Shires and Spires

Shires and Spires

Shires and Spires is a multi-terrain running event held in the Northamptonshire countryside. The race starts and finishes at Naseby Village Hall, a location known for the historical Battle of Naseby in 1645. The course features a mix of roads and trails, passing through numerous historical landmarks including Holdenby House, Althorp House, and Cottesbrooke House.

The event follows a unique format where the direction of the course changes every year. On even-numbered years, the races run in a clockwise direction, and on odd-numbered years, they run anti-clockwise. Participants can choose from five different distances:

• Ultra Marathon: A 35-mile multi-terrain course with five aid stations and a 10-hour cut-off.
• Marathon: A 26.6-mile course consisting of 12.9 miles of road and 13.7 miles of trails.
• Three-Quarter Marathon: A 19.1-mile route with 11.1 miles of road and 8 miles of trails.
• Half Marathon: A 13.4-mile distance primarily on roads with 1.7 miles of trail sections.
• 10K: A 10-kilometer undulating road race featuring a valley descent and an uphill finish.

Navigation requirements vary by distance. The 10K and Half Marathon are well-marked and marshalled, while the longer distances may require navigation; for these, the organizer provides a GPS tracker and an app with voice cues. Mandatory kit for the Ultra Marathon includes a mobile phone, a water container of at least one litre, and trail shoes. The event site at Naseby Village Hall offers free parking for participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.