Shires and Spires

Shires and Spires

Shires and Spires is a multi-distance running event based at Naseby Village Hall in Northamptonshire. Routes start and finish in Naseby and run through local countryside, using a mix of roads and trails and passing country houses such as Holdenby House, Althorp House, and Cottesbrooke House.

The event runs in a different direction each year: even years are clockwise and odd years are anti-clockwise. Navigation and marking vary by distance; some races are waymarked and marshalled, while others require navigation and use a GPS tracker and an app with voice cues.

Distances:

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

Race details vary by distance. The Ultra is multi terrain, requires navigation, provides a GPS tracker, has five checkpoints, a 10 hour cut off and mandatory kit including a charged mobile phone and at least 1 litre of water; age limit 18+. The Marathon and Three-Quarter Marathon combine roads and trails, have multiple checkpoints and progressive cut offs; age limit 18+. The Half Marathon is well marked and marshalled; age limit 17+. The 10K is a road race with an undulating profile, one water station and no cut off; age limit 16+.

A charity entry option is available: a £10 admin fee plus a minimum fundraising commitment that varies by distance. Free parking is available at the village hall complex. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.