This page is designed to help people who want to cheer/ support their runner on course. Before we come to the options for good locations from which to spectate, we need to be clear on three items. We make no apologies for being explicit in these directions, you directly threaten the future of this event if you disobey these rules, hence the pretty severe terms! Please see the video here for details on crews, pacers and supporters and where and when the three groups are permitted at our events.
Rest assured that we will thoroughly take care of your runner during their race. There are 6 check points manned by volunteers with extensive supplies at each. The course is fully marked. Part of this sport is about self sufficiency on the trail and runners should be aware that they are responsible for themselves out on the trail. But they will be fully catered for as much as is possible in a 50 mile trail race.
Supporters are not allowed at the check point locations, full stop. Not by foot, by bicycle and most definitely not by vehicle. Many of the check points at this event are the size of a handful of parking spaces, which are used for the volunteers cars and the check point itself. Our permissions from landlords and the Trail managers, exist because we guarantee a specific number of cars and people attending each site. Please do not threaten the future of the race by breaking this rule. Your runner risks DQ if you visit any official check point. Please be sure that not at a check point, does not mean 10 metres away. Please be sensible. Please do not park at a check point and then walk down the trail. It is the parking at the check point that is the primary issue.
Crewing is not allowed anywhere. Your runner will be disqualified if you provide them any outside assistance. Crewing refers to handing them food, drinks or any kind of physical assistance. Words of encouragement are great! Do not run alongisde your runner even 'just for a few minutes'. That is pacing.
Goring. Goring is the centre of the race, the start and the finish. At Goring, supporters are allowed into the hall when their runner finishes.
So, on to some ideas for locations from which to support. This is not an exhaustive list, within reason you can walk down the trail to meet the runner anywhere that isn't a check point. But please be sensible with parking and access.
Location: National Trust Car Park, Watlington Hill, OX49 5HS
Approx Mileage: 31
Brief Description: The route turns off the road just after Christmas Common, through the eastern edge of this car park. this is a great place to park up and watch runners through. Please pay the appropriate National Trust Car Park fees.
Location: Nuffield Church, RG9 5SN
Approx Mileage: 38.5
Brief Description: Runners pass directly adjacent to the church at Nuffield, on the Ridgeway. The church car park is open to the public but has limited spaces. Please do not block the car park and ensure to be courteous to the other residents in this small village.
Location: King William IV Pub, Hailey, OX10 6AD
Approx Mileage: 42
Brief Description: The route goes up the road, begtween the pub gardens two sides. If you park here to watch runners, please patronise the Pub. Under no circumstances use their parking and facilities without offering something in return otherwise we will simply not be welcome in the future.
