CEP BallBuster challenge returns to Box Hill for 27th year

16th March 2016

The 2016 CEP BallBuster will take place on Saturday 12 November, at its traditional home of Box Hill, Surrey. Since debuting in 1990 this gruelling duathlon has maintained a reputation as the extreme test of endurance, with competitors asked to cover 40 miles in one morning. Those who think they are tough enough can sign up for this year’s edition now, but will have to be quick as this event has sold out quickly for the past two years with capacity strictly limited.

Those who register to take on the CEP BallBuster will start their challenge with an eight mile undulating run taking in beautiful scenery around the National Trust site. Once they have returned to the top it’s into transition for a quick switch over to the cycle leg. This follows the same 8 mile route, which everybody must complete a shattering three times. There’s no time to rest when that’s complete though as one final eight mile lap by foot is required to cross the finish line. A truly colossal task only to be attempted by the toughest of competitors.

The BallBuster has been running since December 1990, when it was one of the very first events conceived by organisers Human Race. It is known to many as a bucket-list event, one that must be attempted at least once in a lifetime and a true mark of multi-sport achievement. Last year Andy Greenleaf smashed the course record, being the fastest person in the long history of the event, finishing in 2 hours, 31 minutes and 54 seconds.

Title sponsor CEP, whose range of compression sportswear are a regular sight at the event, are giving those who sign up an exclusive offer on their popular socks.

Nick Rusling, CEO of organisers Human Race Events, said “The CEP BallBuster is the original tough event. There’s always a marvellous atmosphere on event day, with a mutual respect between competitors, not that I’ve ticked this one off my bucket-list just yet! There’s a lot of emotion on show at the finish line after such an extreme challenge”.

One of the many things that make the CEP BallBuster unique is the reward for completing the course. The BallBuster hooded top has become an annual tradition, a top quality, limited edition memento only awarded to those who cover every inch of the 40 miles. This year’s design will be revealed later this year.