Chiltern Ridge Classic 50K
Race details
Next edition - 18th April 2026
An iconic ultra marathon in the Chilterns, traversing the stunning ridgeline trails between Ivinghoe Beacon & Whiteleaf.
Starting from Berkhamsted Castle our route takes runners to Ashridge, Ivinghoe Beacon, Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf, showcasing some of the best trails and viewpoints in the Chiltern Hills.
Entries are now open - The first 50 participants will recieve a £5 discount.
50K Early Entry
£70 (£68 Affiliated)
50K Standard Entry
£75 (£73 Affiliated)
Key Information
You will find Precision Fuel & Hydration products at all our aid stations. Check out their planner to tune up your race nutrition.
Launch PlannerImage Highlights
Route Map
Event Downloads
Last updated - Jan 2025 - Updated to account for HS2 road closures in Wendover
Route Description
The race starts from the historical grounds of
The Ridgeway National Trail traverses these two locations and runners join the trail from Ivinghoe Beacon, having completed an enjoyable undulating first 10K through the Ashridge Estate (National Trust).
The trail from Ivinghoe to Aldbury is arguably the best 5K of the entire Ridgeway (139K long!) and will treat runners to some brilliant views.
As the route heads towards Wendover there are many ancient woodlands and rolling hills to tackle.
After a pit-stop in Wendover the route continues up Coombe Hill and along to Whiteleaf Hill before looping back into Wendover to complete the 50K distance.
Please note, the current route is slightly long at 51km due to HS2 road and footpath closures affecting the route around the Wendover area.
Videos
Previous editions
Keep scrolling for more event info
Aid stations
There are three full checkpoints on the route, at 15.1km, 28.9km & 42.8km. Satellite water points will be added if the weather is particularly hot. The checkpoints will contain:
- Water
- Coke
- Precision Fuel & Hydration - PH 1000 Electrolyte Drink (pre-mixed)
- Precision Fuel & Hydration - PF 30 Gels
- Precision Fuel & Hydration - PF 30 Chews
- Selection of crisps and sweets
- Chia Charge Mini Flapjacks
- Selection of Fresh fruit (banana, orange, watermelon)
Event base
The event starts at the historic Berkhamsted Castle and will finish at Hampden Meadow in Wendover.
Refreshments will be available at the finish.
Runners are advised to either be dropped off at the start, or to utlise our coach transfer service - See the top of this page for more info.
Required gear
All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:
- Mobile phone (emergency number saved)
- Route GPX on watch/phone + paper map (provided)
- Light jacket or emergency blanket
- Refillable water/hydration system (0.5L min)
- Collapsible Cup
- Cash or bank card
Entry details
Registration is £75 (or £73 to UKA affiliated runners), runners must be aged 20 years or older.
- Entry to the 50KM race
- Event permitted by the TRA
- Finishers medal
- Chip timing with live results
- Three on-route aid stations
- Course wide medical support
- Race photos
Technical race t-shirts will be available to purchase during registration and on the event day.
Event FAQs
We've answered some common questions below. Please contact us if you have any further queries.
How difficult is this race?
The Chiltern Ridge Clasic 50K is considered to be a challenging run on undulating/hilly terrain. That being said, during previous editions of the race we have seen many runners complete this as their first ultra, well within the cutoff time.
Overall drop-out rates are very low and providing you adopt an intelligent strategy, such as a walk/run approach, we are confident all runners can complete this course within the 9-hour cutoff time.
Do I need to qualifiy?
No, there are no qualifiying standards required to enter this race.
I'm worried about getting lost?
Our route will be marked throughout with orange signage/ribbons, along with marshals at several key points. Course checkers will be out during the race ensuring that signage remains in place.
We ask runners to make sure they have access to the route via a phone or watch, to act as a backup in an emergency.
How do I get back to my car?
We recommend using our coach transfer to the start, or back to Berkhamsted after the race, see the top of this page for more details.
What are the cut-off times for this race?
There is an overall 9-hour time limit for this race. Anyone running significantly behind this time at checkpoints will be monitored and may be advised to stop for safety reasons.
Where can toilets be found at this event?
There will be temporary toilets at the event base. The majority of these will be unisex, however we will have some female-only portaloos that have sanitary products available.
Are there changing facilities available?
Yes, there will be pop-up changing tents at the finish base for runners to use.
How can I attend this event without a car?
Berkhamsted and Wendover both have train stations very close to the event start and finish locations.
What footwear should I wear at this race?
Please wear trail running shoes for this race. You will encounter varried terrain along the route that will become slippery/muddy in wet weather conditions.
What prizes are awarded at this event?
There are awards for the top three male and female finishers overall, along with age category awards for FV40, MV40, FV50, MV50, FV60, MV60, FV70, MV70.
How do I follow the route using my phone or watch?
Most GPS watches allow you to upload a GPX file of the route for you to follow whilst running. Typically this is done by loading the route GPX file into the app (i.e Garmin Connect), and then syncing your phone/watch together.
If you don't have a GPS watch we would recommend using OS Maps (£20/year) or Strava Premium (£48/year).
Withdrawal options
By entering our race, you agree to the following withdrawal policy. This policy applies to all runners with the exception of women of cannot compete due to pregnancy.
*Entrants to The Ridgeway Challenge are entitled to defer their entry for up to 2 years, or receive a 90% entry voucher to use on any Runaway Racing event.
Credits can be used on future race entries, any time during the following 2 years.
Withdrawal requests must be completed online via our manage booking functionality.
Manage Booking
It was so well organised both in the weeks building up to it and on the day, and the course was so well marked you couldn’t possibly go wrong out there.
Darren
Chiltern Ridge 50km, 2021
Loved this! Course was beautiful and very well signposted. Friendly and really helpful marshals. Aid stations well stocked. Very well organised- would definitely do again.
Dee
Chiltern Ridge 50km, 2023
