Shires and Spires Ultra
History and running in perfect settings - a sensibly priced Ultra for crazy runnersShires and Spires Event
Shires and Spires Ultra Marathon | Multiterrain Marathon, Multiterrain Half Marathon & 10k
something for everyone with this run from historic
Naseby, including options over five distances
“Outstanding views of the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside”
Picture this. You’re stood at the starting line of the race of your life. The calm of the beautiful village that surrounds you can’t hide the apprehension in the air at what is about to come.
But hey, you’re about to run. Some further than others, but the thrill is the same for everyone. And you realise that running is just that – running!
You’re about to take part in Shires & Spires, a five-distance circular event that has something for everyone. The event features a mixture of trails and roads over 10k (roads), half-marathon, three-quarter marathon (new in 2025 for anti clockwise!), marathon and ultra marathon distances.
All the race options start and finish at Naseby Village Hall, nestled at the heart of the quaint village of Naseby – made famous as the home of the Battle of Naseby in 1645, a major scuffle during the English Civil War.
Naseby is a fantastic central location, with easy access to the A14, M1 and M6. From there, the route takes runners 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.
The 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.
We have created a mini-festival of running at this event, with runners and supporters able to enjoy the excitement of race day regardless of the distance they are taking on.
Shires & Spires is run clockwise on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years, giving you a different perspective on this scenic route.
Which is harder? That’s for you to decide!
We are proud to be an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc index race.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Run Like Duck: Ultra-Tantrum – Shires & Spires
Alice runs the country: Northamptonshire – Shires & Spires 35-mile ultra race recap
When
Sunday 10th May 2026 Registration from 7am on race day or 2pm until 4pm on Saturday 9th May
Start 08:30
Cost
£24, £35, £40, £45, £60
Entry on the Day
£30/£40/£45/£50/£65 cash only
RUN FOR A CHARITY
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
For information about charity places or general enquiries please contact us.
COURSE description
Shires and Spires is a 35 mile circular Ultra Marathon starting and finishing at Naseby Village Hall just outside of Northampton in a wonderful central location. The route is a mix of footpaths, country trails, and roads. The event is run in a clockwise direction on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years. We no longer provide a paper map book but instead you have access to a free voice navigation app and of course your tracker both of which will make navigation easy.
- Anti Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
- Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
video race briefing
UTMB index race
The event is a registered UTMB index race (part of the new UTMB Index system) in the 50K distance category.
The route is 20.2 miles of cross country trails (59%); and 14.3 miles of roads (41%). Elevation is +2052ft (+625m) and -2052 ft (-625m)
course marking
The course follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation. We provide a free voice navigation app and various resources to keep you on track. The course is covered by OS Maps 223
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. A drink will be available for all athletes at the finish. Details of the locations for the Anti Clockwise route can be found here. and Clockwise can be found here.
AWARDS
Registration in the village hall is open from 2pm until 4pm on Saturday 10th May to avoid the queues and then from 7 am on race day where you will collect your race number. You will need to confirm your mobile phone number and be subjected to random kit checks. The race will start at 8.30am. Please click here for your Race Day Instructions (2024)
AGE LIMIT
Due to the strenuous physical demands of running 35 miles in one day Shires and Spires 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 ample free parking at the village hall complex. 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://www.geotracks.co.uk/live/3640 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 cut off time for the race is 9 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 (given at registration)
- Power bank to charge your phone if required
- Tracker – provided
- Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
- Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
- Waterproof Jacket
- Whistle
- 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 –
Location
Naseby Village Hall, NN6 6DE
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
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Is the course marked? No, but there are lots of footpath signs and lots of information on the website to keep you on track. For the first time in 2024 the race will be fully tracked and interative thanks to our partners at Geo Tracks.
What’s the course like? The course is a mix of trails, paths, and roads 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 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 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.
Where can people spectate? West Haddon, Long Buckby and Creaton are good locations, 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 shown on the front of your map book 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 for me at Saturday registration? Yes but please make sure that they have your mobile number so we can confirm your details with them. You will need to collect your timing chip 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
my first ULTRA marathon Shires & Spires 2024 – can anyone run an ultra, hell yeh
ULTRA RACE VLOG Shires & Spires 2024
ATTEMPTING AN ULTRA MARATHON VIVOBAREFOOT PRIMUS TRAIL barefoot running shoes | Shires & Spires 2023
2023 Shires and Spires Vlog by the hilarious Middle Aged Running Man
2020 Shires and Spires by Thomas Sauka
2019 Shires and Spires by Thomas Sauka
My first Ultra 2019 by Clean Coach Katie
Packing for my first Ultra 2019 by Clean Coach Katie
Clockwise 10k Route 2020
Clockwise Half Marathon Route 2020
Clockwise Ultra route 2020
