About the event

The 49th Orwell Challenge takes place on 28th June 2026 and we are inviting walkers (whether experienced or novice) to sign up to walk with and for Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

With walking routes between 3 and 25 miles, and a validated trail marathon, half marathon and ultra marathon, there really is something for every level of experience.  The routes take in the beautiful Orwell Estuary backing onto some of Suffolk Wildlife Trust's nature reserves.

This is an extremely well organised and much loved event, brought to Suffolk by The Ipswich Rotary Club East.  They know that not everyone is able to manage a 25 mile walk or a trail run but can still be challenged. As such Walkers can choose the distance they feel comfortable with and for them that will be their “Challenge”. 

The Route

There are 3 main loops for walkers – 13 miles, 19 miles and the full 25 miles, but again, even managing the 3 miles to the first base is challenge enough for some. The Ipswich Rotary Club East arrange for participants to be returned to base when they can go no further.

They also have fully qualified medical cover and minibuses to transport anyone who cannot complete the event back to our HQ at Gainsborough Sports Centre.

Full details of the route can be found here https://www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk/orwell-challenge/walk-and-run-route/

Join Our Team - Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Suffolk Wildlife Trust will fund 50% of entry costs for any walker who choses to fundraise on behalf of our charity and commits to raising a target of £100 per walker.

Entry prices can be viewed here. Please contact fundraising@suffolkwildlifetrust.org to book your discounted space. We will supply a discount voucher for your booking (please note we cannot do this retrospectively).

The Impact of Your Support

Every penny raised by our fundraisers supports the management and conservation of our reserves, helps us secure more connected spaces for nature, and enables us to run a county wide programme of nature engagement.  

£100 raised could enable us to fund four children's spaces at an engagement session opening the door to nature for them, as well as giving them the chance to breathe fresh air, build confidence, and feel that they belong in nature.  By inspiring others to connect with nature, together we can reach our goals.

Terms and Conditions

This event is organised by an external provider and we recommend all walkers/runners review their website for event details and FAQ’s before requesting a space Information For Participants - The Ipswich East Rotary Club. 

Please note, as this is an external event, Suffolk Wildlife Trust are not responsible for delivery of the event on the day.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust are purchasing registration slots for this event. To benefit from a charity funded space from us, you must commit to raising £100 in sponsorship.  If you fail to raise the minimum amount required to cover the cost of your event space our team may ask you to self-fund any deficit.

By signing up for a charity space with Suffolk Wildlife Trust, you confirm your acknowledgement and agreement to this fundraising condition.