North Downs Ridge 50k Trail Ultra - Race Detail

- Route Map for the 50k race is HERE  plus downloadable (OS Maps) GPX FILE HERE & in case of issues to your device not allowing this file, here is a link to an extra file for the route of a GPX from an actual running of the route via a Strava activity

- Parking - Is in Dorking Railway Station car park, a 10 minute walk away. This is a pay and display (FREE on Sundays we believe…) and a short walk to Denbies.

If the weather and conditions allow then the parking will be at the race base in Denbies - this won’t be confirmed until near to the race, but plan for having a short walk from the nearby Station car park.

- Venue - Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA

- Bag Drop - There is ample undercover storage for you to bring warm clothes for before/after the race and leave in our marquee venue space. Any bags / belongings will be left AT YOUR OWN RISK, though there should realistically be members of our team in and around the venue area at all times. (a fairly waterproof bag will be best, as the bag drop area will be on our tarpaulin sheets on the ground in the marquee…)

- Registration is from 8.30am and will be signed and set up in the event HQ marquee within Denbies grounds, adjacent to the start & finish. Here you will receive your race number, any event T-Shirts etc etc. Toilets will be situated here.

- Race start is 10am

- Kit List for this race has been planned to ensure you have AT LEAST the bare minimum with you to be safe in the event of bad weather or accident and takes into account the time of year, regular support on the course and ease of access to the the route should there be an emergency.  This basic kit is mandatory and is to be carried by each participant at all times during the race.  

  • Waterproof Jacket (Windproof not sufficient, must be hooded jacket with taped seams)

  • Hat (Buff or cap acceptable as your head cover)

  • Foil space blanket (even better, one of these!)

  • First Aid Provision - Sterile dressing and bandage as a minimum

  • Charged mobile phone (Waterproofed in plastic freezer bag or equivalent)

  • Hydration system with minimum 500ml capacity

  • Folding Cup for drinks in Checkpoints - there will NOT be plastic/paper cups for participants in this race. suitable for hot drinks but may be carried if you intend on having squash / coke / water only whilst in CP's (you may use your bottles in checkpoints instead of bringing a cup - that’s fine. The point is we will NOT have cups for you at checkpoints!)

  • Basic nutrition (to be supplemented via Checkpoints)

  • Consider an extra layer to have with you in case of accidents or a turn in the weather

  • Headtorch - this is not mandatory for everyone to carry. BUT if you are expecting to be out for around 7 hours or more then you will need one!

- Running poles and Headphones are allowed but please be aware and considerate to other participants and members of the public at all times.  Take headphones out when crossing / following any roads during the route.

- Time Limit is 10 hours from your race start.   This event is purposefully accessible to people wishing to try an Ultra distance running race or for those wishing to walk the whole way. 

- Cut Off There is just one cut off in this race. It is 8 hours at Checkpoint 4 which is at 24 miles. Anyone not reaching this checkpoint by this time will be transported back to the race venue.

- Arrival & Departure  The venue opens at 8 am on Sunday morning and closes at 8.30pm on Sunday evening. 

- 4 Checkpoints will have water, squash, coke and a mixture of sweet and savoury snacks such as sandwiches, crisps, cheese, Tom’s Mum’s flapjack (you’ll know it if you’ve had it before…), chocolate, sweets, bananas, oranges, nuts etc.  

- Route Map for the 50k race is HERE  plus downloadable (OS Maps) GPX FILE HERE & in case of issues to your device not allowing this file, here is a link to an extra file for the route of a GPX from an actual running of the route via a Strava activity

We recommend having a gps device as backup whilst you are running - many running watches allow you to upload the route onto them, or viewranger is a great free app to enable your smartphone to be used as a gps.

- Route Markings are small permanent discs that are generally fixed to posts with an obvious 'North Downs Way’ on them whilst you are on this Trail.  The race route follows just over 12 miles of the North Downs Way from Denbies to the edge of Guildford, then returns the same way before leaving the NDW for a roughly 6 mile loop through Westhumble and Norbury Park. We will also use plentiful race specific signage throughout the route.  These will be small blue arrow signs with the FR from our logo on them, stapled to posts to guide you.