Shires and Spires

Event overview

Shires and Spires is a multi-distance running event held at Naseby Village Hall, Northampton (NN6 6DE) on 10 May 2026. The event offers five circular race distances that start and finish at the village hall. Parking is available free at the village hall complex. Entry fees range from £24 to £60 depending on distance.

Race details and logistics

• 35 miles (Ultra Marathon)
• 26.6 miles (Marathon)
• 19.1 miles (Three-quarter Marathon)
• 13.4 miles (Half Marathon)
• 10 km (10K)

The courses use a mix of trails, footpaths and roads. For the ultra route the organiser states about 20.2 miles of cross country trails and 14.3 miles of road. The event provides electronic route plots and downloadable GPX files and offers GPS tracking and a voice navigation app. There are multiple checkpoints with water and snacks; the ultra has five checkpoints. Participants must carry mandatory kit (including a fully charged mobile phone, water carrying capacity of at least 1 litre, waterproof jacket, survival blanket and whistle). Age limits apply by distance (for example the ultra and marathon require entrants to be 18 or over). Bags can be stored at the finish with a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Progressive cut-offs apply from later checkpoints. The event is part of the UTMB Index system. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.