The Ridgeway Challenge 86 Miles (138km), The R86, is a fully supported continuous running event that starts at Ivinghoe Beacon near Tring and ends at Avebury Stone Circle. The route is 86 miles along The Ridgeway National Trail, a 5000 year old trackway through the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs (along Grim’s Ditch for several miles), Barbury Castle and Liddington Castle (hill forts) en route, way marked throughout with 1929m (6328 feet) ascent 1991m (6532 feet) descent. The event hosts the British Trail Running Championships Ultra Distance.
Held under UK Athletics Rules for Competition. Permit Number 5281 issued by the TRA.
The race in 2023 is special - not only is it the 20th running of the Ridgeway 86, but on a much wider scale 2023 is the 50th anniversary of the Ridgeway National Trail. The anniversary year has a focus on the heritage, places and people along the Ridgeway, and this includes our community of runners!
National Trails have created an anniversary page, which you can check out here - this includes news and activities, as well as resources, such as leaflets, aimed at all trail users.
Fancy volunteering?
Not ready to run in 2023? Or just fancy volunteering instead? Our volunteers make this race and we are priviledged that we have a combination of local running clubs and individuals giving up their time to support the race. If you would like to join us at one of the aid stations or the start/finish in 2023, please hit the button below and get in touch.If you are able to volunteer for 8 hours or more, we will offer you a free place for the 2024 race.
For 2023, there will be one start time of 1000 for all runners
You can find information here about qualifying, logistics and entry pricing.
The TRA is an associate member of UK Athletics (UKA) and stages the British Trail Running Championships.
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