Shires and Spires

Shires and Spires

Shires and Spires is a multi distance running event based at Naseby Village Hall in Northamptonshire. The route uses both road and trail sections and passes local landmarks such as Holdenby House, Althorp House and Cottesbrooke House. The event received the MARM Race of the Year award in 2023.

The course direction changes each year: on even years the route runs clockwise and on odd years it runs anti clockwise. Distances include a mix of road and trail mileage and varied elevation profiles. Navigation requirements and support differ by distance.

Distances offered

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

Selected event details: the Ultra requires navigation, provides a GPS tracker and app with voice cues, and has five checkpoints. The Marathon and Three Quarter Marathon are partly waymarked with some navigation sections and have four and three checkpoints respectively. The Half Marathon and 10K are well marked and marshalled; the 10K has a single water station. Cut off times and minimum age limits apply and vary by distance. A charity entry option is available for each distance with a £10 admin fee and set fundraising commitments. Training plans are suggested via the Runna App. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.