Rose of the Shires Ultra and The Rosebud Marathon
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Rose of the Shires Ultra and The Rosebud Marathon
Go Beyond Events stages two linked races based at Brixworth Country Park, Northamptonshire. The Rose of the Shires Ultra is a 54 mile circular route through countryside, villages and two country parks, passing Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal and parts of the Nene Way, Midshires Way and Northampton Round. About three quarters of the ultra is on trail with the remainder on roads and canal towpath.
Distances
- 54 miles (Full Ultra)
- 26.2 miles (Rosebud Marathon, final section of the ultra)
The Rose of the Shires Ultra mixes 36.4 miles of cross country trails, 15.6 miles of roads and 1.8 miles of canal towpath, with elevation gain +706 m and loss -706 m. The course is waymarked but some navigation is required; a tracker and a voice cue navigation app are available. There are 6 checkpoints spaced about 6–8 miles apart offering water, snacks and Go Beyond Fruit Cake. Cut off for the ultra is 13.5 hours with progressive checkpoint cut offs. Awards are given to the first three male and female finishers. Parking is available at Brixworth Country Park; charges may apply. Entrants must be over 18. Baggage can be kept in a car or at the finish.
The Rosebud Marathon covers the last 26.2 miles of the ultra. Its terrain split is 14 miles trails, 10.4 miles roads and 1.8 miles canal towpath, with elevation gain +378 m and loss -399 m. Two checkpoints are located at 9.5 miles (Gayton) and 17.7 miles (Nobottle) with water, snacks and Go Beyond Fruit Cake. Transport to the marathon start is offered from Brixworth Country Park for a small fee. The marathon has an 8 hour cut off and awards for the top three male and female finishers. Both events use GeoTracks real time GPS tracking.
A relay option divides the ultra into seven legs (approx 8.7, 7.1, 7.4, 6.8, 7.7, 8.0 and 8.4 miles) with team formats for 3, 4 or 7 runners; the tracker acts as the baton and all team members receive a medal and Go Beyond merchandise. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
