Shires and Spires Ultra Marathon | Multiterrain Marathon, Three Quarter Marathon, Multiterrain Half Marathon & 10k
Any questions? Why not give us a call 07989 850170 always happy to chat! The Half Marathon is the winner of the MARM race of the year 2023
Picture this, you’re stood on the start line in a beautiful Northamptonshire village and everyone is a little apprehensive about what’s to come.
But hey you are all running, some further than others but the excitement and anticipation is the same for everyone and you realise that running is just that – running.
You are about to take part in Shires and Spires, a five distance circular event with a mixture of trails and roads comprising 10K (road), Half Marathon, 3/4 Marathon (new for 2024), Marathon and Ultra Marathon (35 miles!) .
All distances start and finish at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways. The routes takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and for the Multi Terrain Marathon/Ultra Marathon the country houses of Holdenby, Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and Cottesbrooke.
The Half Marathon, 3/4 Marathon and Marathon give a break from the usual road races at these distances and create a new challenge with the changing terrain.
We have created a mini running festival with the chance to enjoy the excitement of race day regardless of the distance you are doing.
The event is run in a clockwise direction on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years, both give you a different perspective on this scenic route.
Which is harder? That’s for you to decide!
Naseby Village Hall, NN6 6DE
Is the course marked? The 10K and Half Marathon course follows a marked and marshalled route and the Marathon follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation. For the TQM and marathon there are lots of footpath signs and we provide a tracker and a free voice navigation app to keep you on track.
What’s the course like? The course is on road for the 10k and a mix of trails, paths, and roads for the half, TQM and marathon..
Is there a mandatory kit list? Yes, please see the race information tab.
How many checkpoints are there? There is one for the 10Km, two for the half marathon, three for the TQM and four checkpoints with water and snacks for the TQM and marathon
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 free parking available at Naseby Village for the duration of the event.
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.
Can people spectate? Yes for the marathon Creaton, Long Buckby and West Haddon are great locations. For the half marathon: Guilsborough and Thornby and for the 10K only the start/finish. Please note that spectators are not permitted at Cottesbrooke or Holdenby
What do I do with my bag with my dry kit in for after the race? Most people leave them in their cars as the finish is next to the car park. If you have been dropped off then we can hold a bag at the finish for you. The bag should be no bigger than a UK airport carry-on bag size 56 x 45 x 25 cm. 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 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.
Can my friend collect my race pack/race number for me at Saturday registration? Yes as long as they have your mobile number so we can verify the details – you will still need to collect your timing chip or tracker (TQM and Marathon) on race day
What if I forget to return my timing chip or tracker at the end of the race/if I drop out? You will be required to return the chip/tracker via recorded delivery, at your own cost. Any non returns will be charged.
What if I have a question not covered above? Please email us admin@gobeyondchallenge.co.uk
Sunday 10th May 2026 Registration from 7am on race day or 2pm until 4pm on Saturday 9th May
Start 08:30
£24/£35/£40/£45 (Ultra – £60)
£30/£40/£45/£50/(£65) cash only
10k
Half Marathon
3/4 Marathon
Marathon
Ultra Marathon
For information about charity places or general enquiries please contact us.