If you’ve already signed up for the FLOCK Mountain Challenge – fantastic! If you’re still hovering over the “maybe” button – quit hovering and join us!
The Mountain Challenge is one of those events that sounds intimidating until you realise it’s built for every FLOCK runner. Fast, steady, run/walk, hike-the-ups… it all counts. The goal isn’t to “beat” anyone else.
It’s to test yourself, surprise yourself, and have an absolutely epic 90-minutes with your crew.
So… what is the FLOCK Mountain Challenge?
It’s a unique 90-minute trail challenge open to all levels of FLOCK runner.
We choose a section of the South Downs National Park with a 100m ascent. As a group, we start together at the foot of the climb.
From there:
- You have 90 minutes
- To complete as many ascents + descents as you can
- Every time you reach the top, you hit the feed station
- One of our marshals stamps your wristband
Each stamp = 100m of ascent achieved. The goal: 6 stamps = Mountain Status
Your mission (should you choose to accept it): hit x6 ascents.
That’s:
- 6 stamps
- 600m total ascent
- Mountain Status (earned, not given)
And yes—before you ask—it’s totally doable!
Can anyone do this?
100% yes. This is the magic of the format: it rewards consistency, not just speed.
Technically, you could:
- Hike the ascent (strong and steady)
- Jog or gently run the descent
- Keep your effort controlled
- Repeat
If you pace it right, those 6 ascents are within reach for far more people than you’d think.
And if you don’t hit 6? You still walk away with a stack of stamps, a huge effort, and a proper sense of achievement.
The feed station: hydration, fuel, and a very good reason to keep going
At the top of every ascent you’ll find the feed station, where you can:
- Hydrate with water
- Grab fuel (and little bites of joy) in the form of delicious cake, fruit, and sweets
- Take a breather
- Get stamped
- Head back down when you’re ready
It’s structured in a way that makes the challenge feel manageable: one climb at a time, one stamp at a time.
The best bit: the FLOCK energy
Because everyone is looping the same climb, the group naturally spreads out across different speeds and levels.
Which means something brilliant happens:
- You’ll pass teammates (and get passed)
- There are high fives mid-effort
- You’ll hear shouts of encouragement from people you didn’t even know were nearby
- The vibe stays supportive, even when the legs start asking questions
It’s hard work, sure—but it’s also ridiculously fun.
How to prepare (without overthinking it)
A few simple things will make your day smoother and more enjoyable:
- Practice hiking uphill efficiently: hands on knees, short steps, steady breathing
- Get comfortable with repeats: even a small hill session once a week helps
- Fuel early: don’t wait until you’re empty—small bites each time you reach the station
- Hydrate little and often: a few sips per stamp adds up
- Start steadier than you think: the challenge rewards pacing
Ready to earn your stamps?
The FLOCK Mountain Challenge is a proper test—but it’s also one of the most inclusive, community-driven events we do.
You can go for 6 ascents and Mountain Status. You can go for a strong 3 or 4 and feel proud. You can go for your first ever “I didn’t think I could do that” moment.
Either way, you’ll finish with tired legs, a full heart, and a wristband that tells the story.
It’s an epic 90-minute challenge… have you got what it takes?