The 6th Capital Challenge, Saturday 2nd April 2022: 27 miles

Description:


Launched in 2017, the Capital Challenge is an urban challenge walk organised by the London Group. Celebrating the best of London's green spaces, this urban walk uses almost completely mud-free paths through public parks, fine town squares, waterways and green spaces. Limited refreshments are offered at three checkpoints along the way and hot drinks and cake at the finish. The route passes a wide variety of shops and cafes along much of its length and the route description points out items of historical and cultural interest along the way. Start and finish are close to public transport. There is a limit of 200 entrants. This event is for walkers only.

In 2022 the event is being held on Saturday 2nd April 

Entries open on Tuesday 4th January 2022 and close on Friday 25th March 2022 at Midnight

Route:

This new route for 2022 is a walk of two halves. Beginning near Tower Bridge, the first part of the walk heads east to take in the sights along the banks of the River Thames, including London Docklands, Greenwich, and the Thames Barrier. The character of the walk then changes, wending through a string of parks, commons, meadows and woods, peppered with historical and architectural highlights. The route finishes with a quick tour of a historical area south of Crystal Palace Park and a hot drink and cake to finish the day. As with the original route, this new route strikes a balance between well-known areas of the city and hidden treasures, with a few surprises thrown in.

Route Description/GPX file:

You will need a copy of the route description (and GPX file, if wanted) on the day, which you can download here:  

Route description:  PDF     Word format

GPX file

We also recommend having access to a supplementary map such as an OS map (Explorer 161 and 162), an A-Z, or a map on your phone.

Start, Checkpoints and Finish:

Start between 0800 and 0900 from the South Bank in front of City Hall, Southwark (The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA, TQ334801 – to be confirmed). All entrants will receive a scannable identity card to present at each checkpoint and finish to track progress. The start is close to London Bridge Station (mainline and tubes).

Checkpoints at Cutty Sark Gardens, Charlton Park, and Mottingham (all to be confirmed). Checkpoints will provide limited emergency refreshments, all suitable for vegetarians, but NO BOTTLED WATER, to reduce the amount of plastic waste this walk generates; instead, the route description will point out water fountains along the way.

Finish by 1900 at St Hugh’s Community Centre (42 Castledine Rd, London SE20 8PL, TQ346701). Hot drinks and cake will be provided. From the finish there is easy access to train stations at Crystal Palace, Penge West, and Anerley (overground lines with connections to tube stations).

Entry fees:

LDWA Members: £15

Non-members: £25

Note to those who are not members of the LDWA: annual membership of the LDWA costs £18 for individuals (£15 with direct debit); to join, visit www.ldwa.org.uk

Entry process:


Entry in advance and online only, via SiEntries. Click here

Please note there will be no entry on the day

Young people:


Participants aged between 11 and 18 years (inclusive) will be required to complete and bring with them to the event a completed copy of the parental consent form.
You can download a copy of this form by clicking here

Results and timings:


We will use electronic registration and tracking so that results can be published on the LDWA London website with split times immediately after the event. If you prefer your name to be withheld, please tell us. All in-time finishers will receive a certificate.

Contact: 


The Capital Challenge is organised by Jean O’Reilly.  

All enquiries regarding this event should be directed to Jean at:
capitalchallenge@ldwa.org.uk.

Donations and Refunds:

A proportion of participants’ fees will be donated to local charities. This event offers the option to purchase Booking Protect, so that participants may be able to get a refund if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.