What date is the next event and when do registrations open?
The eigth edition of the Wendover Woods 50 will take place on Saturday 9th November 2024. Registrations will open on Saturday 23rd September 2023 at 1000.
How tough is the course?
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 10,000ft of climbing (200 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 medal
Is there a limit to the number of entries into each distance/ Can I enter on race day?
Entries are open up to when the entry limit is reached. No entries will be accepted after that date and there will be no entries on the day. There will be no waiting list held for this event.
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 2020 and race day. 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 back through the link provided in the email you receive upon entering the event. You may also email us by clicking here with details.
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.
- The race is cupless which means you must bring a cup with you. Soft cups are available at the store here.
- Any runner starting any loop after 1300 must take a primary light source/ head lamp out with them on the course - Minimum 75 Lumens
- Any runner starting any loop after 1300 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?
Live times will be published as runners come through aid stations. 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 trail immediately inside the woods after passing out of the field through the metal gate. This is a wide vehicle track with plenty of space to accomodate the starting field. Runners will be walked to that location at 0915 on race morning.
In the highly unlikely event of the field being waterlogged and not viable for parking on the day then a nearby contingency parking area will be established. In those circumstances, runners would not be able to access their vehicles between loops but would still have use of the drop bag facility, allowing access to supplies at the end of every loop. This scenario will only be necessary in extreme circumstances and will be communicated as far as possible prior to the race, usually 3 or more days out. It has not been necessary to use this contingency in any previous years.
What facilities are there at the Start/ Finish?
Start/ Finish: Free On Site Parking, Toilets, Water, Free Hot Food and Drinks (Runners only and includes vegetarian and vegan options).
There are NO sleeping facilities at the start or finish.
Can I camp overnight in the field before or after the event?
No, our permission to use Trig Point field extends only to official vehicles and set up for the hours outside of race registration to final cut off.
What time does the race start?
0930 on Saturday 9th November 2024. Your tracker and race number will not be posted to you before race day, you will be able collect it from registration.
Are pacers allowed?
Pacers are not permitted anywhere on the course.
Are crews allowed?
Crews are not permitted anywhere on the course.
Where can supporters go?
Please see the video here for details on what the terms crews, pacers and supporters mean and where and when the three groups are permitted at our events.
Supporters are welcome anywhere out on course, with the exception of Hale Lane Aid Station. Please note, nothing must be handed to or received from runners out on course, that is deemed as crewing. As above, runners may only receive assistance from crew at the Start/ Finish of each loop up at Trig Point field.
Can I leave a bag at the start/ finish to re-supply from each lap?
Yes, your Drop/ Finish Line Bag may be deposited at registration, whereupon they will be stored in number order and accessible to runners at the end of each 10 mile loop. Bags should be clearly labelled with runners name and bib number. Drop bags must NOT exceed 50 litres in size.
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. There are also toilets adjacent to the cafe at mile 1 of each loop.
What are the prizes/ awards?
All finishers will receive a medal or can opt out in favour of Trees not Tees.
The male and female overall winners will each take home the Centurion Trophy.
Further Prizes will be awarded to 2nd and 3rd Placed Male and Female. Age Group Prizes will be awarded for first male and female Vet40, 50, 60 and 70.
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, Tailwind, Gu Energy Gels, Fruit, Chocolate, Crisps, Nuts, Sandwiches/ Wraps and other sweet and savoury snacks. Hot drinks will be available from the start of Loop 2 onwards. 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 (0930 GMT Saturday 28 days prior) are eligible for a 70% refund. Withdrawals after that time will not be refunded as all race day costs have been incurred by that stage and you will not be replaced.
To withdraw please find your entry here and click the Cancel button. Your card will automatically be refunded the 70% fee up to 4 weeks before race day. After this time, you can still cancel your entry, but without any refund.
There are no deferals or transfers to alternative/ later events. Exception to this is ONLY for pregnancy and in which case you must notify us by email of your pregnancy no later than 4 weeks prior to race day to be eligible for a 100% refund. 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. Event cancellation due to reasons such as Coronavirus or other such pandemic, public health, local authority travel and movement restrictions and bans of any kind etc. are beyond our control and no refund will be given in such 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.
Is the race a qualifier for UTMB, Western States, Spartathlon or Hardrock?
Yes the race is a UTMB Index Event.
How do I get in touch?
Please email us at [email protected] for any questions at all.
