The 2nd Wessex Chawton Challenge will start from Dyer's Barn at Chawton House, Chawton, Alton, GU34 1SJ, the estate that Jane Austen's brother once owned.

Date of Event: Saturday 20th May 2023

Entries Open: 1st January 2023

Entries Close: Sunday 14th May 2023 unless full beforehand. NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT

Courses: 20 Miles or 30 Miles

Entry Limit: 250

Entry Fee: LDWA Members £20; Non-members £25

Online Entry: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=11088

Contact: Patrick Fleming

Email: patrick.s.fleming@btinternet.com

HQ Emergency Contact Number: 07340 516351 (For use on the day only)

COVID 19:  All information provided is provisional and subject to change based on the appropriate government guidelines.  Last-minute alterations may be necessary to comply with changes to Covid regulations. Updates will be available on this webpage. 

EVENT: A challenge event for walkers and runners in the heart of Hampshire with a choice of routes, 30 miles in 10 hours and 20 miles in 8 hours starting from Chawton House Barn.

• The 30-mile route goes to East Worldham before it turns south to Selborne, Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Steep before turning north via Colemore and East Tisted back to Chawton.
• The 20-mile route follows the same route as far as Empshott Green where it turns west to re-join the 30-mile route at Lodge Farm and north back to Chawton.
• For the elevational profiles please follow these links: The Chawton Challenge Elevational Profiles (jpg file)   The Chawton Challenge Elevational Profiles (pdf file)
• Refreshments will be available at selected checkpoints. Hot or cold food at the finish for all entrants. (Bring your own mug for use at the designated refreshment stops)

START & FINISH: Dyer's Barn, Chawton House, GU34 1SJ (Grid Ref: SU 70662 36891)

ENTRIES: Under 18’s are restricted to the 20-mile route and must be accompanied at all times by a Parent or Guardian.

PARKING: Available at Chawton House Barn exclusive to entrants. 

TOILETS: Toilet facilities are available near the main house and near the Barn (HQ).

START & REGISTRATION TIMES: Registration is at the Barn, our Headquarters for the event (HQ).
Confirm your event details and contact number for the day at registration to receive your numbered & barcoded wristband to be worn during the event.

Registration Times are:

• 30-mile walkers & runners:     from 06:10 to 06:59 for the start time of 07:00
• 20-mile walkers & runners:     from 07:30 to 07:59 for the start time of 08:00

If the registration desk is busy, please do not register ahead of your allotted time.

Your wristband barcode will be scanned at registration to confirm your entry.
And, scanned again when leaving the start to start your timer. Do not delay starting.
No scanned barcode during the start period = No event time or certificate.

DRINKS: Free hot and cold drinks are available to entrants before the start.  BRING A MUG.

ROUTE: The route is unmarked. Download the "gpx" file or "pdf" of the route here: All the files for the Chawton 30   &  All the files for the Chawton 20   or see below for individual files:

Chawton Challenge 30:
pdfs for printing/reading; Chawton 30 Route (1 no A3 Sheet)  Chawton 30 Route (4 no A4 Sheets)  Chawton 30 Route Checkpoints
gpx for use on GPS devices/phones: Chawton 30 Route GPX   or  Chawton 30 Route GPX without embedded Checkpoint Marks

Chawton Challenge 20:
pdfs for printing/reading; Chawton 20 Route (1 no A3 Sheet)  Chawton 20 Route (3 no A4 Sheets)  Chawton 20 Route Checkpoints
gpx for use on GPS devices/phones: Chawton 20 Route GPX  or Chawton 20 Route GPX without embedded Checkpoint Marks

We do not provide a written route description for this event.

CHECKPOINTS: Arrive at each checkpoint within the times it is open.
Report to the Checkpoint Marshal and have your wristband number checked.
You will be asked to show the Marshal your wristband number.
If arriving after the closing time you will be retired from the event. Transport will be arranged to return you to HQ.

SAFETY: Any retiree must inform event officials that they have done so, either tell a Checkpoint Marshal or phone HQ. Please DO NOT just leave the event.
Event Marshals are authorised to retire anyone failing to comply with the event rules or who in their opinion is unfit to continue or unable to complete within the set time limits. 

EQUIPMENT: Map & Compass or GPS / Mobile. We strongly advise all entrants to carry a map (hard copy) of the route.
Your own mug will be required for drinks; before, during and after the event.
You must carry sufficient food and drink with you because only checkpoints 2, 4 and 6 will offer cold drinks and a limited supply of light snacks.
Carry suitable clothing for the prevailing weather conditions.
We also advise you to carry; a whistle, a first aid kit and hand sanitiser.

COMMUNICATION: Carry a mobile phone. NOTE- If the number of this is different to the one you registered with, please inform the Officer at registration so it may be changed.
Make sure you have the events Emergency Contact Number, which is 07340 516351

CAUTION: Take care when crossing or walking on roads.
Marshals will be located at some road crossings, but it is your responsibility to exercise caution and be aware of traffic when crossing or walking on roads.

FINISH: On arrival at the Finish, have your wristband barcode scanned to stop your timer. Collect your certificate from registration, but please allow a period of time for processing.

LIGHT MEAL: From 11:00 - 17:00 a selection of free hot & cold food will be available to entrants. Present your numbered wristband at the Servery to obtain your food choice.

GENERAL INFORMATION: No dogs are allowed, except assistance dogs.

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION: To download a PDF version of the Important Event Information clink on this link.