The Tunnel
Challenge description
The Tunnel is a mind bending test of extreme endurance and sensory deprivation. This challenge is a 200 mile ultramarathon through the darkness of the UK'S longest foot tunnel. You will run on flat terrain but in the pitch black between 11pm and 5am, there will be low level lighting in effect at other times.
The Combe Down tunnel is in Bath, Somerset and there will be a checkckpoint at the south end of the tunnel. You will have 55 hours to run approximately 100 'out-n-backs', or 200 times through the tunnel, which is possibly the greatest mileage ultramarathon ever run 99% underground. The Tunnel is sponsored by Chia Charge.
Follow the 2025 event live here
Date
6th - 8th March 2026
Price
£260
Enter The Tunnel 2026 March 6-8th
Entrants are limited. All applicants MUST have a minimum of a 100 miler as a qualifier. This is a very low key, no nonsense extreme test of running ability and endurance - to enter Tunnel 2026 complete this online form open from 28th February with race CV and if successful we will contact you to make payment
£260
No refunds, transfers, or deferrals.
Questions? Contact us
Email us to know more about The Tunnel: cockbainevents@outlook.com, or follow our Facebook group!
Registration information
This challenge will take place in Bath, Somerset through the Combe Down tunnel. Registration is as the Check Point on the south end at 2pm before the race starts. Start time 3.30pm
What's included
-
This is a very, very basic and limited challenge with no shelter/rest area.
-
Checkpoint has water/coke only and snacks (bars, cake, gels etc). Bring your own drinking mug/container.
-
Drop box area.
-
Portaloo.
-
No parking directly at start.
-
No toilets at start.
Rules
-
No refunds, no deferrals.
-
You must not come if you feel unwell/have any Covid symptoms.
-
You must bring your own cup/drinking bottle.
-
We will only be providing water and basic individually wrapped snack type food.
-
Anything you bring you MUST take away with you (kit, boxes etc).
-
No headphones, no sticks, no outside support.
-
The tunnel is open to the public and is especially used by bikers, so LHS running only and tunnel rules must be obeyed.
-
No littering.
-
Hi Vis must be worn at all times.
-
Headtorch worn in dark hours.
-
Whistle and phone must be carried.
-
One small waterproof box/bag can be left at own risk in baggage area.
-
THIS IS NOT A SEE HOW FAR YOU CAN GET IN 55 HOURS EVENT (you will be timed out if not at 100 miles in 27:30).
Tunnel 2026 runners
Tanja Hoeschele
Frank Götze
Christian Mauduit
James PARSONS
CRAIG MITCHLEY
Dylan GOULD
EMILY PLUMMER
Zurcher Pierre
Philippe Richet
HARRY GRIPPER
Gregory CHEMIN
MARSHA MULLER
MARK HAROLD WALKER
ROLLO CRISTIANO
MONSIEUR MOENN
Tom Marsh
Keith Russell
Ed OShaughnessy
David Smart
COLIN SEARLE
Neil Young
RODRIGO FREEMAN
Papillon Fabrice
Gerald Alaverdov
Corinne Gruffaz
Willie David Christopher
Ian Luker
Juliet Morrice
CLAIRE SMITH
GRANT GREGO
Agnieska Kaminska
Julie Bethune
Giacomo Squintani
Anthony STEVENS
Bea Griffiths
Christof Teuscher
Aimee tippins
Paul Betteridge
Melissa Venables
Polly Wells
Martin Heggie
Karl Baxter
Chris Norris
Julius Iannitti
Andy Horsley
Manuel Viezzi
