The Railway Ultramarathon

The Railway Ultra Marathon

Organised by How Hard Can It Be Events, The Railway Ultra is a popular, multi-distance trail race set against the historic and highly scenic backdrop of the River Severn. With a 37 mile (59km) ultramarathon serving as the headline event, it offers a fantastic day out for runners of all abilities.

Starting from the village of Coalport in Telford, the event is known for its relaxed atmosphere and highly accessible terrain. Whether you are an experienced ultra-runner looking for a flat course to test your pacing, or a road runner looking to step up in distance on forgiving trails, this event provides a well-supported and welcoming environment.

Course

The course trades steep mountain climbs for flat, continuous running along a historic route between Ironbridge and Bridgnorth.

• The Terrain: The race follows a disused railway line that traces the banks of the River Severn. The underfoot conditions consist primarily of hard-packed dirt tracks and gravel, making it an excellent choice for road shoes or light trail shoes depending on recent weather.
• The Lapped Format: The course operates on a lap system, with each out-and-back lap measuring exactly 9.4 miles. To reach the 37-mile ultra distance, runners will complete multiple laps of this scenic stretch.
• The Scenery: The route offers uninterrupted views of the River Severn and passes through areas rich in the region's industrial heritage. Because it is an out-and-back lap format, runners frequently cross paths, resulting in a highly social and encouraging race-day atmosphere.

The Railway Ultra operates a generous 7 hour cut-off time and includes an aid station positioned every 4.7 miles along the route.

If you want to run an ultramarathon without the added stress of technical map reading or massive elevation profiles, The Railway Ultra is a perfect choice. The flat, predictable terrain allows you to lock into a comfortable pace, making it an ideal "first ultra" for newcomers. Additionally, the multi-distance format means you can easily travel and run with friends who might be targeting a half-marathon or shorter trail run on the exact same day. It is a straightforward, highly enjoyable fixture on the Shropshire running calendar. For full race details and registration info, please visit the official race website.