Pilgrim Challenge 2025 now open for booking!

All 2024 events open for booking!

Enjoy, endure and get the experience you need of racing in two XNRG UK multi-day events.  The package combines two of our most popular events at a combined discounted rate: the Pilgrim Challenge and the Druid's Challenge.

GET DESERT-READY WITH XNRG 

When you’re training for desert marathons, we know how important it is to have the opportunity to race in a way that helps you prepare physically and mentally. Whilst we can’t guarantee Moroccan sunshine, we will provide a challenging yet beautiful course and multi-day environment, with all your needs completely taken care of, so you can focus on the experience. 

You’ll get to test out your kit, meet others preparing for the MDS, make friends and form tent groups. You’ll even meet people who’ve done the race — a great way to find out what works and what doesn’t. The XNRG MDS Package really is the perfect way to train for your six days of Saharan endurance. 

We are delighted to support SheRACES and commit to providing a great experience for female participants. Find out more

Included

  • Entry to The Druid's Challenge 2020
  • Entry to the Pilgrim Challenge 2021
  • Great food
  • Overnight accommodation
  • Checkpoint food and water
  • T-shirt
  • Finisher’s medal
  • Prizes for the winners
  • Free photos
Around 100 of the competitors from MDS 2019 trained at XNRG events!

Pricing

Standard entry

£290

No refunds or deferrals will be made within one month of the event start.

More Information

Druid's Challenge

6th - 8th November 2010 | The Ridgeway (Bucks - Berks)
84 miles over 3 days
A three-day ultra along the oldest road in the UK, the Ridgeway. Feed stations, overnight accommodation, meals and a guest speaker are all on offer at this ever-popular event.

Pilgrim Challenge

6th - 7th February 2021 | North Downs Way
66 miles over 2 days
One of our best-loved events, the Pilgrim Challenge follows the North Downs trail. ‘Downs’ is, in fact, an ancient word for ‘hill’ - appropriate, with over 1,000 metres of climbing in store!

FREE MDS PREPARATION GUIDE!

XNRG founder and MDS runner Neil has shared his top tips for preparing for the Marathon Des Sables. Download and read the guide >

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

 

When XNRG founder Neil Thubron ran the Marathon Des Sables in 2009, he felt frustrated that there were no events in the UK to help people prepare for the format of the race through the Sahara - both physically and mentally.

‘There were no multiday ultras on the calendar,’ Neil says. ‘So I decided to put one on, and it proved really popular — the rest is history!’

The first XNRG event was the three-day Druids challenge in 2010. Since the first Challenge, over 500 MDS competitors have used XNRG event to get them ready for the desert. ‘We provide the complete package so that once the competitor arrives they don’t have to do anything apart from run,’ says Neil.

Following six years of successful events, XNRG is now known for producing the highest quality multi-day ultra running experiences. With a family feel, everyone is looked after from the moment they arrive to the moment they go home.

We can't wait to see you there! Questions? Say hello on info@xnrg.co.uk

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