The Ridgeway Chase

The Ridgeway Chase

The Ridgeway Chase is a 60 km point-to-point ultramarathon following the first section of The Ridgeway National Trail. The route starts at Ivinghoe Beacon and finishes at Ridgeway View Campsite near Wallingford, crossing the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs with roughly 1000 m of ascent.

The event is organised by Runaway Racing and licensed by the Trail Running Association. It is limited to 150 entrants and has a minimum entry age of 20. The race carries a UTMB World Series index and uses chip timing with live results. Open tracking is provided and permanent Ridgeway signage is used, with additional race markers where navigation is less clear.

There are four checkpoints stocked with drinks, Precision Fuel & Hydration products, snacks and fresh fruit; hot water is available at CP3. Checkpoint locations and distances from the start are: CP1 Wendover Church (17.6 km), CP2 Whiteleaf (27.9 km), CP3 Aston Rowant (41.1 km), CP4 Nuffield (54.8 km). The overall time allowance for the course is 10 hours.

Runners must carry required kit for the whole event, including a charged mobile phone, access to the GPX route or a paper map, at least 0.5 litre water capacity, a foil blanket or survival bag, a reusable soft cup, a windproof or waterproof jacket, and cash or bank card. Drop bags up to 50 litres can be left at the start for transfer to the finish. Coach transfers to the start are provided from the finish and parking is available at the finish. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.