The MTC Cotswold Ultra

The MTC Cotswold Ultra : overview

The MTC Cotswold Ultra is a point-to-point ultramarathon held on 6 August 2026. The advertised race distance is * 57 miles with an ascent of 370 metres and descent of 474 metres. The start is at Kemble Station and the finish is at Travelodge Abingdon Road, Oxford. All finishers receive a bespoke Cotswold Ultra medal and each competitor receives an MTC head visor at the start. Bespoke trophies are awarded to the first male and first female finishers. A GPX route file and route maps are provided.

Route, checkpoints and rules

The route follows the Thames Path to the river source, back towards the start, then continues through Somerford Keynes, Cricklade, Castle Eaton, Blackford Farm, meadows before Lechlade, Shifford Lock, Newbridge and Bablock Hythe, finishing at Travelodge Oxford Abingdon Road. The event uses Thames Path signing but no additional course signs; competitors are expected to use the GPX file or route directions.

The race includes four checkpoints that provide water and nutrition. Example checkpoint food includes cake, malt loaf, sandwiches, nuts, dried fruit, sweets, squash, cola and water. CP segment distances between stations are listed as:

• Start to CP1: 8.4 miles
• CP1 to CP2: 9.8 miles
• CP2 to CP3: 12.8 miles
• CP3 to CP4: 13.2 miles
• CP4 to Finish: 12.6 miles

Competitors are responsible for their own transport to the start and from the finish. Entrants must carry mandatory kit (backpack, head torch and spare batteries, OS Map 150 or maps, compass or GPS, whistle, mobile phone, basic first aid) and meet a minimum average pace of 4.0 miles per hour; those below this requirement will be removed from the race. Registration and kit checks are required before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.