The Ridgeway Challenge

The Ridgeway Challenge

The Ridgeway Challenge is an 86-mile (139 km) point-to-point trail running race along the full length of The Ridgeway National Trail. The route runs from Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire to the Avebury Stones in Wiltshire and follows a path used for more than 5,000 years.

The course covers approximately 6,060 ft (about 1,850 m) of elevation gain and has a 28 hour overall time limit. The race is licensed by the Trail Running Association and forms part of the UTMB World Series index. Entry is restricted to runners aged 20 or over and the field is capped at 150 starters.

Navigation is fully waymarked for the first 60 km with permanent Ridgeway signage for much of the remainder; additional race signs are placed where permanent signage is poor. All competitors must carry the route on a watch, phone, or paper map and will be issued GPS tracking for live location updates.

There are eight checkpoints positioned along the route, including Wendover Church (10.9 miles / 17.6 km), Whiteleaf (17.3 miles / 27.9 km), Aston Rowant (25.5 miles / 41.1 km), Nuffield (34 miles / 54.8 km), South Stoke (41.7 miles / 67.1 km), West Ilsley Village Hall (52.8 miles / 85 km), Uffington (65.8 miles / 106 km), and Ogbourne St George (77 miles / 124 km). Checkpoints offer water, soft drinks, Precision Fuel & Hydration products, snacks, pre-made sandwiches, fresh fruit, and hot food or hot water at specified locations. Runners may leave one drop bag to be transported to CP5 and the finish.

Required kit includes a fully charged mobile phone, GPX or paper map access, a minimum 1 litre capacity for fluids, a foil blanket or survival bag, primary and backup lights, head covering, basic first aid supplies, a reusable non-collapsible cup for hot drinks, waterproof jacket with hood or spare warm clothing, nutrition supplies, and means to pay. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Events nearby