Rose of the Shires ultra
Sensibly priced Ultras for crazy runnersRose of the Shires Ultra
A GRAND 54-MILE TOUR OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S
BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE
The Rose of the Shires Ultra is one of our flagship events, providing crazy runners with a sensibly priced race in the heart of Northamptonshire.
This circular route will take you through an area renowned as the second garden of England – OK Kent, you beat us to first place! Along the way, you will enjoy 54-miles of incredible scenery, country trails, roads and towpaths.
Featuring around three-quarters trails with the rest being road, Rose of the Shires starts and finishes at Brixworth Country Park, where there is plenty of room for parking. Found just 20 minutes drive from the M1, this is the perfect starting point for a race which is really easy in terms of planning and logistics because of its one loop format.
The route passes through the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, including two stunning country parks, Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal and 21 pretty villages and towns. It winds its way along parts of the Nene Way, the Midshires Way and the Northampton Round.
The Rose of the Shires has six checkpoints, found at six to eight mile intervals along the course and manned by members of local running clubs who are keen to give something back to this sport we love and to help you on your way in this epic race.
The event is fully tracked and interactive, so friends and family will be able to follow your progress from the comfort of their armchairs – and make sure you’re sticking to the correct route!
For anyone wishing to stay overnight, Northampton offers a wealth of hotels to suit all budgets.
We are proud to say that this event is an Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc index race.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 07989850170.
WHEN
Saturday 11th April 2026. Registration from 06.45 Start 08.00.ENTRY FEE
£76.00 (includes a tracker) 3 Person Relay – £90 per team 4 Person Relay – £100 per team 7 Person Relay – £130 per team The Rosebud Marathon £46RUN FOR A CHARITY
Visit our Charity PageGENERAL ENQUIRIES
For information about charity places or general enquiries please contact us. Contact usCOURSE description
An incredible 54 mile circular Ultra Marathon starting and finishing at Brixworth Country Park just outside of Northampton in a wonderful central location. The route is a mix of footpaths, country trails, roads and canal towpath. Run it all, run as a relay or run the last 26 miles in the Rosebud Marathon
ROSE OF THE SHIRES RELAY RACE
New for 2024 is the Rose of the Shires relay – a way to enjoy being part of the event without having to run 54 miles! The race divides up into 7 legs (start to CP1/CP1 to CP2 etc. until CP6 to the finish). Distances in miles are 8.7/7.1/7.4/6.8/7.7/8/8.4 There are 3 options:
- 3 Person Relay – you will need a driver and three runners. Two members of the team will complete 2 of the 7 legs and one member 3 of the 7 legs
- 4 Person Relay you will need a driver (don’t forget there will only be three runners in the car plus the driver at any one time) and four runners. Three members of the team will complete 2 of the 7 legs and one member 1 of the 7 legs.
- 7 Person Relay you will need two drivers. Each person will run one leg
The tracker will serve as your baton and each team member will receive a medal and Go Beyond merch at the finish.
UTMB index race
The event is a registered UTMB index race (part of the new UTMB Index system) in the 100K distance category – (no one actually knows what that means 🙂
The route is 36.4 miles of cross country trails; 15.6 miles of roads; and 1.8 miles of canal tow path . Elevation is +2315 ft (+706m) and -2315 ft (-706m)
course marking
The course follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation. We provide various resources to keep you on track including a tracker and a voice navigation app. The course is covered by OS Maps 207, 223 and 224
CHECKPOINTS AND AID STATIONS
There are 6 check points, each will have water, and a selection of snacks, and Go Beyond Fruit Cake! A drink will be available for all athletes at the finish. Each checkpoint is manned by a local running club competing for the best themed checkpoint trophy so you will be asked to vote for your favourite check point at the finish! Details of the locations can be found here
AWARDS
Registration is open from 6.45 am where you will collect your race number and map book. You will need to confirm your mobile phone number and be subjected to random kit checks. The race will start at 8am.
AGE LIMIT
Due to the strenuous physical demands of running 54 miles in one day Rose of the Shires is restricted to competitors over 18 years of age only.
BAGGAGE TRANSFER
As the event is a loop then most competitors will have their kit in their cars. For everyone else we will store your bag at 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 locally either before or after the event there is Airbnb or Northampton offers a wealth of hotels to suit all budgets
Arrival by car – If you are planning to drive then there is parking at the County Park. Parking charges can be found here. The park operates and ANPR system. Please allow adequate time to park and register.
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 https://events.geotracks.co.uk/live/XXXX 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
and the female record in 2023 Rachel Piper – 08:19:06.
The cut off time for the race is 13.5 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. 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 (shown on your map book given at registration)
- 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
RACE DAY INSTRUCTIONS
The 2025 Race Day Instructions can be found here
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 –
WHERE
Brixworth Country Park, Northampton Road, Brixworth, NN6 9DG
PARKING
The lower meadow car park has been allocated for parking. The current parking rates can be found here, so please bring sufficient change.
LOCATION MAP
Is the course marked? No, but there are lots of footpath signs and we provide lots of help to keep you on track including ridewithgps voice navigation for free (you will receive and invite to the event so you can access this). You are also provided with a tracker from Geo Tracks so you shouldn’t go wrong!
What’s the course like? The course is a mix of trails, paths, roads and canal to path and the terrain constantly changes.
Is there a mandatory kit list? Yes, please see the race information tab.
How many checkpoints are there? There are 6 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 parking available at the Country Park 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.
Where can people spectate? Sywell Country Park, Yardley Hastings, Piddington (The Spread Eagle), Hartwell, Stoke Bruerne, Blisworth, Gayton, Bugbrooke and Harpole are good locations
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 you have added to your contacts before the race 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 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
Rose of the Shires 2022 Rachel Piper (1st Lady and 2nd Overall!) Interview
Rose of the Shires 2022 Ash’s Race footage
Rose of the Shires 2021 Race footage
Start to CP1
CP1 to CP2
CP1 to CP2 Amended with no woodland tour just up the steps! (minute 7)
CP2 to CP3
CP3 to CP4
CP4 to CP5
CP5 to CP6
CP6 to Finish
