The Ridgeway Challenge

The Ridgeway Challenge

The Ridgeway Challenge is an 86 miles (139km) point to point trail running race along the full length of The Ridgeway National Trail, running from Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire to the Avebury Stones in Wiltshire. The course records approximately 6060 ft (1850 m+) of ascent and is held with a 28 hour overall time limit.

The event is limited to 150 runners and entrants must be at least 20 years old. The race is licensed by the Trail Running Association and held under UKA rules. It is also an UTMB World Series index race. Permanent Ridgeway signage is used for route navigation, with additional event markers on less clear sections. Open GPS tracking is provided for all runners.

There are eight checkpoints along the route, including 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 supply drinks, basic food, some hot food at selected stations, and hot water at several locations.

Runners must carry mandatory equipment for the full event, such as a charged mobile phone and access to the route (GPX or paper map), a minimum 1 litre water capacity, a foil blanket, primary and backup lights, a waterproof jacket or spare warm clothing, basic first aid, nutrition and payment. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.