Forest of Dean Ultra Marathon

Event

The Forest of Dean Ultra Marathon is a trail ultramarathon held in the Forest of Dean. The event distance is 55 km on a circular route that visits major interest points of the forest, including Symonds Yat viewpoint, and runs alongside the river Wye. Canicross entries are allowed in a separate race category.

Course and logistics

The route combines technical single-track trail with wider riverside and open-country sections and includes ridges, fields and dense woodland. Race HQ and parking are located at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean. The organiser provides professional timing, free race photos, a finishers medal, race merchandise and support vehicles. Aid station provision includes a minimum of three well stocked stations with toilets, water, food, snacks and electrolytes; support vehicle parking is available for crew at aid stations. Qualified race and medical professionals are present during the event. The organiser works in partnership with Forestry England.

Navigation, rules and kit

The course is self-navigated using a precise GPX file supplied to participants. The rules require competitors to carry mandatory kit and to check in at each aid station. Top finishers may be asked to submit GPX files of their route for verification. The mandatory kit list includes a GPX file on a phone or watch, navigation method, waterproof jacket, head torch, hydration system (minimum 1 litre recommended more), survival bag, basic first aid and a charged mobile phone. The time limit to complete the course is 10 hours. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.