Rose of the Shires Ultra

Event

The Rose of the Shires Ultra is a 54-mile circular ultra marathon held at Brixworth Country Park, Northamptonshire on 11 April 2026. The event is a registered UTMB index race in the 100K category. Entry options include solo ultra, relay teams, and the Rosebud Marathon covering the final section of the route. The event is open to competitors over 18 years of age only. The overall cut-off for the full ultra is 13.5 hours with progressive cut-offs from checkpoint 3 onwards.

Distances

• 54 miles - full ultra (36.4 mi trails; 15.6 mi roads; 1.8 mi towpath)
• 26.2 miles - Rosebud Marathon (14 mi trails; 10.4 mi roads; 1.8 mi towpath)
• Relay legs - 8.7 / 7.1 / 7.4 / 6.8 / 7.7 / 8 / 8.4 miles

Course and support

The route is a single loop through Northamptonshire countryside, Salcey Forest, parts of the Grand Union Canal, and sections of the Nene Way, Midshires Way and Northampton Round. Total elevation change is approximately +2315 ft / -2315 ft for the ultra. The course follows waymarked paths but requires some navigation. Six checkpoints are placed about 6-8 miles apart; each offers water, snacks and event fruit cake. The event provides Geo Tracks GPS trackers for live tracking and navigation.

Logistics and mandatory kit

Start and finish are at Brixworth Country Park where parking is available in the lower meadow car park (charges apply). Bags can be stored at the finish; maximum bag size 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Mandatory items include a charged mobile phone, at least 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch with spare batteries, hat and gloves, and a long-sleeved base layer or fleece top. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.