On Saturday 23rd August Scott Morley and Chris Glen undertook the “Ridgeway Challenge”, organised by the Trail Running Association with help at the checkpoints from local running clubs.
The event is an 86 mile run along a 5000 year old trackway through the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs, taking in Barbury Castle and Liddington Castle (hill forts) en route. It includes 9,000 feet of ascent.
Scott reports back:
A midday start on Saturday 23rd August from Ivinghoe Beacon in the Chilterns along the 86mile Ridgeway path. The weather was good as it was sunny but not too hot, and we only had to put up with 1½ hour of rain in the afternoon. The first half was in the daylight and meant we could enjoy the lovely countryside as well as being able to follow the Ridgeway Trail markings. The majority of the second half was in the dark until sunrise, so the challenge was staying awake and moving during the early hours. It was a tough challenge but was made possible with the excellent organisation of the race including the best stocked up checkpoints along the way with all sorts of sweet and savoury foods, tea, coffee, water etc. with hot food at the halfway checkpoint. The marshals were brilliant, and their help and encouragement was much appreciated. We finished in Avebury in Wiltshire on Sunday morning, myself in 20 hours 55 and Chris 22 hours 38, both knackered and glad to see the finish.
Well done to both of you for completing this awesome challenge!
More information can be found at: http://www.tra-uk.org/ridgewayinfo2014