Covering an astonishing 44-miles, this challenge will take you through corn, wheat and barley fields as it hugs the Normandy coastline over sand dunes and through marsh land as well as pebble beaches…

The D-Day 44 Challenge is a unique 44 mile run or 22 mile walk that commemorates the 1944 Allied invasion of occupied France on the anniversary of D-Day, 6 June 2018.

In 2009 Lt Col. Mike McErlain, with his wife Jo, set up the D-Day 44 Challenge. Sadly, Mike died while doing the run on 6 June 2013, but with the blessing of Mike’s widow, Jo, the event returns in 2018 to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, Combat Stress and BLESMA.

Limited places are available for runners to take on the 44 mile challenge and for walkers to complete the 22 mile challenge. The route, which hugs the Normandy coastline, will take in villages, fields, beaches and D-Day celebrations.

Runners will start at Point Du Hoc and walkers will join the route at Arromanches on 6 June and both will finish at the historic Pegasus Bridge the same day.

This three-day package includes return transport from London, two-night’s accommodation, all meals, including a pasta party the night before and full medical and event support.

Option 1 – Own Place
You pay a £150 registration fee, plus £340 for the balance of the tour costs. You will be invoiced for the tour cost eight weeks prior to the event. You agree to raise a minimum of £500.

Option 2 – Minimum Sponsorship
You pay a £150 registration fee agree to raise a minimum £1,000 sponsorship.

You can download the full itinerary here.

Participants will receive the following:

  • Return transport from London to France
  • Two night’s accommodation
  • All meals
  • Regular refreshment stops along the way
  • Fully signed route
  • Full medical support
  • Smartphone tracking app
  • Charity t-shirt
  • Fundraising pack
  • Regular support and engagement from our Events Team
  • Training recommendations and kit list
  • Finisher’s medal

Register here to take part in D-Day 44.