What date is the next event and when do registrations open?
The 1st edition of the Wendover Woods 50 will take place on Saturday 26th November 2016. Registrations will open on Saturday November 21st 2015 at 1000.
How tough is the course?
Very tough. Wendover Woods are situated on a steep hill which forms part of the Chiltern Way Ridge. Some sections of the route are composed of smooth wide forest trails with forgiving grades making for very fast descents and steady runnable climbs. That is contrasted however by sections consisting of single track trail up and down very steep ascents and descents. Much of the course has prominent roots as a feature and there are some areas of small loose stone but these are less numerous than the sections of more groomed trail. During November there will be leaves on the ground, likely damp and that makes some of the terrain very slippery and hard to negotiate. The course totals 9500ft of climbing (190 feet per mile) and the same amount of descent which is not an insiginificant total. To put this in relation to other events, this is 4000ft more than the South Downs Way 50 (115ft per mile).
What do I get for my entry fee?
Principally you get a fully supported race day experience including:
9 fully stocked aid stations including the finish.
Live timings across race weekend for friends and family to track your progress.
Full Medical Support in the form of dedicated race ambulances and roving vehicles as well as static first aid teams and medical volunteers at aid stations.
Finishers t-shirt
Finishers medal
Is there a limit to the number of entries into each distance/ Can I enter on race day?
Entries are open up to and including October 31st 2016. No entries will be accepted after that date and there will be no entries on the day. The race will be limited to the first 200 entrants.
Is there a minimum qualification standard to achieve before I can enter?
No - you may enter without having first qualified. However in order to start you must have completed a minimum of a marathon distance race within the cut off time of that event between 1st January 2013 and 31st October 2016. As organisers, we reserve the right to refuse anybody entry who does not meet this standard.
Click here to read more about what counts as a qualifier.
How do I update my qualifying information
Once registered, you may update your qualification information by heading to this link (link to follow).
Is there mandatory gear to carry on race day?
Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times.
There will be kit checks prior, during and after the race. Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times. A time penalty of one hour will be imposed for any item found to be missing at any point on course. Please refer to this page for explanations on the inclusion of the below items.
There are many options regards kit for fulfilling these requirements and those of other events. We stock what we believe to be the best options at our online store available by clicking here under the Mandatory Gear Section. Please ask us if you have any questions.
- Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Director (on the number you have given at registration)
- Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
- Whistle
- Waterproof Jacket: Gore-tex or similar, minimum 10000mm+ & must have sealed seams.
- Warm Hat - Beanie Hat or Buff (either are accepted)
- Gloves
- Base layer or fleece top - This must be carried separately from the start and kept dry, for use only in an emergency. Starting in 2 layers is not a substitute.
- Any runner starting any loop after 1400 must take a primary light source/ head lamp out with them on the course - Minimum 75 Lumens
- Any runner starting any loop after 1400 must take a Back Up Light source out with them on the course - Minimum 25 Lumens
Is there a way for friends and family to follow online?
There will be a live webcast during the event. Live times will be published as runners come through major aid stations. Twitter updates will also be going out across the weekend. A link to the live site will appear on the homepage in the week leading up to the race.
Are there any road crossings or gates/ stiles to negotiate?
Yes. Whilst the event is predominantly trail, some small sections are along road within the woods to connect trails and there are two road crossings also within the woods which will both be marshalled. There are 4 stiles on the route.
How many aid stations are there?
There will be 10 aid stations including the finish.
Where is the start/ finish?
Race HQ/ Registration/ The Start & finish Check Point are all at 'Trig Point Field', Aston Hill, Halton, Aylesbury, HP22 5NQ. The actual race start itself will be on the main road in to the woods. Runners will be walked to that location at 0740 on race morning. It is 0.3 miles from the field.
What facilities are there at the Start/ Finish?
Start/ Finish: Free On Site Parking, Toilets, Water, Pop-Up Centurion Running Store, Free Hot Food and Drinks (Runners only and includes vegetarian options).
There are NO sleeping facilities at the start or finish.
What time does the race start?
0800 on Saturday 26th November 2016. Your race number will not be posted to you before race day, you will be able collect it from registration. All timings are listed on the schedule page.
Are pacers allowed?
Pacers are not permitted anywhere on the course.
Are crews allowed?
Yes. If you want to have your crew, friends or family meet you you may have them do so but they may only attend to you at Race HQ, the start/ finish of each loop.
Our race permits and the future of the race depend on our positive interaction with the environment and communities through which we run. Any runner found to have crew violating this will be subject to the rule violation procedure.
Can I leave a bag at the start/ finish to re-supply from each lap?
Yes, please deposit these at registration labelled with your name and race bib number.
Will I need a map?
No. The markings will be thorough and continuously managed by our team.
Will there be toilets at the start/ finish or on the race route?
There will be toilets at Race HQ, the start and finish but NOT at the Hale Lane Check Point.
What are the prizes/ awards?
All finishers will receive a a finishers shirt and a medal. The male and female winners will take home first place prizes. There are no awards for non-finishers.
What happens if I need to drop out during the race?
If you have to drop please do so only at an aid station and preferably at Race HQ. Please inform the aid station captain on arrival that you intend to drop and whether you need assistance. If you need to drop out away from an aid station for medical reasons you must phone the race director immediately on the number provided at check in. If you drop at the Hale Lane Aid Station we will arrange for you to be transported back to HQ but you may have to wait so please be patient with the volunteers.
What food and drink will there be on route?
All aid stations will have a full selection of the usual aid station fare and a whole lot more. At a minimum you will be able to pick up Water, Coke, Gu Energy Gels, Fruit, Chocolate, Crisps, Nuts, Sandwiches/ Wraps and other sweet and savoury snacks. There will be hot food available at the finish.
What level of medical support can I expect?
Medical support is of paramount importance to us as organisers. Throughout the event there will be two static medical teams, one at each aid station, and a roving team out on course. Contact numbers for the medical team will be available at registration. They will be contactable round the clock for the duration of the race.
I need to withdraw, what is the refund/ transfer policy?
Withdrawals up to 4 weeks prior to race day are eligible for a 70% refund. Withdrawals after that time will not be refunded for any reason as all race day costs have been incurred by that stage and you will not be replaced. There are no deferals or transfers to alternative/ later events. You must acknowledge that you understand and agree to this policy during the registration process.
If you do not agree with the refund policy please do not enter the event.
What happens if the event is cancelled or abandoned?
Race management reserve the right to modify, at any time, the course or aid station locations listed.
In the case of severe/ extreme weather conditions including but not limited to flooding after the event start, race management reserve the right to abandon the event at any time.
No refunds will be offered in that situation but a suitable alternative will always be sought. If the event cannot take place for reasons out of the control of race management including but not limited to flooding, severe weather or denial of access to the original course (foot and mouth outbreak for example), race management reserve the right to postpone the event to a later date and all entries will be carried forward to the new date. Refunds may not be offered under these circumstances. If the event is cancelled for reasons which require the event to be postponed indefinitely, race management reserve the right to retain all entry fees against costs incurred.
Profile
Below is a profile of 1 x 10 mile loop.
Is the race a qualifier for UTMB, Western States, Spartathlon or Hardrock?
Yes the race is a qualifier for UTMB.
How do I get in touch?
Please email us at [email protected] for any questions at all.
