The Ridgeway Challenge

Event overview

The Ridgeway Challenge is a point-to-point trail running race that follows the full length of The Ridgeway National Trail. The course distance is 86 miles (139 km) with approximately 6060 ft (1850 m) of elevation gain. The next edition is scheduled for 30 May 2026. The event has a 28-hour time limit, a maximum field of 250 runners and a minimum entry age of 20. It is a UTMB World Series Index Race and holds TRA licence 7125; the race is held under UKA rules. Open tracking is provided and permanent Ridgeway signage is used, with additional race markers on less clear sections.

Route, aid and logistics

The race starts at Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire and finishes at Avebury Stones in Wiltshire. There are eight official checkpoints:

• CP1 Wendover - 10.1 miles / 16.3 km
• CP2 Whiteleaf - 17.3 miles / 27.9 km
• CP3 Aston Rowant - 25.5 miles / 41.1 km
• CP4 Nuffield - 34 miles / 54.8 km
• CP5 South Stoke - 41.7 miles / 67.1 km
• CP6 West Ilsley - 52 miles / 83.7 km
• CP7 Uffington - 64.6 miles / 104 km
• CP8 Ogbourne St George - 76.4 miles / 123 km

Checkpoints provide water, electrolyte drink, gels and chews, snacks, sandwiches and fresh fruit. Hot food is offered at CP5 and CP8, and hot water is available from CP3 onwards. Drop bags are permitted at CP5 and the finish. The National Trust supports the start and finish locations.

Entry and requirements

General entry is shown at £172 (£170 affiliated) with a late entry price of £182 (£180 affiliated). Mandatory kit includes a charged mobile phone, GPX or paper map, minimum 1 litre water capacity, foil blanket, primary light (min 75 lumens), backup light (min 25 lumens), head covering, waterproof jacket with hood and sealed seams, an item of warm clothing, basic first aid supplies and a reusable soft cup. A withdrawal more than four weeks before the race receives a 90% credit valid for two years. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.