The Ridgeway Chase

The Ridgeway Chase

The Ridgeway Chase is a 60 km point to point ultramarathon that follows the Ridgeway National Trail. The route begins at Ivinghoe Beacon within the Ashridge Estate and finishes at Ridgeway View Campsite near Wallingford, traversing ridgelines, woodland and sections of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs. The course includes about 1000 m of elevation gain and a 10 hour overall time limit.

The event is limited to 150 runners, requires a minimum age of 20, and is licensed by the Trail Running Association and held under UK Athletics rules. It is also listed as a UTMB World Series index race. Open tracking is provided and permanent Ridgeway signage is used on the route, with additional race markers where navigation is less clear; runners must carry the route on a watch, phone or paper map.

There are four checkpoints along the course at Wendover Church (about 17.6 km), Whiteleaf (about 27.9 km), Aston Rowant (about 41.1 km) and Nuffield (about 54.8 km). Checkpoints supply water, soft drinks, electrolyte drink and fuel products, snacks, pre-made sandwiches and fresh fruit; hot water will be available at the third checkpoint. Runners may leave a drop bag at the start for transfer to the finish; the maximum bag size is 50 litres.

Mandatory kit includes a charged mobile phone, GPX route or map, capacity for at least 1 litre of water, a foil blanket or survival bag, a re-usable non-collapsible cup for hot drinks, nutrition and payment method. Pacers are not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.