The Ridgeway Challenge
Race details
Next edition - 30th May 2026
An 86-mile (139km) point-to-point trail running race along the entire length of The Ridgeway National Trail.
Embark on this historic journey from Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire to the Avebury Stones in Wiltshire, following a path that has endured for over 5,000 years.
The next edition will take place on 30th May 2026 - Entries are open and selling fast!
Sign up early to save on entry costs and withdraw anytime up to 4 weeks before the race for a 90% credit, redeemable next year or on any of our other races.
If you don't fancy running the whole Ridgeway in one go, checkout our shorter 60K race, which covers the first 60K of trail, finishing at Ridgeway View Campsite near Wallingford.
General Entry
£172 (£170 Affiliated)
Available until: 31/12/2025
Late Entry
£182 (£180 Affiliated)
Available until: 15/05/2026
There's 26 weeks until this race, enter now whilst there's plenty of time to train!
Key Information
Race held under UKA rules.
Route Map
Image Highlights
Event Downloads
Last updated - March 2025 - Final route updates
Route Description
The route follows the entire length of The Ridgeway National Trail, starting at Ivinghoe Beacon in the East and finishing at Avebury Stones in the West.
Videos
Entrants List
Please note this list does not update immediately after sign-up.
Name
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Comments
Keep scrolling for more event info
Aid stations
There are eight checkpoints (see route description section for more details). All checkpoints will contain the following items.
- 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
- Pre-made sandwiches (jam, peanut butter, cheese)
- Selection of Fresh fruit (banana, orange, watermelon)
- Hot food - Available at South Stoke (CP5 - 41.7 miles / 67.1km) & Ogbourne (CP8 - 76.4 miles / 123km)
- Hot water will be available at all checkpoints at CP3, CP5, CP6, CP7 & CP8.
Event base
We are extremely grateful to the National Trust for their support at both the start and finish of the trail.
The event registration and start takes place at the iconic Ivinghoe Beacon within the Ashridge Estate.
All the way at the finish, you'll be welcomed across the line at Avebury Manor.
Required gear
All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:
- Fully charged mobile phone (switched on throughout)
- Access to the route via GPX on your phone or watch
- Water bottles/bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre
- Foil blanket or survival bag
- Primary light source (min 75 lumens)
- Back up light source (min 25 lumen)
- Head covering (beanie or buff)
- Basic first aid supplies (plasters/tape/bandage)
- Re-usable soft cup
- Waterproof jacket (must have hood & sealed seams)
- Item of warm clothing (long sleeved base layer or fleece)
- Cash or bank card
Entry details
Registration starts at £172 (or £170 to affiliated runners). Prices will increase at various intervals as we get closer to the race. Runners must be 20 or over to enter.
- Entry to race
- Event permitted by the TRA/UKA
- Huge finishers medal
- Chip timing with live results
- GPS Tracking
- Medical support
- Marked/marshalled route
- Drop bag at at CP5 and finish
- Event photos
Event FAQs
We've answered some common questions below. Please contact us if you have any further queries.
Are runners allowed support from crews at this race?
Yes, crews are allowed to support thier runners along the course. However, due to car parking restrictions and to minimise disruption to local people, crews are not permitted at the checkpoint locations. You are welcome to provide support to your runner at any other location.
Are pacers permitted
Yes, pacers are permitted from Goring-on-Thames onwards. Runners should only have 1 pacer with them at any one time, and this person must be on foot (no bicycles, horses or motorised vehicles please!).
What are the cut-off times?
There is an overall 28 hour cutoff for the entire race. Please see our checkpoint page for details of cutoff times at each aid station.
Can I have a drop bag?
Yes, you may drop a bag with us at the start. This bag will be transported to checkpoint 5 (South Stoke) and then on to the finish. The size of this bag should not exceed 50 litres.
What happens if I drop out mid race
If you decide not to continue, this must be done at one of the checkpoint locations, unless there is a medical reason that prevents you from doing so. If you stop prior to CP5, we will transport you to CP5, where you will have access to your drop bag, and can arrange onwards travel/pickup. If you stop after checkpoint 5, we will transport to you to the finish.
What transport options are there to get to the start
We are operating a coach transfer service to the start from Swindon, this will depart at 7am on race morning. Please book this during race signup.
We are also offering transport to the start from both Tring train station, and the Premier Inn nearby, this can also be booked during signup.
What transport options are there at the finish?
You must arrange your own onwards transport from the finish.
If you are getting picked up, there is a large National Trust car park that is open for the full duration of the event.
We will provide details of local taxi firms that operate in the area. Additionally, there are local buses to Swindon and Devizes from ~9am on Sunday morning.
We will provide shelter and warmth whilst you are awaiting pickup, however the are no sleeping facilities at the finish.
Is their hot food available?
Along the route, hot food is available at CP5 (South Stoke) and CP8. Additionally checkpoints 3, 6, 7 & 8 all have hot water available, along with simple food options such as pot noodles and cup soup.
Hot food will be available to all runners at the finish.
How can friends and family follow my progress?
All runners will be given a GPS tracker which broadcasts their location for the full duration of the race.
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.
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
I completed the ridgeway challenge this year (just about). The race benefits from a lovely route in a lovely area of the country. But what really made it stick out for me was how well organised it was, particularly on the day. The aid stations were great. The support provided was also amazing.
Jamie
The Ridgeway Challenge, 2025
Extremely well organised, such a great effort from all the staff and volunteers 👏
James
The Ridgway Challenge, 2025
