AN 81 MILE

JOURNEY OF
ENDURANCE

Saturday 12th September 2026

PILGRIM’S RECKONING IS COMING THIS SEPTEMBER

Pilgrim’s Reckoning is a new 81-mile ultra set on the Bunyan Trail in Bedforshire, following a single continuous loop with 24 hours to complete it. Inspired by the landscapes behind John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, it’s built around the idea of a journey that becomes more demanding with every mile.

WHAT TO
EXPECT

A journey of endurance. One loop, 24 hours, and an 81-mile journey through runnable Bedfordshire countryside. With 1,219 metres of elevation gain and a 100km UTMB index score, it’s a flowing and beautiful course that keeps you moving from start to finish.

Start time 6pm Saturday 12th September
Finish time 6pm Sunday 13th September
7 fully stocked aid stations including a drop bag at halfway
Live tracking
All finishers receive a bespoke medal and Tshirt

The whole course is runnable, with no technical sections, a few gentle hills, and long stretches of countryside. Following the Bunyan Trail, the route links churches across Bedfordshire villages, taking you through quiet communities with open ground in between.

It’s a steady, uninterrupted course that rewards good pacing and keeps you moving.

Alongside aid stations, you’ll pass through villages with shops and pubs, giving you extra options along the way.

THE ROUTE

This is the route. An 81-mile circular journey through the Bedfordshire countryside, following the historic John Bunyan Trail from start to finish.

RECCE WEEKENDS

2027 Recce weekend dates to be released soon!

Our guided recce weekends are the perfect opportunity to explore the route before race day, meet fellow runners, and experience sections of the John Bunyan Trail for yourself.

Led at a social pace, each recce day covers approximately 20 miles of the course, giving you a chance to familiarise yourself with the terrain, navigation and key sections of the route.

TAKE ON THE TRAIL FOR HOPEWORKS

Pilgrim’s Reckoning is an 81-mile challenge around Bedfordshire’s John Bunyan Trail, inspired by the themes of journey, struggle, perseverance and hope.

Run or walk, get sponsored, and help HopeWorks support people across Bedford who are facing homelessness, displacement, poverty, isolation and crisis.

Because no journey should be walked alone.

DONATE NOW

RACE-DAY
PREPARATION

Kit List

All participants must carry certain items at all times during the event. Random kit checks may be conducted.

More Information

Medical

Participant safety is a core priority at The Pilgrim’s Reckoning. Comprehensive medical cover will be in place throughout the event, delivered by A 2 E Medical Services, an experienced provider of medical support for endurance events.

More Information

FAQs

We’ve answered a range of common questions in our FAQ. For other questions, say hello on info@thunderraces.co.uk.

More Information

ACCOMODATION
& LOGISTICS

Everything Taken Care of: Focus on the challenge; we’ve got the rest covered

Accomodation

There are several convenient accommodation options close to the start and finish on Manton Lane. Travelodge Bedford is the nearest, around a 13-minute walk away, making it an easy choice for race weekend.

Closer to the town centre, you’ll find additional options including the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel and Premier Inn, both within a short drive or taxi ride. For something more in keeping with the theme, The Pilgrim’s Progress Hotel offers a fitting nod to the Bunyan connection.

All options are well located, with easy access to the course, train station and local amenities.

Getting There

Bedford is easy to reach, particularly from London. Direct trains run regularly from London St Pancras to Bedford, with journey times of around 40 minutes, making it a straightforward trip on race weekend.

From Bedford station, the start and finish on Manton Lane are just a short taxi ride or around a 25–30 minute walk. The location is also easily accessible by road, with good links via the A1 and M1, and parking available nearby.

Whether you’re travelling from London or further afield, getting to Bedford is simple and convenient, allowing you to focus on the race itself.