosted by the renowned Big Bear Events! Mark your calendars for Friday, July 10th, 2026, as we gather in the picturesque Coombe Abbey Park in Coventry, West Midlands. This unique event is designed for participants of all abilities, allowing you to tackle as many 5k laps as you desire within a generous 6-hour time limit. With a scenic 3.3-mile lap, you can choose to complete just one lap and enjoy your well-deserved medal, flapjack, and beer, or push your limits and go for an incredible 50+ miles! Whether you're aiming for a marathon distance of 8 laps or a half marathon of 4 laps, the friendly atmosphere means there's no pressure—just the joy of running and camaraderie with fellow participants. Join us at the Swan Challenge for a day filled with fun, fitness, and fantastic memories!
About this event
This an event that enables all abilities of runner to run together (or hike/walk!). Ultimately you can run as many 5k laps as you wish in the time limit. You can run one lap in 20 minutes, pick up your medal, flapjack and beer and go home! Alternatively you can head out on your 15th lap at 14:55 and finish in 6:30 having covered over 50 miles! It’s completely up to you. There is no pressure from us, but we’ll also see if you want one more lap! The format is great for people looking to run further than they’ve ever done before, do a long training run for future events or to enjoy a sociable event with your friends. The 3.3-mile lap at Coombe Abbey Park means your race can be just over 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! You decide how many laps you are going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If you're looking to cover a marathon distance you'll need to complete 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps.
Distances & Prices
| Distance | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Swan Challenge | £39.00 | open |
The course
Coombe Abbey Park is a beautiful venue to run at! The majority of the route is on stone pathways. There is a meadow section on open grassland, depending on the weather leading up to the the event this could be muddy, but is unlikely to be. Given the time of year expect hard surfaces, lots of tree cover and some spectacular running!
Getting there
Coombe Abbey Park is on the ouskirts of Coventry and 6 minutes from Junction 2 of the M6. The closest train station is Coventry.
Parking
Parking costs up to £5 depending on how long you stay. There is a cafe and toilet block next to the HQ on site.
Gallery
FAQs
Can I run with my dog?
No, our canicross season finishes in March
I’m not that fussed by a medal, drink and flapjack…
In that case our partnership with Trees Not Tees may be of interest! When you sign up to this event you can select to have no finish line swag and instead we’ll donate the cost of this to Trees Not Tees who will plant a tree in their Scottish woodland on your behalf!
Can I transfer or defer my place?
Transfers and deferrals can be made anytime up to 7 days before the event.
Price rises soon
£39.00