The Pathfinder March
| Entry Fee (per person) | £35.00 | |
| £40.00 | (from 15/03/2025) | |
All participants will receive a PFM25 T-Shirt and Finishers Medal. |
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To enter you must first Log In or Register your Details with SiEntries.
Overview
The Pathfinder March is an annual 46-mile (74 kilometre) long-distance run or walk around the County of Cambridgeshire, England. The March route visits the former airbases of the famous Royal Air Force Pathfinder Force who were a vital component of Bomber Command during the Second World War. The Pathfinders were target-marking squadrons in RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Flying Halifaxes, Lancasters, Mosquitos, Stirlings and Wellingtons the force grew to 19 Squadrons; locating and marking targets with flares ahead of the main bomber force. The legacy of this dangerous and lonely role is kept alive today by those who challenge themselves to complete the arduous route.
Venue
The start and finish (including parking) will be at RAF Wyton Airfield – entrance will be clearly sign-posted for the event.
Date & Times
The event will take place on Saturday 7 June 2025; all participants are to have finished or withdrawn from the event no later than 2359 hrs.
- Walkers start at 0400 hrs - Registration opens at 0300 hrs.
- Runners start at 0800 hrs – Registration opens at 0700 hrs.
Route
Participants follow a circular route from RAF Wyton Airfield, passing through Godmanchester, Graveley, Papworth Everard, Elsworth, Childerley, Dry Drayton, Oakington, Oakington Airfield, Longstanton, Bluntisham, Colne, Somersham, Warboys, Warboys Airfield and Kings Ripton, before finishing back at RAF Wyton. Along the route there are 8 checkpoints where participants can have their walker/runner card punched. Although there will be route markers and signs some navigation will be required.
A leaflet will be provided detailing the route but participants are strongly encouraged to carry their own map (OS Explorer 225) and compass.
Fundraising
We encourage all participants to seek sponsorship and/or fundraise on behalf of our preferred charity, the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA). Alternately, if you have another charity close to your heart, we equally encourage you to create a private donation page and raise money from friends and relatives for your chosen good cause.
Event Rules
All participants should be aware that in signing up to this event that you are accepting the following;
- You can enter as a solo runner or walker and complete the whole distance, or as a team (running or walking) and break the route down yourselves into a more manageable relay.
- On the day you should bring with you blister kit, torch (headtorches are best), map (OS Explorer 225) and sufficient supplies for the day .
- All participants should ensure they have their own means of “rescue” should they choose, or need to, withdraw from the event at any stage. Those planning to withdraw should do so at one of the formal Checkpoints if possible and ensure they inform an event official.
- All participants are to note the "latest time of arrival" for each check point; the organisers reserve the right to withdraw participants from the event if these timings are not met:
| Checkpoint | Leg Distance (km/miles) | Cumulative Distance (km/miles) | Checkpoint Opens (hrs) | Checkpoint Closes (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13.3/8.2 | 13.3/8.2 | 0530 | 1030 |
| 2 | 10.9/6.7 | 24.2/14.9 | 0700 | 1200 |
| 3 | 9.2/5.7 | 33.4/20.6 | 0830 | 1415 |
| 4 | 6.9/4.2 | 40.3/24.8 | 0930 | 1530 |
| 5 | 12/7.5 | 52.3/32.3 | 1100 | 1730 |
| 6 | 10.4/6.4 | 62.7/38.7 | 1300 | 2100 |
| 7 | 3.4/2.1 | 66.1/40.8 | 1400 | 2200 |
| 8 | 5.1/3.1 | 71.2/43.9 | 1430 | 2300 |
| Finish | 3.8/2.3 | 75/46.2 | 1500 | 2359 |
- There will be limited medical cover on the day and all participants should be aware of the risks that an arduous event entails.
- In all cases of serious injury and/or emergency, “999” services will be utilised.
- Minimum age for participation is 18.
Other Things to Note
- The event organiser (RAF Wyton) holds Public Liability Insurance for the event however all participants are encouraged to ensure they hold appropriate Personal Injury Cover ahead of the event.
- We are unable to provide individual timings, and all entrants should make their own provisions should they wish to record their performance.
- Included in the March entry fee is a comprehensive route description (Course Booklet), a bespoke t-shirt & a medal for all finishers.
- If you are travelling in from outside the local area there are numerous hotels and other accommodation available in nearby Huntingdon.
All queries can be addressed to WYT-PathfinderMarch@mod.gov.uk.
View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.
View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.
This event offers the option to purchase XCover, so that participants may be able to get a refund if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
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