Got your mandatory kit sorted?
Browse the ultra runners' kit list for all your essential gear.
Chiltern Ridge Classic 50K Ultra Marathon
If you're looking for a stunning, challenging and brilliantly organised 50k ultra, the Chiltern Ridge Classic should be right at the top of your list. Set in the heart of the Chilterns, this isn't a simple looped course, it's a proper point-to-point ultra that showcases the very best trails the region has to offer.
It’s a perfect race for a first-timer looking for an accessible (but tough) challenge, or a seasoned ultrarunner chasing a fast and scenic day out.
Course
This is a 51km ultra with purpose. You'll start your day in the historic grounds of Berkhamsted Castle and finish in the town of Wendover, meaning every step you take is on new ground.
The course packs a punch with 996m of elevation gain. The route guides you through the beautiful Ashridge Estate before joining stretches of iconic national trails, including the famous Ridgeway National Trail.
You'll be working for your views, with climbs up to landmarks like Ivinghoe Beacon, Coombe Hill, and Whiteleaf Hill. The terrain is classic Chilterns: undulating, runnable chalky tracks, woodland paths, and rolling hills.
One of the best features of this race is the navigation. The entire route is fully marked, meaning you can spend less time staring at your watch and more time focusing on your running (and the views).
You can expect three fully-stocked checkpoints on the route (at roughly 15km, 29km and 43km) with water, electrolytes, and a great selection of ultra fuel to keep you going. It also has a generous 9 hours cut-off time, making it a welcoming and achievable ultra marathon for those new to the distance.
For full race details and registration, please visit the official race website.
