Country to Capital ultra
Sensibly priced Ultras for crazy runners!COUNTRY TO CAPITAL ULTRA
THE 43-mile race that means
the ultra season has started
It’s true to say our always popular Country to Capital Ultra attracts a global field, with some of the best runners in Britain and beyond racing the 43-mile course.
This famous race is the curtain raiser for the ultra running season – and the starting point for those brave Go Beyond runners wishing to take on our Grand Slam of four ultra marathons over 180 gruelling miles.
Country to Capital takes you through the Buckinghamshire countryside, crossing the M25 – by bridge of course! – and heading towards the well-heeled surroundings of Denham. From there, runners pick up the Grand Union Canal towpath for the final run into London.
The finish is near the Little Venice canal basin, a surprising tranquil setting in the heart of the capital and close to both Paddington and Royal Oak Tube stations. The race concludes at The Stowe Centre, where you can enjoy showers, toilets and a large hall to relax in after finishing.
This is the start of our Grand Slam journey – anyone who wants a real challenge can click on the link on the right hand side of this page to book their place. Our Grand Slam includes not only Country to Capital but the Rose of the Shires, Shires & Spires, and Thames Trail Ultras. This is a truly incredible running opportunity, and you can take advantage of our offer to pay in three installments at no extra cost.
Country to Capital is historically a sell-out event, so be sure to get your entry in early. It is fully tracked and interactive, allowing your friends and family to follow your progress from the comfort of their armchairs. You can also make sure that you are following the route correctly!
The Geotracks link will be available closer to the race and will be posted in the race information section below.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 07989850170.
We are proud to be an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc index race
Racecheck Bronze Award
MEDIA COVERAGE
Run ABC: Muddy McDowell takes Country to Capital Ultra
Runner’s World: Country to Capital race report
Richard Gower: Country to Capital Ultra Marathon
Ultra Runner: Country to Capital – Simon Hollis, Race Director interview
WHEN
Saturday 4th January 2025 Registration from 7am
Start 08:45
PRICE
£78 (includes a tracker)
Your one chance for a discounted Grand Slam Ticket to all four Ultra Marathons and a free custom hoodie
Grand Slam Book online here
run for a CHARITY
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
For information about charity places or general enquiries please contact us.
COURSE description
Country to Capital is a 43 mile point to point Ultra Marathon starting at the Shoulder of Mutton Pub, Pound Street in Wendover and finishing at the Stowe Centre next to the Little Venice Canal basin close to London’s Paddington station and Royal Oak tube station. The route is a mix of country trails and canal towpath.
We no longer provide a map book but you have a tracker and the free ridewithGPS voice navigation (link in the race day instructions )
RACE DAY INSTRUCTIONS
These will be emailed to you a week before the race but for a sneak preview (last year’s) please click here
- terrain mix
The route is 11.0 miles of cross country trails (26%); 12.1 miles of roads and paths (28%); and 20 miles of canal tow path (46%) . Elevation is +1375 ft (419m) and -1720 ft (-524m)
course marking
The course follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation. You will have an electronic tracker as standard which with the app or webpage will allow you to navigate the course with ease. We provide various resources to keep you on track. The course is covered by OS Maps 181, 172 and 173.
CHECKPOINTS AND AID STATIONS
There are 5 check points, each will have water, a selection of supplementary snacks and of course the famous Go Beyond Fruit Cake – Sophie Power from SheRACES says:
“You have to mention the cake too… the last time I did C2C I ran the whole race on the fruit cake : )”
A drink will be available for all athletes at the finish. Details of the locations can be found here.
You will receive a warm welcome at the Bridge House Pub 13 Westbourne Terrace Rd, W2 6NG for a well earned pint even if you are muddy!
AWARDS
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female Competitors. All finishers will receive a medal and some Go Beyond merchandise.registration and start timeRegistration is open from 7am where you will collect your race number tracker, and check the emergency contact numbers. You will need to confirm your mobile phone number and be subjected to random kit checks. The race will start at 8.45am
AGE LIMIT
Due to the strenuous physical demands of running 43 miles in one day Country to Capital is restricted to competitors over 18 years of age only.
BAGGAGE TRANSFER
We will transfer a single competitor bag to the finish, so you have warm, dry clothes waiting for you . Your bag should be no larger than a UK airport carry-on bag size (56 x 45 x 25 cm).
TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION
For anyone wanting to stay overnight in Wendover either before or after the event there is Airbnb or the Red Lion Hotel .
Arrival by car – If you are planning to return to your car by train, parking is available in the station car park which is recommended. There is a public car park on the High Street (HP22 6DX) or surrounding on-street parking. There is no parking in the pub car park. Please allow adequate time to park and register.
Arrival by train – the train from Marylebone usually arrives just before 8:30am so you will need to arrive ready to run and we will process you through registration in time for the 8:45am start.
TRACKER
The Geo Tracks GPS Tracker is lightweight and easily fits in a small pocket in your rucksack. Your family and friends can track your progress in real-time and you can use the Geo Tracks app combined with the tracker as an accurate tool for navigation during the event. The Event can be followed using the web link or via the app which can be purchased prior to the event for Apple or for Android. When opening the web link please click on start times and this will display a list of bib numbers (they are sorted alphabetically by surname). The GPS Tracking units upload your position every 10 seconds to the live view tracking map and are accurate to 5 metres. Batteries last for 70 hours . Don’t forget to drop it off at the finish! To find out more please visit the Geo Tracks website.
COURSE RECORDS
The male course record was set in 2019 with the amendment of the course – Luke Delderfield- 04:56:35 and the female record in 2020 Carla Molinaro 05:32:33.CUT OFFThe cutoff time for the race is 11 hours. We have progressive cut off times from Checkpoint 3 onwards, details can be found on the Checkpoint information sheet.
KIT
Trail shoes are advised, if you have support or are happy to carry them then road shoes are ideal to have with you for the final section on the canal tow path. There are sections of trail which can become very muddy in wet conditions. It is essential to carry the items below. There will be random kit checks prior to the race . Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times.
- Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Director and Assistant Race Director (given at registration)
- A powerbank to charge your phone if needed
- Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
- Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
- Waterproof Jacket
- Whistle
- Headtorch or Body Torch
- Spare batteries
- Hat and Gloves
- Long sleeved base layer or fleece top
TRAINING
Need help with your training why not try the Runna App (link on the side bar)- email for your discount code
When you have finished why not recycle your old trainers –
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START
The Shoulder of Mutton Pub,20 Pound Street, Wendover HP22 6EJFINISH
The Stowe Centre , W2 5ES2024
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Is the course marked? No, but there are lots of footpath signs and we provide a tracker and a free voice app to make navigation a breeze and lots of help to keep you on track.
What’s the course like? The first half of the race is cross country and a mixture of paths, trails and roads. It’s muddy in places and a few hills to deal with. The second half is on well prepared canal tow paths.
Are there toilets every few miles? No there are portable toilets at the start, access to toilets near CP1 in Lowndes Park; CP2 At the Dumb Bell Pub (please ask nicely); CP3 Tescos Yiewsley Superstore just off the towpath (0.4 miles after the CP); CP5 Sainsburys Alperton behind the CP and of course at the finish
Is there a mandatory kit list? Yes, please see the race information tab.
What shoes should I wear? Naturally this is your personal choice but I would wear trail shoes and carry road shoes in my pack (or have a friend to meet you on the route if you are lucky). I would change them when I reached Denham Aerodrome/Denham Green Road
How many checkpoints are there? There are 5 checkpoints with water and snacks.
Do you cater for Vegans at checkpoints? Yes we try to provide vegan snacks where possible – non vegans don’t know the difference!
Are the road crossings marshalled? No, you will need to cross a number of roads with care during the event.
Where can I park? There is no parking available at the pub car park, but there is a public car park within 5 minutes walking distance from the start in Wendover, or alternatively you can park at the train station, if you are returning via the train.
How do I get back to the start at the end of the race? The race finishes a short walk from Royal Oak Tube Station (Circle Line) and Paddington Station so you have easy access to the tube and mainline railway stations.
Can I have support during the race? Yes you can have your own crew – the golden rule is only do what would be possible for everyone else to do if they had a crew! Please make sure that your supporters do not get in the way of the race and other competitors.
Where can people spectate? Chesham (Germain Street), Chorleywood, Horn Hill (Dumb Bell Pub) and Denham Country Park are good locations
Do you have a bag transfer facility? Yes we will transfer one bag per competitor no larger than a UK airport carry-on bag size 56 x 45 x 25 cm to the finish line. There are no bag drops at checkpoints.
What happens if I get injured or want to drop out? Please contact the Race Director or Assistant Race Director on the phone numbers in the race day instructions and displayed at registration and make your way to the next checkpoint if possible or confirm your location. We will send the sweeper bus to collect you and transport you to the finish to collect your bag if you have one. If you make your own arrangements please ensure that you let us know other wise we will waste time and energy trying to locate you.
What if I forget to return my tracker at the end of the race/if I drop out? You will be required to return the tracker via recorded delivery, at your own cost. Any non returns will be charged at cost (which will be very expensive!)
I am injured and can’t take part can I defer the day before the race? No we require a minimum of 14 days notice before race day to process a deferral.
What if I have a question not covered above? Please email us admin@gobeyondchallenge.co.uk
2024 Race Video – Two Races In One
2024 Race Video – Jonny Davies
2022 Vlog
2021 Event Video
2021 VLOG
2020 Event Video
2019 Video by Thomas Sauka
The Route Through Chesham
The Route Through Denham
HS2 Diversion 2021
Country to Capital Paddington Arm to the Finish (you really can’t go wrong!
