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 now open.
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.
We’re putting together a half-distance race (~70km) to run alongside the main Ridgeway Challenge. More details coming your way soon!
Early Entry
£162 (£160 Affiliated)
Available until: 31/08/2025
General Entry
£172 (£170 Affiliated)
Available until: 31/12/2025
Late Entry
£182 (£180 Affiliated)
Available until: 15/05/2026
There's 38 weeks until this race, enter now whilst there's plenty of time to train!
Key Information
Race held under UKA rules.
Route Map
Training hub
Looking for help getting ready for this event? Visit our training hub for help and support.
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
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 from CP3 onwards.
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, or via a paper map
- 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)
- Basic first aid supplies (plasters/tape/bandage)
- Cash or bank card
Entry details
Registration starts at £162 (or £160 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
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
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
Our trail running races
Past results & photos
Not sure which race to choose, check out our past event results and photos.