In the month we honour all servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation, show just how much you care by taking on our Race to Remember. Whether you are an experienced runner or simply looking for your next challenge, join Team Combat Stress on Saturday 05 November and help raise funds for our life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.
All races finish at the iconic HMS Victory, in Portsmouth’s Royal Naval Dockyard making this one of the most poignant challenges of the year!
Where: 77km Aldershot to Portsmouth / 36km Petersfield to Portsmouth / virtual option
What: 77km ultra-marathon (48 miles) / 36km run (22 miles), 36km walk (22 miles)
The Route
Participants taking part in the ultramarathon will start from Aldershot, the home of the British Army. Those taking on the 36km challenge will start further down the route in Petersfield.
The runners depart from the Aldershot PE grounds and, having passed through suburban Aldershot and Farnham, hit the trails along the edge of the army’s military exercise zones.
At the 13km mark, the route enters the woods and its’ forestry trails (a mix of hardpack, sand, mud and gravel) all the way to Petersfield at the 40km mark, where the walkers will start from.
After a well-earned hot lunch stop in Petersfield for the ultrarunners, it’s time to hit the South Downs. Those taking on the 36k walk or run will start at this point in Petersfield.
A real test of endurance is in store for all our participants with a steep climb through Elizabeth Park and up to Butser Hill, the highest point of the South Downs sitting at almost 900 feet and its’ tough ascent, especially for those now hitting the 50km point.
From the top of the downs the Solent and landmarks of Portsmouth come into view, with the finish point visible in the far distance – some 30km away.
Runners and walkers alike continue on the descent of the Downs through fields and woods to the picturesque town of Rowlands Castle. Here there will be another well-earned break point for refuelling.
As we continue towards the coast, the route takes you through a mix of suburbs and trails until you reach the coast.
After a final rest-stop, it’s a matter of following the coast (hopefully with a tail wind pushing you along) until you reach the outskirts of Portsmouth.
Finally, weave through the city to the finish at the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Victory, in the National Museum of the Royal Navy, in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.