Rose of the Shires Ultra

Event overview

The Rose of the Shires is a 54-mile circular ultra marathon that starts and finishes at Brixworth Country Park, Northamptonshire. A shorter option, the Rosebud Marathon, covers the final 26.2 miles of the ultra route. The organizer operates the event as a UTMB index race in the 100K category. Parking is available at Brixworth Country Park and Northampton offers local accommodation options.

Course and support

The route mixes footpaths, country trails, roads and canal towpath: about 36.4 miles of cross-country trails, 15.6 miles of roads and 1.8 miles of towpath, with total elevation gain and loss of about +2315 ft (+706 m) and -2315 ft (-706 m). The course is waymarked but requires some navigation; real-time GPS tracking is provided via GeoTracks. There are six checkpoints approximately 6–8 miles apart that offer water, snacks and event fruit cake. The ultra has a 13.5-hour overall cut-off with progressive checkpoint cut-offs; the Rosebud Marathon has its own shorter cut-off.

Entries, relays and kit

Distances:

• 54 miles (Rose of the Shires Ultra)
• 26.2 miles (Rosebud Marathon)

Relay options divide the ultra into seven legs (8.7 / 7.1 / 7.4 / 6.8 / 7.7 / 8.0 / 8.4 miles) with team formats for three, four or seven runners. Entry fees vary by category. Competitors must be 18 or over and carry mandatory kit including trail shoes, a charged mobile phone, at least 1 litre of water capacity, a survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch and spare batteries. All finishers receive a medal and event merchandise; prizes are awarded to the first three male and female finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.