Test Way Relay 2025

The Test Way 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.

The Test Way Relay began in 1986, initially organised by Romsey Road Runners' David Nixon, and later by various local clubs such as Hardley Runners, with Totton Running Club being the most recent organiser. The 44-mile route from Inkpen to Totton was divided into an 8-stage relay. Unfortunately, the last competitive run took place in 2014.

This year, we will start further along the Testway at Linkenholt Activity Centre, offering parking and a dry race headquarters. Runners will kick off their team's first leg in this 7-leg relay, covering a distance of 7-12km, depending on the specific leg, and finishing at the Salmon Leap pub in Totton.

Leg 1 Linkenholt to Stoke Hill 10.8k/6.71 miles

Leg 2 Stoke Hill to Middleton Farm 10.2k/6.33 miles

Leg 3 Middleton Farm to Wherwell 8.3k/5.15 miles

Leg 4 Wherwell to Stockbridge 7.8km/4.84 miles

Leg 5 Stockbridge to Mottisfont 9.1km/5.65 miles

Leg 6 Mottisfont to Romsey 9.1km/5.65 miles

Leg 7 Romsey to Totton 11.9km/7.39 miles

Total 67.1 km/41.7 Miles

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

START TIME: Teams will receive staggered start times according to their estimated completion time for the course. 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!

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

TEAMS: The course consists of 7 segments ranging from 7 to 12 km, so it's ideal for each team to have 7 members. Teams must arrange their own transportation for the event day. More information about the legs will be found in the documents attached

TEAM CAPTAINS: Each team is required to appoint a captain who will handle the team's logistics on the day and organise the running order.

ROUTE: The Test Way 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. The starting locations for each leg are provided as What3Words to the team captains to avoid confusion. We will have a team at each handover point to record times for each leg and ensure a smooth transition.

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 at each checkpoint, as well as a first aid team 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. Each team captain will be asked to set up a WhatsApp group to share their location with the team as a precautionary measure. If you choose to withdraw, you MUST inform your team captain, who will then relay that information to the RD.

Entry includes

• Team Trophies for each team taking part

• Spot Prizes

• Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place team winners

• Timed Results

• Aid stations (Leg handovers) 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

• 5% of ticket proceeds donated to charity

Facilities at the start

• Toilets

• Hot and Cold Drinks

• Refreshments

Event day logistics

Linkenholt Activity Center, Linkenholt, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 0EA

Timings

• Parking opens at 6:30am

• Race Briefing at 07:45

• Phase 1 teams - Race Briefing at 07:45 - Start 08:00 am

• Phase 2 teams - Race Briefing at 08:05 -Start 08:20 am

• Phase 3 teams - Race Briefing at 08:25 -Start 08:40 am

*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.

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 between 4-5pm, allowing us to avoid high tide across the boards!

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

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

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.