Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K

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
ALDBURY SPORTS GROUND
16.5km
WC

RUNAWAY HQ, WENDOVER
29.2KM
WC

COWS ROAST
41.5km

This race will be fully marked, with our orange arrow markers and ribbons.

Marshals will be out on the course aiding navigation at road crossings and busier sections.

All runners must carry a digital version of the route, either on a watch or phone, just in-case you find yourself off course. There will also be printed maps available at registration

Zoom

- Entry to the 50KM race
- Event licensed by the TRA/UKA
- Finishers medal
- Chip timing with live results, including on-course split times
- Three on-route aid stations
- Medical support
- Route photos
- Independent/local race organiser
- UTMB Index Race

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)

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

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).

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.

More than 4 weeks before race day
90%
Credits can be used on future race entries, any time during the following 2 years.