The Peddars Way Ultra Marathon

Peddars Way Ultra

The Peddars Way Ultra is an approximately 48 mile point to point race from Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve to Holme-next-the-Sea on the Norfolk coast. The route follows the historic Peddars Way, an ancient pre-Roman trading route that was later used as a Roman road.

The course runs along straight tracks, bridleways, footpaths and quiet country lanes. It is described as relatively flat and well marked with finger posts and National Trail acorn markings. Organisers provide detailed GPS route files for download. An early boardwalk section can become slippery or partially flooded in cold or wet weather. Two route versions exist; one includes an optional 2 mile diversion that may be used if conditions require it.

There are three checkpoints on the course and a finish checkpoint. CP1 (about 14 miles) offers basic cold drinks and snacks and no indoor facilities. CP2 (about 27 miles) is at Castle Acre Village Hall and provides cold food, hot drinks and toilets. CP3 (about 34 miles) is a roadside stop with basic provisions. The finish at Holme-next-the-Sea village hall includes hot food, hot drinks, changing and toilets. The overall time limit is 12 hours; meeting cutoffs requires an average speed of roughly 4 mph and cutoffs are strict.

First aid cover and GPS tracking are provided; trackers are fitted at registration and a public tracking page is available. A shuttle bus option runs from the finish car park to the start. Runners must be 18 or older. A mandatory kit list includes a waterproof jacket and trousers with taped seams, a spare warm layer, a headtorch (minimum 100 lumens), hat or buff, gloves, a map or saved route on a device, at least 1 litre water carrying capacity and suitable shoes. Finish bags are transported from the start to the finish only. The event is cupless so runners must carry a reusable cup or use their own bottles. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.