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
The race is based in the village of Naseby, famous for the battle of Naseby in 1645!
You’ve done a marathon and are now ready for a trip to the dark side of ultra marathon running? Well you have found your perfect race Shires and Spires is a 35 mile circular Ultra Marathon in the second garden of England running through beautiful scenery with a mixture of trails and roads. It starts and finishes at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways. The route takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and country houses, Holdenby, Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and Cottesbrooke. At 35 miles it is ideal for first time Ultra Runners or those looking for a shorter challenge. 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! FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2024 THE RACE WILL BE FULLY TRACKED AND INTERACTIVE ALLOWING YOU TO USE THE DEVICE TO NAVIGATE AND YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN FOLLOW YOU FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR ARMCHAIRS!
We are proud to be an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc index race.
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.
- Click here for the Anti Clockwise route map
- Anti Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
- Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
- Click here to see the Clockwise map book
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 map book 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 11th May to avoid the queues and then from 7 am on race day 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 8.30am
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://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
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
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
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
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
When
Sunday 12th May 2024 Registration from 7am on race day or 2pm until 4pm on Saturday 11th 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.
