Chiltern Ridge Classic 50K
The Chiltern Ridge Classic 50K is an ultramarathon held on 17 April 2027 in the Chiltern Hills. The route starts at Berkhamsted Castle and finishes at Hampden Meadow in Wendover, following sections of the Ridgeway National Trail and passing Ashridge Estate, Ivinghoe Beacon, Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf Hill. The published course lists 50K with 996 m of elevation gain and is currently slightly long at about 51 km due to HS2 road and footpath closures around Wendover.
The event is limited to 400 runners and has a nine hour time limit. Navigation is fully marked with orange arrows and ribbons, supported by marshals at key points. All competitors must carry a digital GPX route on a watch or phone; a paper map is provided at registration.
There are three full checkpoints located at approximately 14.3 km, 29.6 km and around 42 km. Checkpoints provide water, cola, Precision Fuel & Hydration products, snacks and fresh fruit; satellite water points may be added in hot weather. Toilets are available at the start, finish and all checkpoints, with female only portaloos at start and finish. The event offers coach transfers pre and post race, pop up changing facilities at the finish, course wide medical support, chip timing with live results, finishers medals and race photos. The race is licensed by the Trail Running Association and held under UKA rules. Entry is open to runners aged 20 or older with no qualifying standard. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Race details
Next edition - 17th April 2027
An iconic 50K ultra marathon in the Chiltern Hills, traversing the stunning ridgeline trails between Ivinghoe Beacon & Whiteleaf.
Starting from Berkhamsted Castle our route takes runners to Ashridge, Ivinghoe Beacon, Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf, showcasing some of the best trails and viewpoints in the Chiltern Hills.
Key Information
- Date: Sat, 17th April 2027
- Start Time: 09:00
- Distance / Elevation: 50K / 996m+
- Start/Finish: Berkhamsted Castle to Hampden Meadow, Wendover
- Coach Transfers: Yes - Pre & post race available
- Max Runners: 400
- Time Limit: 9 hours
- Navigation: Fully marked
- Terrain: Trail
- Minimum Age: 20
- Dogs permitted: No
- License: Licensed by the Trail Running Association. Race held under UKA rules.
Route Description
The race starts from the historical grounds of Berkhamsted Castle 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 (139K 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 along to Whiteleaf Hill before looping back into Wendover to complete the 50K distance.
Please note, the current route is slightly long at 51km due to HS2 road and footpath closures affecting the route around the Wendover area.
Aid stations
- Pistone Hill: 14.3KM
- Hampden Meadow, Wendover: 29.6KM