Rose of the Shires Ultra
Brixworth, United Kingdom • 11 Apr 2026
Event overview
The Rose of the Shires Ultra is a 54-mile circular ultra marathon starting and finishing at Brixworth Country Park (NN6 9DG) in Northamptonshire. The route passes through Northamptonshire countryside, Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal and parts of the Nene Way, Midshires Way and Northampton Round. The race is a registered UTMB Index event in the 100K category.
Distances
- 54 miles - Rose of the Shires Ultra
- 26.2 miles - Rosebud Marathon (last 26 miles of the ultra)
- Relay legs - 8.7 / 7.1 / 7.4 / 6.8 / 7.7 / 8 / 8.4 miles
Course, checkpoints and cut-offs
The course comprises 36.4 miles of cross-country trails, 15.6 miles of roads and 1.8 miles of canal towpath, with total elevation gain +2315 ft (+706 m). The route is waymarked but requires some navigation. There are six checkpoints spaced roughly 6-8 miles apart; each checkpoint provides water and snacks. The overall cut-off is 13.5 hours, with progressive cut-offs from Checkpoint 3 onwards.
Logistics and mandatory kit
Parking is at the lower meadow car park of Brixworth Country Park (charges apply). Bags can be stored at the finish; maximum bag size 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Competitors must be over 18. Mandatory kit includes a fully charged mobile phone, at least 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket (1.4 x 2 m), waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch and spare batteries, hat and gloves, and a long-sleeved base layer or fleece. Real-time GPS tracking is provided by Geo Tracks (positions upload every 10 seconds, accuracy approx. 5 m). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.