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Race details

Next edition - 30th May 2026

The Ridgeway Chase is a 60km point-to-point ultramarathon following the historic Ridgeway National Trail.

Starting at the iconic Ivinghoe Beacon, runners will journey along ancient trails and scenic ridgelines, across the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs. The route finishes at Ridgeway View Campsite, near Wallingford.

Taking place alongside the longer Ridgeway Challenge, the Ridgeway Chase offers a shorter, more accessible way to experience this iconic route, a perfect introduction to the full challenge.

The Ridgeway Challenge 86 miles
This race is held alongside The Ridgeway Challenge, an 86-mile adventure along the entire length of the trail.

Enter event

General Race Entry

£82 (£80 Affiliated)

Available until: 31/01/2026

Late Entry

£92 (£90 Affiliated)

Available from: 01/02/2026

Coming soon
 

Key Information

Race info
Date
Saturday 30th May 2026
Start Time
09:30
Time allowed
10 hours
Distance/Elevation
60K / 1000m+
Start Location
Ivinghoe Beacon
Iconic start of The Ridgeway National Trail
Finish Location
Ridgeway View Campsite
Near Wallingford
Navigation
Marked
Transport/Parking
Free parking available at the finish, with coach transfers to the start pre-race.
Max Runners
200
Minimum Age
20
UTMB Index
UTMB World Series Index Race
License
TRA License TBC.
Race held under UKA rules.

Route Map

Image Highlights

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Event Downloads

Last updated - November 2025

Runners Guide
A downloadable PDF with all key race information.
GPX File
A raw GPX track of the route.
Route via Ordnance Survey maps
View the route on Strava
Interactive route via Google Maps

Route Description

The route follows the first 60K of The Ridgeway National Trail, starting at Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire, and finishing at Ridgeway View Campsite, near Wallingford. This section is argulably the most scenic the trail offers, with stunning ridgeline views and woodland trails throughout.

Aid stations
CP1 - Wendover
10.1 miles / 16.3km
WC
CP2 - Whiteleaf
17.3 miles / 27.9km
CP3 - Aston Rowant
25.5 miles / 41.1km
WC
CP4 - Nuffield
34 miles / 54.8km
WC

Keep scrolling for more event info

Race Navigation
Race checkpoints

Aid stations

There are four 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, marmite, cheese)
  • Selection of Fresh fruit (banana, orange, watermelon)
  • Hot water will be available at CP3.
Event base

Event base

We are extremely grateful to the National Trust for their support of the race.

The event registration and start takes place at the iconic Ivinghoe Beacon within the Ashridge Estate.

The finish line is at Ridgeway View Campsite, which is situated awesome location, directly off the Grims Ditch section of The Ridgeway.

Please note, that parking is available at the finish for those wanted to take the coach transfer to the start. Additionally spectators are welcome to park on site in order to see their runner finish and take them for a well earned drink after!

Camping is available on site, please contact Ridgeway View Campsite directly to arrange this.

View on Google Maps

Required Gear

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 0.5 litre
  • Foil blanket or survival bag
  • Re-usable soft cup
  • Windproof or Waterproof jacket
  • Cash or bank card

Entry details

Registration starts at £82 (or £80 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 licensed by the TRA/UKA
  • Finishers medal
  • Chip timing with live results
  • Medical support
  • Marked/marshalled route

Entry details

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

No, runners are not permitted to have pacers at this race.

What are the cut-off times?

There is an overall 10 hour cutoff for the entire race.

Can I have a drop bag?

Yes, you may drop a bag with us at the start, this will be transported to the finish for you. It must not exceed 50 litres in size.

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. Our sweeper minibus will transport you to the finish location, where you can arrange onwards travel or pickup.

What transport options are there to get to the start

Before the race, We are operating a coach service to the start from the finish. This will depart at approximately 07:30am on race morning. You may park you car at the finish for the duration of the race.

What transport options are there at the finish?

You must arrange your own onwards transport from the finish.

There is parking available at the finish base for spectators to see you in and transport you home.

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%

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

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

Event partners

National Trust
The Ridgeway National Trail
Ridgeway Adventures
UTMB World Series
Trail Running Association

Our trail running races

Chiltern Hills Invitational 30th Nov 25
Chiltern Ridge Classic 50K 18th Apr 26
Chiltern Hills 100K 9th May 26
The Ridgeway Challenge 30th May 26
The Ridgeway Chase 30th May 26
Dunstable Downs Half Marathon 21st Jun 26
Chiltern Ridge Half Marathon 5th Jul 26
Race The Light at Wendover Woods 18th Jul 26
Suffolk Coastal Path 50K 12th Sep 26
Wild Run Cotswolds 4th Oct 26
Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K 31st Oct 26
North Chilterns 50K 21st Nov 26