Five Rivers Ultra

Five Rivers Ultra

The Five Rivers Ultra is a continuous point to point trail event along the Suffolk and Essex coastline. It links sections of several long distance footpaths and circumnavigates five coastal estuaries, following the Stour, Orwell, Deben, Butley and Ore/Alde rivers. The route passes through Dedham Vale and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Distances offered include:

• 100 miles
• 50 miles
• 50 km

More than 85% of the course is on soft dirt trail and the profile is described as relatively flat, with estuary waters visible for much of the route. The event provides regular support with snack and water stops, indoor checkpoints where competitors can access drop bags and hot food and drinks, and GPS trackers issued to all competitors for safety and live tracking.

Safety and entry requirements are stated: a mandatory kit list is checked at registration with random checks during the race, entrants must be at least 20 years old, and longer distance entrants must show recent trail experience (100 mile entrants require a trail event of at least 50 miles in the last 12 months; 50 mile entrants require a minimum 25 mile event). Time limits are set for each distance and the 50 km route will be waymarked for 2026 while navigation remains the competitor's responsibility. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.