Sunday 8th February 2026
Directions: The race HQ and meeting area is on the top of Whiteshute Ridge at the orientation table (OS Grid Ref: SU465275 what three words riverside.shorts.replying).
Please use public transport if you can, or car share where possible and park at Pitt Road park-and-ride which is free on Sundays (Romsey Road Winchester, S022 5PR) and is a 15-20 minute walk from Badger Farm Sainsburys. On this occasion the race organisers have not been given permission to park at Sainsburys. Do be aware there is a 2-hour time limit to park there and is for customers only.
Access to Whiteshute Ridge is between the Community Centre and the rear of the supermarket. Walk down the set of steps next to the Community Centre, then turn right onto a muddy trail which climbs uphill onto the the ridge (a 5-minute walk).
Please note there are no toilets available at this event. The facilities at the Community Centre and Sainsburys/Starbucks are for customers only.
Course: The course is approximately 5 miles long. There is a mixture of grass, mud, chalk and limited tarmac. We strongly recommend trail shoes. The course starts with a loop on the ridge before crossing the bridge over Badger Farm Road, down towards Compton, then a steep ascent to Hurdle Way, a single long circuit behind Olivers Battery and culminating in another modified loop on the ridge, culminating with a climb back to the finish. Expect the usual hazards of tree roots, uneven trails and low hanging branches. Note there are several changes to the course this year, so please study the course map carefully. Marshals will be on the course to direct you. Further course changes may be made in the event of adverse weather in the days before the race.
Cows: We will be starting in an enclosed area which is very likely to have cattle on the day. The White British Cattle are friendly enough but be mindful of them. Our marshals will be at all the gates onto and off the enclosed fields, their job will be to make sure you are safe AND ensure the cows don’t try to leave their field.
It is a short walk from the race village to the start so runners will need to start walking down at 9.25am and we may need to modify the start on the day due to unexpected cattle movement. Be aware that there may well be other members of the public using the area, dog walkers and horse riders etc. please show them courtesy. While we will be supplying water at the end of the race, we encourage you to bring your own drink and reusable cup to the race. And finally, we ask that you do not litter and take your rubbish home with you.
Thank you and have a great race!
Course description:
Beginning at the half-way gate on Whiteshute Ridge, runners will complete a small lap of the ridge before exiting onto the adjacent wooded path which climbs up the top of the ridge. From here, runners will cross the tarmac bridge over Badger Farm Road and turn left to follow the long descent towards Compton.
The course continues with a steep ascent to Hurdle Way, then joins the temporary bridle path which descends to Oliver’s Battery fields. Please note, the temporary bridle path has some short steep descents with loose stones underfoot.
Following a lap of Oliver’s Battery fields, runners will return to the ridge via a different track than the narrow path next to the school as previously. Alterations to the course may be required at short notice.