Shires and Spires Ultra
History and running in perfect settingsShires 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!
Shires and Spires is a 35 mile circular Ultra Marathon 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!
We are proud to be a qualifying race for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc with 2 Endurance points awarded by ITRA.
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 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 (you will be given a printed copy on the day)
UTMB POINTS
The race will gain you 2 UTMB qualifying points.
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, and a selection of supplementary snacks. 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 10am until 12 noon on Saturday 14th 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
Stay on track during the Shires and Spires Ultra. The Geo Tracks GPS Tracker is lightweight and easily fits in a small pocket in your rucksack. Let family and friends track your progress in real-time and use the Geo Tracks app combined with the tracker as an accurate tool for navigation during the event. The GPS Tracking units upload their position every 10 seconds to the live view tracking map and are accurate to 5 metres. Batteries last for 70 hours . Pre-order your GPS tracker and collect at the event registration and drop off at the finish. To find out more and book your tracker 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 (shown on your map book given at registration)
- Map Book (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
Location
Naseby Village Hall, NN6 6DE
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Is the course marked? No, but there are lots of footpath signs and we provide a map and lots of help to keep you on track. You can also rent a tracker from 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
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 14th May 2025 Registration from 7am on race day or 2pm until 4pm on Saturday 12th May
Start 08:30
Cost
£55.00
TRACKER – Click Here
£10.00
10k
RUN FOR A CHARITY
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
For information about charity places or general enquiries please contact us.
