The Chalk Stream Ultra

The Test Way (Chalk Stream) is a 44-mile long-distance footpath in England that stretches from Walbury Hill in West Berkshire to Eling in Hampshire, largely tracing the path of the River Test.

It goes through the towns of Romsey and Totton, as well as the villages of Linkenholt, Ibthorpe, Hurstbourne Tarrant, St Mary Bourne, Longparish, Forton, Wherwell, Chilbolton, Stockbridge, Horsebridge, and Mottisfont. The footpath's southern terminus is at Eling Quay.

The trail also runs next to Horsebridge railway station. A significant portion of the path between Kimbridge and Chilbolton follows the old Andover and Redbridge Railway route.

START: Linkenholt Activity Centre, Linkenholt, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 0EA Parking is available at the start.

Timings

• Parking opens at 6:30am

• 50 Mile Race Briefing at 07:45 - Start 08:00 am

• 40 Mile Race Briefing at 08:15 -Start 08:30 am

• 14 Hour Cut Off for Both distances.

*Please arrive at least 45-60 minutes before your race's start time to allow ample time for parking, registration, race pack collection, attaching your race number and warm-up.

Our goal is for everyone to finish at the Salmon Leap pub in Totton between 4-5pm, allowing us to avoid high tide across the boards! We will have an opportunity to start teams earlier to allow time to avoid the high tide. Once signed up, we will email you a form to complete with estimated finishing times.

FINISH: The Salmon Leap pub, Totton, SO40 3BR.

ROUTE: The Test Way (Chalk Stream) is a long-distance, rolling footpath that is primarily off-road and marked with Test Way signs. These signs may not always be clear, and we will not have marshals stationed along the route. If unsure, please familiarize yourself with your section before the event. 

The route features diverse terrain, so anticipate encountering roots, holes, stones, overhanging branches, traffic, livestock, members of the public, cyclists, dog-walkers, barbed-wire fences, stiles, road crossings, and vegetation growing along or over the paths. It's not a hardcore trail, so unless the weather has been particularly wet, road shoes should suffice.

MANDATORY KIT: Every team member must have a fully charged mobile phone with the Race Directors’ contact numbers saved, along with a basic first aid kit that includes antiseptic wipes, an emergency foil blanket, and plasters at the very least. This is mandated by our insurance and our Risk Assessment to conduct the event. First aiders will be present on the course and at the finish line.

SAFETY: In addition to the required equipment mentioned above, please exercise caution on the trails and especially at road crossings.

Entry includes

• Medals for all runners

• Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place Male & Female

• Timed Results

• Aid stations with sweets and snacks

• Fully marked course

• Course marshals at critical points only (Self navigation is recommended & GPX files available to download)

• On-site First Aid

• 10% of ticket proceeds donated to charity

Facilities at the start

• Toilets

• Hot and Cold Drinks

• Refreshments

Event day logistics

Car Park - Linkenholt Activity Center, Linkenholt, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 0EA

TRANSPORT OPTIONS.

There is a coach option for this race for an additional £10. Please select this option when signing up. This is a shuttle bus service from the finish line in Totton back to your vehicle in Linkenholt.

If you pull out for any reason you will be transported to the finish line then will catch the bus if you have selected this option.

Race Pack

• Race packs must be collected from the registration desk on the morning of the event

Cut-Off Time

• Our goal is for everyone to finish at the Salmon Leap pub in Totton , allowing us to avoid high tide across the boards!

• Course marshals will be stationed throughout to assist and monitor runners

• 14 hours cut off

Age Restriction

All Events Follow RULE 141 S 5 UKA – TRAIL RUNNING which sets out the maximum distances permitted for younger athletes.

Maximum distances permitted under this rule are as follows:

Age under 12 years.   3,000m

Age 12-13 years.        5,000m

Age 14-15 years.         6,000m

Age 16                       10,000m

Age 17                       25,000m

Age 18-19                   45,000m

Age 20 and over.       No maximum distance

Suggested resources (Not Mandatory)

• Trail running shoes

• Backpack or waist pack

• Waterproof jacket (in case of inclement weather)

• Mobile phone for emergency contacts (Mandatory)

• Capacity to carry 250ml of liquid – kindly bring a collapsible cup or water bottle as we aim to reduce waste (Paper cups will be available for those without)

Race Rules

• If you wish to withdraw from the race, please inform a Marshal for assistance

• No buggies are allowed on the course with participants due to insurance and permit restrictions

• Participants must be at least 16 years old on the day of the race

• There will be NO deferrals after 4 weeks from the event.

Spectator Information

• Supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer on the runners.

• Plenty of suitable viewing spots along the course but please respect local parking restrictions.

• If supporters bring a dog, ensure it remains leashed in the start field at all times.