Oxon 40/20 Challenge Walk - THAMES VALLEY GROUP Long Distance Walkers Association

Information Sheet for 2010

The Thames Valley Group of the LDWA invites you to a walk - or a run - in the outstanding natural beauty of the Chilterns at bluebell time. As always, we offer a choice of two new routes of 40 or 20 miles. This year’s routes include Bix, Stonor and Hambleden Valley. We provide a full route description on the day or beforehand (details below). The routes will not be waymarked.
We do not recommend the 40 mile route for novices to LDWA Challenge Events. Entrants for this event must be over 16 and should have the experience to be confident of finishing within the 13 hour time limit.

How to Enter

Fill in an on-line Entry Form (one form per entrant) and pay online, or download a form and send it with your fee to the address on the form. Pre-registration closes on 23 April 2010. After that date you can still enter online or on the day at a modest extra cost. We will send confirmation of your entry number by email, or by post if you enclose a stamped addressed envelope. All entrants must read and agree to observe the Event Entry Rules. This year the number of entries will be limited to 350 on a first-come first-served basis. Check the website for on-the-day availability.

Entry Fees

On the Day

Registration

Registration will be open from 0630. If you have pre-booked please check-in at the ‘Pre-booked’ desk. 40 mile walkers: start between 0700 and 0830. 20 mile walkers: start between 0800 and 0930. 40 and 20 mile runners: start at 0930.
Please advise the Marshal at the door if you are starting anytime other than the earliest time for each event.
All entrants must finish by 2000, so steady walkers on the 40-mile route should start at 0700 sharp, and strugglers may ‘downgrade’ to a 35 mile option near the end. Entrants who appear likely to finish later than 2000 will be retired at the last checkpoint.

Route Description

The route description will be available on the day, or you can download a copy from the Thames Valley Group website www.thamesvalleyldwa.org.uk/ about 5 days before the event. Alternatively we will send you a copy a week beforehand if you enclose a SAE (A5 size) marked RD with your entry form.
Runners are particularly asked to note the checkpoint opening times which will be given in the route description.

Venue and Facilities

Registration, start and finish at Henley YMCA Sports Pavilion, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. Map OS 175, GR SU766815. The YMCA is in Noble Road, a turning to the right off the A4155 heading out of Henley on the Reading road. Marshals stationed on the A4155 will direct you to parking and the Pavilion as appropriate.
Please wear soft soled shoes or socks inside the Pavilion: muddy shoes or boots must not be worn inside. Changing rooms, toilets and showers are available. Belongings left inside or outside the Pavilion are at their owner's risk.

Car Parking

Parking outside the YMCA is for marshals only. Entrants’ parking is available in company car parks off Newtown Road. Turn east (left if approaching from Henley) off the A4155 into Newtown Road at the mini roundabout and follow marshals' instructions for parking and directions to the YMCA. The walk to the YMCA takes about 3 mins. As parking space is limited, please share cars where possible.

Bring a simple first-aid kit, a mobile and/or coins for the 'phone, relevant map, and compass. The OS Landranger 175 (Reading and Windsor) 1:50,000 or Explorer 171 (Chiltern Hills West) 1:25,000 maps cover the routes. Come prepared for the weather: you are advised to carry a waterproof jacket and overtrousers.
Your entry fee includes hot drinks at the start, drinks and a good supply of sandwiches, cakes etc. at checkpoints and hot or cold drinks at the finish. Please carry any extra food and drink you might need to supplement that provided at the checkpoints.

Retirement

Please read the Entry Rules concerning retirement from the event. If you do have to retire we will arrange transport to get you back to the finish. An emergency telephone number will be given in the route description.

Other Information

Certificates will be awarded to everyone who completes their chosen route within the time limit. They must be collected from the finish table on the day. Oxon 40/20 badges will be on sale.
A full list of results will be available to download from the Thames Valley web site. Alternatively we will mail you a copy if you leave your name and address on an envelope at the finish. Envelopes will be available for 50p which will go towards the cost of printing, mailing etc.
Dogs may come on the walks provided they are on a lead at all times. Please remember it will be lambing time so take extra care when crossing farmland. Dogs are NOT covered by LDWA insurance.
If we have to cancel the event we will refund your entry fee less any unavoidable expenses.
For a B&B accommodation list please contact The Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Market Place, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 2AQ. Tel: 01491 578034. Henley has no YHA Hostel.

Event Entry Rules

1. An entry form (or copy) must be completed and signed by the entrant, the entry fee paid and the entry accepted before starting. Only one entry per form, please.
2. Entrants for the 40 mile route must be age 16 years or over.
3. Entrants under 18 years must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person over 18 years and must have their entry form countersigned by that person or a parent or guardian.
4. Entrants must follow the route description unless directed otherwise by a marshal, or if safety or commonsense dictates. Entrants must obey marshals’ instructions.
5. If you need to retire before finishing the route you must do so at a checkpoint by informing a marshal and handing in your card. If in exceptional circumstances you cannot reach a checkpoint you must inform the organisers in person or by phone at the earliest possible opportunity.
6. You MUST check in at the YMCA at the end of the walk.
7. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry, or to retire anyone reaching a checkpoint that has closed, or whom they consider unfit to continue.
8. Please carry a mug to use at checkpoints or you will be asked to buy one at enrolment.
9. Please observe the Countryside Code.