Viking Way Ultra Marathon

Viking Way Ultramarathon by Cockbain Events

Forget the massive elevation profiles of the mountains. The Viking Way Ultra (VWU) will break you with mud, ruts, and an unforgiving ticking clock. Organised by Cockbain Events, this 147 mile point-to-point ultra marathon is legendary in the UK ultra scene for having one of the lowest finisher rates in the country.

Mark Cockbain’s events are not for the faint-hearted. There is no hand-holding, no coddling, and absolutely no room for error. The Viking Way ultramarathon is a raw, uncompromising continuous footrace that tests just how much suffering you are willing to endure.

Course

The race follows the official Viking Way National Trail. You begin in the shadow of the spectacular Humber Bridge at Barton-upon-Humber and head relentlessly south towards the finish line in Oakham, Rutland.

While the route crosses the beautiful, rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, do not expect a firm, flowing trail. The Viking Way is infamous for its underfoot conditions. You will be navigating heavily rutted agricultural land, flooded paths, and miles of thick, energy-sapping clay and mud that sticks to your shoes like concrete.

• The Terrain: Primarily cross-country, featuring grassy tracks, muddy fields, and sections of tarmac.
• The "Flat" Deception: While it lacks the sheer vertical gain of a mountain ultra, the heavy ground conditions and the constant, energy-draining suction of the mud make this a heavy run on the legs.

If you are looking for a race with a festival atmosphere and frequent, luxurious aid stations, look elsewhere.

• The Cut-off: The defining feature of the Viking Way Ultra (VWU) is its brutally tight 40-hour cut-off. To finish, you must maintain a relentless forward momentum. Sleep is a luxury few can afford.
• Self-Reliance: You must navigate the route yourself. While there are checkpoints (usually four main ones), you are expected to be highly self-sufficient and mentally prepared for long, dark stretches of isolation.
• No Support Crews: No crews or pacers are allowed. (Spectators are allowed, and are handy for transporting you if/when you drop out).

Ready to take on the Viking Way Ultra?

You do not run the Viking Way Ultra for the scenery, you run it to find out what you are made of. Earning the Viking Way Ultra Finishers medal is a mark of prestige within the British ultra-running community. It is an exclusive club of runners who have proven they possess an unbreakable will. For full details, including registration info, please visit the official race website.