The Ridgeway Challenge

The Ridgeway Challenge

The Ridgeway Challenge is a point-to-point trail running race that follows the full length of The Ridgeway National Trail. The course covers 86 miles (139 km) with listed elevation of 6060 ft (1850 m+) and a 28 hour time allowance. The route starts at Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire and finishes at Avebury Stones in Wiltshire.

The event is limited to 150 runners and has a minimum entry age of 20. It is licensed by the Trail Running Association and held under UKA rules. The race is a UTMB World Series index event. GPS tracking is provided for all runners.

The Ridgeway benefits from permanent trail signage; the race is fully marked for the first 60 km with additional race signs where permanent signage is poor. There are eight checkpoints along the route: 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 provide water, hot water at several locations, ready-to-eat food, snacks and Precision Fuel & Hydration products; hot food is available at CP5, CP6 and CP8.

Runners must carry mandatory kit for the full event, including a charged mobile phone, GPX or paper map, at least 1 litre water capacity, a foil blanket or survival bag, a primary light source of minimum 75 lumens plus a backup, head covering, basic first aid supplies, a reusable non-collapsible cup, waterproof jacket with hood or spare warm clothing, nutrition and a means to pay. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.