The Viking Challenge

Setting off from and finishing at Redmile CofE Primary School.,Redmile,
Leicestershire (NG13 0GL) the now infamous route follows the old Viking Way from which it gets its’ name, and gives riders access to terrain not usually accessible to the general public.

Riders can choose from a 30km or 50km route. For some riders the Viking Challenge is a sporting event - their personal target being to get back before their friends, or to beat their fastest time of previous years. For others it's a delightful day out in splendid countryside, riding peacefully through the beautiful Vale of Belvoir, and for many the motivation is to help raise much needed funds for Redmile CofE Primary School and the charities we carefully choose to support each year.

And with lots of well-stocked refuelling stops along the way – our homemade cakes are almost as famous as the challenge itself – it really is a truly unique cycling experience.

How It Started

In 1995 the staff and parents of Redmile CofE School decided that it would be more effective to organise one big fund raising event than having lots of small one’s across the school year (as is typical in many schools).
So a parent came up with the idea of using the local section of the Viking Way, an ancient track-way originally linking Newark and Stamford, in a cycling event as a means of raising much-needed funds. The first event was organized with 98 cyclists completing the circuit, raising £580 – and so The Viking Challenge was born. However no one could have guessed then just how big it would get and that it would still be here 14 years later.

The Course

Cyclists follow a marked route along canal towpaths, rough tracks and minor roads in rural North Leicestershire - through fields and woods, over surfaces dry and wet, smooth and rough

The route is steeped in history as it takes in the ancient Sewstern Lane - believed to date from the Bronze Age and later travelled by Romans and Vikings. Riding up the escarpment into scenic High Leicestershire, you then cycle along the rutted Viking Way, and finally back home through the majestic Belvoir Woods returning to the school in the shadow of Belvoir Castle.

In wet weather the muddy tracks are heavy going, and it can be a challenge simply to complete the course. But for many this just adds to the enjoyment and satisfaction of completing it!

You can choose from the full 50km or the shorter 30km route.

How long it takes to complete the challenge depends on a number of factors but the fastest cyclists can expect to finish the 50km route in just under 2 hours and the ‘average’ rider between 4-5 hours.

Who Can Enter?

Anyone !

If you’ve got a bike and like a challenge then The Viking Challenge is for you. The event is open to everyone and appeals to the serious athelete, families and fun-seekers, young and old alike

Whether you want to tackle it as a team or beat a personal best, with the choice of either a 30km or 50km route the Viking Challenge has something for everyone.

While it is a tough ride, children can participate if accompanied by an adult but we recommend they only attempt the shorter 30km route..


Helping To Raise Money

Just by entering and paying the entry fee means you will be making big a difference to our school and chosen charity partner who each receive half of the money raised. But on top of that a great way of raising additional money is by getting family, friends, and colleagues to sponsor you. And just to motivate you that little bit more – we offer fantastic prizes for individuals and teams who raise the most sponsorship money.