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17th May 2021

Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2021

The race report from the 3rd edition of our Chiltern Ridge 50km, which took place on 8th May 2021.

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Seven months before this race, at the last running of the Chiltern Ridge, we experienced some truly terrible weather, the kind you dread as an organiser.

Saturday 3rd October 2020 went down in history as the 'Highest 24-hour total rainfall' recorded in the UK, and it felt like it. In the days after that race, it was nice to think that the 2021 race would be back in its warmer weather slot of early May. How wrong we proved to be!

As you will have guessed, this year, things were no different. Once again we were treated to torrential rain and high winds for the majority of the day, with some runners (fortunate to have run both events), saying this time was worse!

As organisers, we don't complain; it's part of the job. However, it genuinely added difficulty to what is already a seriously tough challenge for the runners.

As you would expect, there were a significant number of no-shows on the day, but 134 people did make their way to the top of Aston Hill and through the start line, an increase of ~50 from the previous year.

With an enforced rolling start window of 45 minutes, it was hard to judge the competition. However, the eventual winner Daniel Weller (pictured below) led the race into all three checkpoints and finished in a course record time of 03:49:45.

Daniel Weller, Chiltern Ridge Ultra 2021

Matthew Lock, who placed 3rd in 2020 had started 35 minutes after Daniel and it was clear he wouldn't be far off the pace. With a gap of 7 minutes at CP3 it was going to be close, and after an impressive last 10k he finished 2nd, just 4 minutes off top spot.

Aidan Haibiker, representing 'Birmingham Running, Athletics & Triathlon Club', completed the men's podium finishing in 04:10:30 (1st MV40) - Meaning the top three all finished inside the previous course record.

Emily Reltone, Chiltern Ridge Ultra 2021

In the female race, Emily Reltone (pictured above) from Guildford and Godalming Athletic Club took an impressive victory in 04:33:52, 6th overall and 17 minutes ahead of Sarah Hendry, in 2nd place. Sarah's 2nd podium with us after winning the inaugural Eden Valley 50km in 2020.

Nicola Hueting, our first FV40 runner, took third in 04:53:09.

Other notable performances include:

  • Anna Louis, 04:45:36 - FV50 winner, 4th female
  • Mervyn Moran, 05:19:59 - MV50 winner
  • Neil Willcox, 05:39:24 - MV60 winner

In total there was just 1 DNF, congratulations to all 133 of you that completed the race. Click here for the full results and here for photos.


Join us for the next Chiltern Ridge 50km, click here for more information.

Runaway Racing Trig Point Illustration

Our trail running races

North Chilterns 50K 50km - 13th October 2024
Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K 50km - 16th November 2024
Chiltern Hills Invitational 10km - 8th December 2024
Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K 50km - 5th April 2025
Chiltern Hills 100K 100k - 26th April 2025
The Ridgeway Challenge 86-miles / 139km - 31st May 2025
Tewinbury Trail 10K 10km - 8th June 2025
Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 21.2km - 22nd June 2025
Chiltern Ridge Half Marathon 21.2km - 6th July 2025
Hughenden Manor Half Marathon Half Marathon - 19th July 2025
Hughenden Manor 10K 10K - 19th July 2025
Suffolk Coastal Path 50K 50km - 13th September 2025
Greensand Country 50K 50km - TBC

Past results & photos

Not sure which race to choose, check out our past event results and photos.

Results & photos

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