18 Mar Be part of the Shires & Spires Festival of Running 2025
Featuring races from 10k to 35 miles, offering spectacular views of the Northamptonshire countryside and boasting a base at one of the most significant sites in British history, there is already a lot to get excited about when it comes to our Shires & Spires event.
But this year’s race on Sunday, May 11 is set to be bigger than ever as we aim to turn Shires & Spires into a real festival of running.
While the races are already in place, what we want to add is the tents and stalls that will make it just that little bit more special.
I am already in talks to create a tent for speakers and special guests, where we are hoping some extraordinary runners will be sharing their stories and which will form a more official base for our podium pictures.
I am also in conversation with an international event which has produced a fantastic feature film which we are hopeful we will be able to show as part of the festival, while we are looking at inviting charities and food/drink stalls to get involved as well.
And we are aiming to showcase the local, and no quite so local, running clubs who make our events such a special community.
The aim is to create a real carnival atmosphere, where people can sit and relax while watching their loved ones and friends take on their personal challenges – and there are plenty of those on offer.
The event is headlined by our Shires & Spires Ultra Marathon, a 35-mile circular event that starts and finishes in the beautiful and historic village of Naseby. But it is so much more than that and now features five separate races, meaning there is something for everyone.
As well as the ultra, we put on 10k, half-marathon, three-quarter marathon and marathon runs.
I am particularly proud of our three-quarter marathon, which took place for the first time last year and effectively bridges what is often a wide gap between the half- and full marathon distances.
And they all start and finish at Naseby Village Hall, nestled at the heart of the quaint village of the same name that was made famous as the home of the Battle of Naseby in 1645, a major battle during the English Civil War.
Naseby is a fantastic central location, with easy access to the A14, M1 and M6. From there, runners will race across the Northamptonshire countryside, with the multi-terrain marathon and ultra taking them past a host of country houses. Expect to see Holdenby House, Cottesbrooke, and Althorp – the home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana.
Meanwhile, the 10k, half-marathon, three-quarter marathon and marathon provide a break from the usual road races these distances often favour, their changing terrain bringing new and different challenges.
You can find out more about all the events at Shires & Spires – and enter your preferred race – on our dedicated page.
We would also love to hear from businesses and running clubs who would like to be part of the Shires & Spires Festival 2025. Drop me an email to admin@gobeyondchallenge.co.uk for more information and to take the next steps.