The Pathfinder March
| Entry Fee (per person) | £35.00 | |
| £40.00 | (from 15/02/2026) | |
All participants will receive a PFM25 T-Shirt and Finishers Medal. |
||
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, visiting the former airbases of the famous Royal Air Force Pathfinder Force - a vital component of Bomber Command during the Second World War.
Flying Halifaxes, Lancasters, Mosquitos, Stirlings and Wellingtons, the 19 squadron strong Pathfinder Force specialised in target-marking World War II; locating and marking targets with flares ahead of the main RAF Bomber Force. Often first in, solo and unafraid, 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The event will take place on Saturday 6 June 2026; all participants are to have finished or withdrawn from the event no later than 2359 hrs.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 starting from the site of the first Pathfinder mission in WW2, RAF Wyton airfield, then 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 finishing the 46 mile sortie back at RAF Wyton.
A leaflet will be provided detailing the route but participants are strongly encouraged to carry their own map (OS Explorer 225) and compass.
Along the route participants will pass through 8 checkpoints where you may have a walker/runner card punched.
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;
- Minimum age for participation is 18.
- You may enter as either a single runner / walker and complete the whole distance solo, or as a team; breaking the route into a more manageable run / walk relay.
- Be prepared! On the day you should bring with you a 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 / recovery should they need to, or choose to withdraw from the event at any stage. Those planning to withdraw should try to do so at one of the formal Checkpoints if possible, ensuring to inform an event official.
- Route markers and signs will be displayed, however basic navigation skills will be required (much like the original Pathfinders!).
- All participants are to note the "latest time of arrival" (below) 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 |
Medical
- Participants are reminded that the Pathfinder March is a challenging and arduous event.
- Limited medical cover will be available on the day of the March.
- In all cases of serious injury and/or emergency, “999” services will be utilised.
Notes
- 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.
- The event organiser is unable to provide or subsidise any accommodation. 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 [email protected].
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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