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Cotswold Way Century 102 Mile Ultra Marathon
Prepare for a quintessential tour of the English countryside, with a brutal twist. The Cotswold Way Century Ultra Marathon (CWC) isn't just a pretty run through chocolate-box villages; it is a gruelling 102 mile point-to-point ultramarathon from Chipping Campden to the historic city of Bath.
Organised by the dedicated team at Cotswold Running, this event has established itself as a "must-do" for serious UK ultrarunners. It offers the rare opportunity to complete an entire National Trail in a single push, ticking off one of the country's most iconic long-distance paths.
Course
The journey begins at the Market Hall in Chipping Campden, a town that feels frozen in time. From here, you follow the famous National Trail "Acorn" markers south.
The first half is spectacular, taking you past the folly of Broadway Tower and over Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the trail with commanding views towards Wales. As night falls, you’ll navigate the ancient woodlands near Cooper’s Hill (famous for the cheese rolling) and skirt the edge of Stroud.
The final marathon into Bath is a test of mental fortitude. The hills keep coming right until the end, but the reward is unmatched. The finish line lies at the majestic Bath Abbey. Touching the wall of this historic landmark after 100+ miles on foot is a moment that stays with runners forever.
This is a race for the purist. There are no loops, no repetition, just one long, beautiful line across the map. The 11:00 am start time is a brilliant logistical touch, allowing you to travel to the start on the morning of the race (and ensuring you run the second half in the dark!).
It is fully supported with checkpoints and drop bags, but it retains a low-key, "runner's race" feel. If you want to test your legs on a historic National Trail without the extreme technicality of mountain races, the Cotswold Way Century 100 Miler is the ultimate challenge. For full details, including registration, please visit the official race website.
