Rose of the Shires Ultra

Rose of The Shires Ultra and The Rosebud Marathon

The Rose of The Shires Ultra is a 54-mile circular race in Northamptonshire that starts and finishes at Brixworth Country Park. The route passes Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal and sections of the Nene Way, Midshires Way and Northampton Round, moving through villages, towns and two country parks. About three quarters of the ultra is on trail with the remainder on roads and canal towpath.

• 54 miles : 36.4 miles trails, 15.6 miles roads, 1.8 miles canal towpath
• 26.2 miles : 14 miles trails, 10.4 miles roads, 1.8 miles canal towpath
• Relay legs : 8.7, 7.1, 7.4, 6.8, 7.7, 8.0, 8.4 miles

The ultra is waymarked but requires some navigation; organizers provide a tracker and a voice cue navigation app. Real-time GPS tracking is available for both events. The ultra includes six checkpoints spaced about 6–8 miles apart offering water, snacks and Go Beyond fruit cake and uses progressive checkpoint cut-offs with a 13.5 hour overall cut-off. The Rosebud Marathon covers the final 26.2 miles of the ultra, includes two checkpoints at Gayton and Nobottle, and has an eight hour cut-off with checkpoint cut-offs.

Parking is available at Brixworth Country Park and transport to the marathon start is offered for a small fee. The events are restricted to participants over 18. Mandatory kit includes trail shoes, mobile phone, water bottle, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle and headtorch. Baggage can be left at the finish or stored in a vehicle. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.