Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K
Race details
Next edition - 16th November 2024
Our new winter route takes runners around a stunning 50K loop from Berkhamsted, featuring large sections along The Ridgeway.
Join us on Saturday 16th November for the first edition of the Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K, entries are now open.
Our route follows a classic set of trails in the heart of the Chilterns with plenty of great views and woodland trails - One last challenge for 2024?
50K Ultra
£70/£68 (UKA Affiliated)
There's 15 weeks until this race, get your entry in soon!
Key Information
Race held under UKA rules.
Image Highlights
Route Map
Event Downloads
Last updated - May 2024
Route Description
The race starts from Berkhamsted Cricket Club with a segment through Berkhamsted Common and along to National Trust's Ashridge Estate.
Runners join The Ridgeway National Trail and follow it along the stunning section through to Aldbury (CP1).
From Aldbury the journey along The Ridgeway continues for another 12KM to Wendover (CP2).
Wendover is the furthest point out and here runners turn and begin to follow the Chiltern Way on a more intricate set of paths featuring much more single track and woodland running.
The loop winds its way back into Ashridge and finishes with a nice downhill approach back into Berkhamsted.
Checkpoints
Keep scrolling for more event info
Aid stations
There are three full checkpoints on the route. Each 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 and finishes at Berkhamsted Cricket Club.
Refreshments will be available at the finish.
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)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm hat & gloves
- Additional warm layer
- Head Torch
- Emergency blanket
- Reusable cup
- Refillable water/hydration system (0.5L min, 1L recommended)
- 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
- Free on-route photos
Tehnical 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 Winter 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 8.5-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.
What are the cut-off times for this race?
There is an overall 8.5-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 toilets at the event base and at the first two checkpoint locations
Are there changing facilities available?
Yes, there are changing rooms with showers available at the finish.
How can I attend this event without a car?
Berkhamsted train stations is a 5 min walk to the start finish and has very regular trains in and out of London.
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
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Past results & photos
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