Shires and Spires

Shires and Spires

Shires and Spires is a multi-distance running event based at Naseby Village Hall, Haselbech Road, Northampton NN6 6DE. Courses run through Northamptonshire countryside on a mixture of roads and trails and pass landmarks such as Holdenby House, Althorp House, and Cottesbrooke House. The event changes direction each year: even years run clockwise and odd years run anti-clockwise.

Distances offered:

• Ultra Marathon - 35 miles
• Marathon - 26.6 miles
• Three-Quarter Marathon - 19.1 miles
• Half Marathon - 13.4 miles
• 10K - 10 kilometres

Specific race details include navigation and support differences by distance. The Ultra requires navigation, provides a GPS tracker and app with voice cues, has five checkpoints, a 10 hour cut-off, and mandatory kit items including a charged mobile phone, at least 1 litre of drinking capacity, trail shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. The Marathon and Three-Quarter Marathon combine road and trail sections, offer GPS tracking and some waymarked sections, and have progressive cut-off arrangements and aid stations. The Half Marathon and 10K are waymarked and marshalled; the 10K is a road course with roughly +400 ft and -400 ft elevation and a single water station. Age limits and entry fees vary by distance, and a charity entry option involves a £10 admin fee plus a minimum fundraising commitment per distance. Free parking is available at the village hall complex. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.