Rose of the Shires Ultra Marathon

Rose of the Shires 50 Mile Ultra Marathon Northampton

If you're looking for an ultra that truly earns its name, the Rose of the Shires Ultra is it. This isn't just a run; it's a grand 54 mile tour of the very best of Northamptonshire's countryside. It’s a fantastic, well-organised event that feels like a proper running adventure without you having to disappear into the mountains for a weekend.

Course

Starting and finishing at the lovely Brixworth Country Park, the Rose of the Shires Ultra is run on a single, circular loop. This makes logistics an absolute breeze! No need to faff with drop bags or organise a lift back to your car.

The 54 mile course has been cleverly designed to show off the county's highlights. You'll wind your way through 21 different villages, pass through two beautiful country parks, and even explore the famous Salcey Forest. The route also takes in sections of the Grand Union Canal towpath, the Nene Way, and the Midshires Way.

In terms of terrain, it’s a classic mixed-bag ultra. Expect about three-quarters of your run to be on cross-country trails, with the rest on quiet country roads and canal paths. It’s a runnable course but with around 706m (2,300ft) of elevation.

While the route follows waymarked paths, this is an event where you need to keep your wits about you. The organisers provide a fantastic GPS tracker (so your fans at home can play 'dot-watching') and a voice navigation app, which is a massive help.

There are six checkpoints spaced every 6-8 miles, and they are manned by brilliant, enthusiastic volunteers from local running clubs. They're well-stocked with the usual ultra-fare and the legendary Go Beyond fruit cake – it’s worth entering for that alone!

The Rose of the Shires 50 mile ultra is a cracking event. It’s ideal for a first-timer looking to step up to 50+ miles, thanks to the manageable loop, generous cut-off, and incredible checkpoint support. For full details, including registration, please visit the official race website.