Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K
The Chiltern Ridge Winter 50K is a single-loop trail race held on 31 October 2026 with a course length of 50K and around 800 m of elevation gain. The event starts and finishes at Berkhamsted Cricket Club and is limited to 350 runners. The race is licensed by the Trail Running Association and is held under UKA rules; it is also listed as a UTMB World Series index race.
The route passes through Berkhamsted Common and National Trust Ashridge Estate before joining The Ridgeway National Trail. Key turnaround and checkpoint locations include Aldbury and Wendover, after which the course follows sections of the Chiltern Way and returns through Ashridge to Berkhamsted. The course is fully marked and marshals are positioned at road crossings and busy sections. Runners must carry a digital GPX file on a watch or phone, with printed maps provided at registration.
There are three full aid stations and one water only point: Beacon Road water only at 11.9 km, Aldbury Sports Ground at 17.7 km, Runaway HQ Wendover at 30.8 km, and Wigginton Village Hall at 41.4 km. Aid stations offer water, Coke, Precision Fuel & Hydration drinks and gels, snacks, flapjacks and fresh fruit. The race enforces a 9 hour overall cutoff. Required kit includes a mobile phone, GPX route plus paper map, waterproof jacket, warm hat and gloves, extra layer, head torch, and refillable hydration (0.5 L minimum, 1 L recommended). Dogs are not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Key Information
- Date: Saturday 31st October, 2026
- Start Time: 08:30
- Distance / Elevation: 50K / 800m+
- Start/Finish: Berkhamsted Cricket Club
- Max Runners: 350
- Time Limit: 9 hours
- Navigation: Fully Marked
- Terrain: Trail
- Price: £75 (£73 UKA affiliated)
- Minimum Age: 20
- Dogs: Not permitted
- Licence: Licensed by the Trail Running Association (#8215). Race held under UKA rules.
Route Description
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 13KM 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.
Aid stations
- Beacon Road (Water only) - 11.9km
- Aldbury Sports Ground - 17.7km
- Runaway HQ, Wendover - 30.8KM
- Wigginton Village Hall - 41.4km