Competitors set to converge on Cheviots for 60th Chevy Chase

The Chevy Chase is a 20-mile journey through some of the finest upland scenery in Northumberland giving both walkers and runners the opportunity to channel their energies into a rewarding and demanding personal challenge.

Competitors will need to be fit and sure footed, determined, and prepared for all weathers. Your route will take you deep into the heart of the “land of the far horizon”; you will summit both Cheviot 2676 feet / 815m and Hedgehope 2348 feet / 714m.

Entrants will have the unrestrained freedom of the hills, the route is unmarked and you may choose your own path as long as the manned checkpoints are visited in the correct order. Only a short section is on road; the rest of your route follows tracks, footpaths, sheep paths and crosses rough fell.

Although taking place in mid summer the sun is never certain to shine and low cloud is a distinct possibility therefore you must be able to navigate by map and compass.

FRA safety standards will apply.

Each competitor should be prepared to carry:

* Full windproof whole-body cover.

* Hat and Gloves

* Other body cover appropriate for weather conditions.

* Whistle.

* Map and compass suitable for navigating the course.

* Sufficient food and drink.

There will be kit checks for all entrants prior to the start and for selected individuals at the finish. Maps, compasses and whistles will be available to purchase at registration if required. Those not having required equipment will not be able to start the race.

The event centre and finish is at the Wooler Youth Hostel Cheviot Street.

The start is five minutes from here. Please park where directed, this may be a 10 minute walk from the hostel. At the hostel you will be able to register, collect your race number and electronic dibber before having your kit checked.

Registration for the walk is between 8-8.45am, with competitors starting out at 9.30am. The time allowed is eight hours. Runners must register between 9-10am, with a 10.30am start time. Time allowed is six hours.

If you start the race but need to drop out for any reason you must inform the organiser either by calling in at the closest checkpoint, a retirement point or at the finish. If asked to retire by a marshal please comply as it is for your own safety.

The Chevy Chase is supported by the Northumberland National Parks Search and Rescue Team.

There will be communication between checkpoints to monitor competitor’s progress.

All the marshals are experienced volunteers who enjoying cheering competitors on and offering encouragement. They will advise if they feel anyone should not continue, please accept this advice with grace and do not abuse them.

Retirement points are: Hawsen Burn Bridge GR. 954226 and Carey Burn Bridge GR. 976249.

On finishing, all competitors will receive a print out of their split times at each checkpoint and total time for the course. Entrants can then relax and enjoy the delicious refreshments provided in the common room. Showers, toilets and changing facilities are available.

All competitors completing the course will receive a t-shirt. There is an extensive prize list for runners and walkers achieving in various categories as well as many spot prizes.