Race details

The Chiltern Ridge is a 50KM ultra marathon that traverses the stunning ridgeline between Ivinghoe Beacon and Whiteleaf Hill.

The 6th edition will take place on Saturday 27th April 2024 at 9am.

Starting from Berkhamsted our new route takes runners to Ivinghoe Beacon, Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf via The Ridgeway and finishes within Wendover.

Entries are now open! ✅

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50K Ultra Trail

£68 unaffiliated / £66 affiliated

 

Key Information

Date/Time
Saturday, 27th April 2024, 0900
Distance / Elevation
50.4K / 996m+
Start/Finish
Berkhamsted Castle (TBC)/ Hamdpden Meadow, Wendover
Finish
Hampden Meadow, Wendover
Coach Transfer to start
Yes - Book during sign-up
Max Runners
250
Time Limit
9 hours
Navigation
Marked - Arrows + ribbons
Terrain
Trail
UTMB Qualifier
UTMB World Series Index Race
Price
£66 (UKA affiliated)/ £68 (Unaffiliated)
Minimum Age
20
License
TRA Permit Pending.

Please scroll down to find a list of resources, such as GPX files, maps, videos and more.

View resources

Route Description

The race starts from the historical grounds of Berkhamsted Castle (TBC) and finishes within Hampden Meadow in Wendover.

The Ridgeway National Trail traverses these two locations and runners join the trail from Ivinghoe Beacon, having completed an enjoyable undulating first 10K through the Ashridge Estate (National Trust).

The trail from Ivinghoe to Aldbury is arguably the best 5K of the entire Ridgeway (135K long!) and will treat runners to some brilliant views.

As the route heads towards Wendover there are many ancient woodlands and rolling hills to tackle.

After a pit-stop in Wendover the route continues up Coombe Hill and alongWhiteleaf Hill and looping back to complete the 50K distance.

Pistone Hill Car Park
15.1KM
WC
Runaway HQ, Wendover
28.9KM
WC
The Plough
42.8KM
WC

Event resources

Last updated - 14th Sept - New Route

GPX File
OS Maps
Garmin
TBC
Google Maps
TBC
Printable map (PDF)
TBC
Info document
A downloadable PDF with all key race information.
TBC

Route Map

Previous editions

Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2022
Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2021
Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2020
Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 2019

Keep scrolling for more event info

Race Navigation
Race checkpoints

Aid stations

There are three checkpoints on the route, details of the locations will be confirmed soon.

  • Water
  • Coke
  • Mountain fuel electrolyte drink (pre-mixed, raw flavour)
  • Mountain fuel energy gels (lime or orange)
  • Selection of crisps and sweets
  • Tribe energy bars
  • Fresh fruit (banana, orange)
Event base

Event base

Our new event finish will be hosted at Hampton Meadow in Wendover.

Hot drinks, food and local beer will be available.

We recommend runners park at Wendover Train Station and take the coach transfer to the start (20 min).

View on Google Maps

Required Gear

Required gear

All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:

  • Mobile phone (emergency number saved)
  • Route map on watch/phone or paper map (provided)
  • Windproof or light jacket
  • Refillable water/hydration system (0.5L min)
  • Cash or bank card

Entry details

Registration is £68 (or £66 to affiliated runners), runners must be aged 20 years or older.

  • Entry to the 50KM race
  • Event permitted by the TRA
  • Finishers medal
  • Chip timing with live results
  • Three on-route aid stations
  • Course wide medical support
  • Free on-route photos

Tehnical race t-shirts will be available to purchase during registration and on the event day.

Entry details

Event FAQs

We've answered some common questions below. Please contact us if you have any further queries.

How difficult is this race?

The Chiltern Ridge 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 9-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 9-hour time limit for this race. Anyone running significantly behind this time at each checkpoints will be monitored and maybe advised to stop for safety reasons.

Where can toilets be found at this event?

There will be temporary toilets at the event base. The majority of these will be unisex, however we will have some female-only portaloos that have sanitary products available.

Are there changing facilities available?

Yes, there will be pop-up changing tents at the finish base for runners to use.

How can I attend this event without a car?

Berkhamsted and Wendover both have train stations very close to the event start and finish locations.

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 via by loading the 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).

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
Race Credits
More than 12 weeks before race day
75%
4-12 weeks before race day
50%
2-4 weeks before race day
25%
Less than two weeks to race day
0%

To make a withdrawal request, please follow the button below and fill in the form.

Withdraw from race
Event withdrawal

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

Good organisation , great people, excellent route marking , all put together to make a super event. Even a bit of weather to add to the atmosphere :)

Edward

Chiltern Ridge 50km, 2021

Event partners

National Trust
The Ridgeway National Trail
UTMB World Series
She Races
Ugoku Projects
Chiltern Society
Mountain Fuel
50km -8th October 2023
10.2km -10th December 2023
10km -7th April 2024
21.1km & 10.6km -13th April 2024
50km -27th April 2024
50km -26th May 2024
21.2km -16th June 2024
21.2km -14th July 2024
50km -14th September 2024