Race details

Next edition - 31st May 2025

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.

Entries are open - We recommened signing as soon as possible, prices will increase by £10 on January 1st.

Enter event

The Ridgeway Challenge - 2025

£112/110 (UKA Affiliated)

Sign-up

There's 22 weeks until this race, enter now while there's plenty of spaces available!

OFFICIAL SITE

This race has a dedicated website with loads more information, check it out.

ridgewaychallenge.com

Key Information

Date

Saturday 31st May 2025

Start Time

10:00

Time allowed

28 hours

Distance/Elevation

86-miles (139km) / 6060ft (1850m+)

Start Location

Ivinghoe Beacon, Hertforshire

Finish Location

Avebury, Wiltshire

Navigation

Permanent Signage + Runaway markers where needed

Max Runners

250

Minimum Age

UTMB Index

License

TRA Permit No. TBC.
Race held under UKA rules.

Entry

Opens July 6th

The 2025 edition of The Ridgeway Challenge has been selected as the British Trail Running Championships, Ultra Distance event.

First, second and third place in both the women's and mens events will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze British Athletics Medals. Age Group prizes are awarded in five year categories from V35 all the way up to V80+.

Route Map

Event Downloads

Last updated - July 2024 - Race Launched

Info document

A downloadable PDF with all key race information.

Coming soon

GPX File

A raw GPX track of the route.

Download

OS Maps

Route trace via Ordnance survey maps, subscription required to view OS map layer.

View

Garmin

Route via Garmin Connect.

View

Google Maps

Interactive route viewable using the Google Maps app

View

Printable Map

An A4 map of the route to print at home.

Coming soon

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.

Checkpoints

CP1 - Wendover

10.1 miles / 16.3km

CP2 - Whiteleaf

16.2 miles / 26.5km

CP3 - Lewknor

26.1 miles / 42.1km

CP4 - Nuffield

34 miles / 54.8km

CP5 - South Stoke

41.7 miles / 67.1km

CP6 - Bury Down

52 miles / 83.7km

CP7 - Sparsholt

61 miles / 98.3km

CP8 - Foxhills

69.4 miles / 111.7km

CP9 - Barbury Castle

79.6 miles / 128.2km

Videos

Keep scrolling for more event info

Route Navigation

The Ridgeway National Trail benefits from permanent signage throughout the entire trail.

For the majority of the race this signage is more than sufficient to direct you the correct way. On some sections where navigation is less clear, the route will be marked by additional race signs.

All runners must carry the race route on their watch/phone or on a physical map, just incase you find yourself off course.

Aid stations

There are nine 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)

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.

View on Google Maps

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, or via a paper map
Water bottles/bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre
Survival blanket or bag: 1.4m x 2m minimum
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/foil blanket)
Re-usable soft cup
Waterproof jacket (must have hood & sealed seams)
Item of warm clothing (long sleeved base layer or fleece)
Basic first aid supplies (plasters/tape/bandage)
Cash or bank card

Entry details

Registration is £112 (or £110 to affiliated runners). Prices will rise by £10 on January 1st 2025. 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

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

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.