The Ridgeway Challenge
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About the race
The Ridgeway Challenge is a point to point trail running race that follows the full length of The Ridgeway National Trail from Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire to the Avebury Stones in Wiltshire. The course covers 86 miles (139 km) with approximately 6060 ft (1850 m+) of ascent and a total time limit of 28 hours. The race is limited to 150 runners and entrants must be at least 20 years old.
The route is permanently signposted as the National Trail and is fully marked for the first 60 km, with additional race signs on sections where permanent signage is poor. Open GPS tracking is provided for all runners. The event is licensed by the Trail Running Association and held under UK Athletics rules, and it is listed as a UTMB World Series index race.
There are eight staffed checkpoints along the route at the following approximate mileages: Wendover Church (10.9 miles), Whiteleaf (17.3 miles), Aston Rowant (25.5 miles), Nuffield (34 miles), South Stoke (41.7 miles), West Ilsley Village Hall (52.8 miles), Uffington (65.8 miles), and Ogbourne St George (77 miles). Checkpoints provide water, electrolyte drinks, gels and chews, snacks, fresh fruit, and hot food at selected locations; hot water is available at several later checkpoints.
Runners must carry mandatory kit for the duration of the race, including a charged mobile with the route, route access via GPX or paper map, water capacity of at least one litre, a foil blanket or survival bag, primary and backup light sources, a waterproof jacket with hood or a spare warm item, basic first aid supplies, a reusable cup, nutrition, and payment method. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
