Since 2013, Race to the Stones has welcomed tens of thousands of runners, walkers, and joggers to the Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest path, to traverse 5,000 years of history on an epic journey towards the Avebury standing stones UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whilst the full 100km journey from Lewknor to Avebury has always been the flagship event at Race to the Stones, since day one we’ve hosted two separate 50km events across the race weekend. The first – Day One – starts on Saturday morning and runs from Lewknor to our Lattin Down basecamp near Wantage, whilst the second – Day Two – starts on Sunday morning at Lattin Down and heads towards Avebury.
In the last few years, as ultramarathons have grown in popularity, we’ve seen more and more people signing up for these 50k events. Only 8km or 5 miles longer than a marathon, the 50k distance is achievable for a wide range of athletes and is a perfect entry point for exploring the world of ultras.
In recognition of this challenging but achievable distance, we will be changing the names of the two 50km events at Race to the Stones:
- 50k – Day One will now be called Day One – Thames Valley 50k
- Starting in Lewknor, the Thames Valley 50k presents a varied and scenic route that is steeped in history. Crossing England’s longest river at the halfway mark at the ancient twin villages of Goring & Streatley, the route then heads back up onto higher ground, culminating with a triumphant climb towards our iconic Lattin Down basecamp finish line.
- 50k – Day Two will now be called Day Two – Ridgeline 50k
- Sticking to higher ground throughout, the Ridgeline 50k at Race to the Stones is an ideal choice for your first ultramarathon. Passing through a surprisingly isolated stretch of Southern England, you’ll enjoy dramatic views of the vale to the north before finishing alongside the full 100k at the iconic Avebury Standing Stones.
Drawing inspiration from the landscapes they traverse, these new names better reflect the journey you’ll go on when you take part. It is our hope that by giving each race a name which sets it apart, we will be able to more thoroughly recognise and celebrate the monumental achievement of completing a 50km event.
If you’re interested in taking on an ultra next year, find out more about Race to the Stones at the link below.
