The final stage of day 1 follows the Essex Way through open countryside, villages and historic lanes. Highlights include Greensted, Chipping Ongar and the approach to the attractive village of Blackmore, where the first day concludes. The finish has changed (2026) to follow a new footpath into Blackmore and then enter the final field
earlier.
Google maps driving directions are only a guide. Please check notes on driving directions before embarking in your journey. The postcodes provided on your GPS are not always accurate.
Route Overview Video
Fastest Times
Stage records are difficult to calculate due to the differences in the course each year. These results are the fastest recorded times for each age category and distance run on each course route. Official stage records are assigned at the race directors discretion using knowledge of the courses run and are shown on stage maps.
* - Finish time denotes stage cut-off time. Most runners will finish before this time. If you are outside this time (or you miss the stage), we will record your time as the cutoff time. You are welcome to finish your stage and your result will be included. If you miss or fail to complete a stage, we will also record your team result with the cutoff, but your team will not be eligible for team prizes unless you have completed every stage.
† - Each stage is given a difficulty rating between 1 and 10 (with 10 being most difficult). The four mountain stages (4, 5, 16, 19) are the toughest and times in these count towards the Kings and Queens Of The Mountains awards.
