THE countdown has begun in earnest to the fundraising Surrey Hills Challenge on Sunday, September 24.

On the day there will be five walking or running events with five distances for people of all ages and fitness. All routes encompass some of the most picturesque views across the Surrey Hills along the Greensand Way and are designed to test participant’s stamina and strength.

The super fit can face the ultimate challenge with ‘The Ultra’, a 60km run, the new 40km run or walk in the hills, ‘The Half’ of 21km, ‘The Ten’, or ‘The Five’, a family challenge 5km event. All routes finish at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking which is the heart of the challenge.

The 60km route starts in Haslemere at 6am and follows the Greensand Way, which originates in the heart of the town and weaves towards the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a large natural amphitheatre through National Trust land. The breath-taking views across Surrey from Gibbet Hill is where the start of the journey towards Dorking begins.

The route is almost entirely on footpaths with some road crossings and short stretches on road. Along the 60km route are six themed aid stations to help motivate the competitors.

The new 40km route, ‘The Forty’, starts in Witley and begins at 8.30am, following the Ultra Route along the Greensand Way towards Winterfold. Just after Pitch Hill, those on the Ultra and Forty challenges, are joined by the Half participants who depart from the Duke of Kent School at 9am before heading towards Hurtwood.

All three challenges then head towards Holmbury Hill before completing the highest summit in South England, Leith Hill, and descending from the North Downs into Dorking for the final stretch and finish.

The finish is at Denbies Vineyard, along with The Ten and The Five, which are also brand new routes for 2017. They both begin by weaving through the vineyards before heading out on to the North Downs. The Five loops around through the North Downs woodland before the homeward stretch opens out onto views across Denbies and Box Hill.

The Ten is a hilly and technical challenge to walk or run and, like The Five, it encompasses wide open tracks, footpaths and woodland trails. Branching off from The Five, The Ten heads out onto Surrey farmland and heads into Dorking woods before tackling the North Downs Way.

The Ten re-joins The Five at Ashcombe Wood along with the Ultra, Forty and Half challengers as they begin their descent down into Denbies where the finish and Race Village are located.

The Race Village, where medals and prizes are awarded, is also the main hub and meeting point for all our participants and their supporters, with refreshments and entertainment available from 10am until 6.30pm.

As well as support from the events team before and during the event, participants will receive a medal, chip timing, aid stations, professional first aid cover, car parking, WC facilities and sports massage.

Registration is now open for participants to enter individually, as a group or as a family. Prices are as follows:

The Ultra, 60km – £80

The Forty, 40km - £55

The Half, 21km – £35

The Family Ten, 10km

– £55

The Ten, 10km - £25

The Family Five, 5km –

£35

The Five, 5km – £15

A new category has also been added for those who enjoy Canicross and want to compete in the Half, Ten and Five.

The event is held to raise funds for the Surrey Hills Trust Fund and everyone participating is invited to take up the additional challenge to fundraise and support local communities. A suggested fundraising target is £250 per person.

The Community Foundation established the Surrey Hills Trust Fund exclusively help local projects and community groups within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Those raising funds by participating in the Surrey Hills Challenge will enable the Trust Fund to help local projects conserving the AONB and support the people who live, work and enjoy the area.

The Community Foundation for Surrey is an independent charitable trust established to inspire local giving for local need. It has already supported over 1,800 local projects by awarding grants to fund local community and voluntary groups who are making a difference to the quality of local community life.

• For more information or to register visit www.surreyhillschallenge.com or call 01483 542221.