Runaway Racing
Toggle Full Menu

Race details

Next edition - 5th April 2025

An iconic ultra in the Chilterns, traversing the stunning ridgeline trails between Ivinghoe Beacon & Whiteleaf.

Starting from Berkhamsted Castle our new route takes runners to Ashridge, Ivinghoe Beacon, Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf, showcasing some of the best trails and viewpoints in the Chiltern Hills.

Enter event

50K Ultra Trail

£70/£68 (UKA Affiliated)

There's 17 weeks until this race, enter now while there's plenty of spaces available!

 

Key Information

Date
Saturday 5th April 2024
Start Time
09:00
Distance / Elevation
50K / 996m+
Start/Finish
Berkhamsted Castle to Hampden Meadow, Wendover
Coach Transfers
Book during registration
Max Runners
350
Time Limit
9 hours
Navigation
Fully marked
Terrain
Trail
UTMB Index
UTMB World Series Index Race
Price
£70/68
Minimum Age
20
Dogs permitted
No
License
TRA Permit Pending.
Race held under UKA rules.

We are proud to be partnered with the Chilterns Neuro Centre, supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s & stroke survivors.

Learn More

You will find Precision Fuel & Hydration products at all our aid stations. Check out their planner to tune up your race nutrition.

Launch Planner

Image Highlights

Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K Image highlights from the Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K

Route Map

Event Downloads

Last updated - 1st April - Wendover section finalised after HS2 closure

Info document
A downloadable PDF with all key race information.
GPX File
A raw GPX track of the route.
OS Maps
Route trace via Ordnance survey maps, subscription required to view OS map layer.
Garmin
Route via Garmin Connect.
Google Maps
Interactive route viewable using the Google Maps app
Printable Map
An A4 map of the route to print at home.

Route Description

The race starts from the historical grounds of Berkhamsted Castle and finishes within Hampden Meadow in Wendover.

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 (135K 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.

Checkpoints

Pistone Hill Car Park
15.1KM
WC
Runaway HQ, Wendover
28.9KM
WC
The Plough
42.8KM
WC

Videos

Previous editions

Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2024
Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2023
Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2022
Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2021
Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2020
Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2019

Keep scrolling for more event info

Race Navigation
Race checkpoints

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

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.

View on Google Maps

Required Gear

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 £70 (or £68 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

Tehnical race t-shirts will be available to purchase during registration and on the event day.

Entry details

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 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.

Withdrawal date
Credits issued
More than 4 weeks before race day
90%*

*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
Event withdrawal

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

Event partners

National Trust
The Ridgeway National Trail
Chilterns Neuro Centre
Precision Fuel & Hydration
English Heritage
UTMB World Series
She Races
Ugoku Projects
Chiltern Society

Our trail running races

Chiltern Hills Invitational 8th Dec 24
Chiltern Ridge Ultra 50K 5th Apr 25
Chiltern Hills 100K 26th Apr 25
The Ridgeway Challenge 31st May 25
Tewinbury Trail 10K 8th Jun 25
Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 22nd Jun 25
Chiltern Ridge Half Marathon 6th Jul 25
Hughenden Manor Half Marathon 19th Jul 25
Hughenden Manor 10K 19th Jul 25
Wendover Woods 5 & 10K 1st Aug 25
Suffolk Coastal Path 50K 13th Sep 25
North Chilterns 50K 12th Oct 25
Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K 8th Nov 25
Greensand Country 50K Returns in 2026

Past results & photos

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

Browse