XNRG Druid’s Challenge

10 November 2023 - 12 November 2023
Tring, uk
Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, UK (England)
YOUR RATING:
0.0/5
trail race
trail
135 KM
1699574400
200 Runners
Difficulty:    beginner
ENTRY FEE:    255 GBP

A three day, 85-mile, 136km, ultra marathon crossing the historic Ridgeway. You’ll be following in the footsteps of travellers, herdsmen and soldiers who have used the Ridgeway since prehistoric times. Be entranced by the ancient landscapes, hidden valleys, beautiful downland and woodland.

As with all of our events, everything is taken care of at the Druid’s Challenge so you can focus on the experience! Overnight accommodation, evening meals, showers, breakfast, food and drink at checkpoints, free parking, and even inspiring guest speakers in the evening are all included.

Early bird entry: £215 until the end of February

Standard entry: £255

Late entry: £280

INCLUDED

  • Overnight accommodation
  • Free parking
  • A fully recced and marked route
  • Full medical cover throughout
  • Toilets, showers and changing facilities
  • Breakfast and evening meals
  • Checkpoint food and water at regular intervals
  • Inspiring guest speakers in the evening
  • A quality finishers t-shirt and medal
  • Prizes and trophies for overall and category winners
  • Action photos en-route, free to download
  • A great atmosphere and a fun but challenging day out

https://youtu.be/j0wGn2VKIGE

ROUTE

The route is a National Trail with plenty of clear signposts and post discs. You’ll also be given a route card, designed to get you through any trickier sections. We recommend familiarising yourself with the route before the start of the race.

INSPIRING EVENING SPEAKERS

We are very pleased to be able to look forward to two inspiring talks on the Saturday evening, from Rory Coleman and Eray Cakir!

Rory Coleman

Rory has spoken at all of our Druid Challenges since we started in 2009 and his knowledge of how to succeed at the MDS is 2nd to none. He will be talking about “The Ultra mindset needed to succeed in the MDS” – a great topic especially in the wake of the 2021 race.

Eray Cakir

Eray is an ultra runner who would love to share his experience of MDS 2017 and his learnings from the ultra world.I always wanted to challenge myself, therefore,  I have completed Marathon Des Sables in 2017 and featured in Ultra-Trail® World Tour 2017 documentary.  I have also completed London 2 Brighton Ultra Marathon in 2019 (110km), Alps Ultra 2021 (1065km), Winter Walk 25km and Summer Walk 25km. I am trying to gain enough UTMB points to qualify for UTMB CCC race. I always had “I can do anything” attitude. I don’t consider myself an experienced runner but would like to share my life changing Ultra Marathon experiences with others.

ENTRIES

You can enter the whole weekend event including food and accommodation or individual days.

Entries will close one week before the event (or when full). A waitlist option will be available if the event becomes fully booked.

ROUTE

A broad track that takes the higher ground, the Ridgeway is a unique route that passes through the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), often quite a distance from any towns or villages, giving a real sense of peace and seclusion. You’ll experience open views of the rolling chalk downland, peppered with ancient monuments including Stone Age long barrows, Bronze Age round barrows, Iron Age forts and white horse chalk figures. It’s a National Trail with plenty of clear signposts and post discs. You’ll also be given a route card, designed to get you through any trickier sections. We recommend familiarising yourself with the route before the start of the race. 

AID STATIONS

There will be three checkpoints each day at regular intervals, fully stocked with water and food.

WE’ve Gone GREEN

Help us do our bit to reduce the impact our events have on the environment by bringing your own reusable or collapsible cups for drinks at checkpoints. Some suggestions we love: the Salomon soft cup and the X cup.

Trees Not Tees

As part of your entry fee you will get an event T-shirt, or you can choose not to have the T-shirt and the money we would pay for the T-shirt will go to Trees not Tees and a tree will be planted instead.

For more details visit their website – https://treesnottees.com/

ACCOMMODATION

You’ll stay at Lord Williams’s Lower School in Thame (OX9 3NW) on the first night and Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot, OX11 8AY on the second night, with sleeping accommodation in a large hall.

Don’t fancy sharing accommodation during the event? We’ll be running minibus shuttles to and from three local hotels during the event.

GETTING THERE

There are plenty of options for reaching the start and finish points of the Druid’s Challenge.

By train to the start: Trains run regularly from London Marylebone to Tring, taking roughly 35 minutes. It’s a short shuttle ride from the Station to the registration point.

Event Organiser

Katie Allen

Event Organiser

Brian Thubron

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Global - Virtual

Elevation

A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for

For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Elevation

An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for

Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Brutal

Elevation

Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude)

Suitable for

Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Expert

Elevation

Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat)

Suitable for

Experienced runners who have completed at least 4 ultras in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Advanced

Elevation

Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for

Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Intermediate

Elevation

Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for

Runners who have completed at least one ultra in last 6 months or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Beginner

Elevation

Very little change < 500 metres

Suitable for

First ultra event. Runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running (>26 miles) in the last 6 months.