The Rosebud Marathon

The Rosebud Marathon

The Rosebud Marathon is a 26.2 miles point-to-point race that covers a mix of footpaths, country trails, roads and canal towpath. The route is approximately 60% trail and 40% road and forms the final 26.2 miles section of the Rose of the Shires Ultra Marathon.

The course starts on Ashton Road in Hartwell and finishes at Brixworth Country Park near Northampton. The Country Park hosts race registration and the finish area; parking is available there. The event is run as a single line with organiser transport provided to the start for those who choose it. Competitors must register at Brixworth Country Park before proceeding to the start.

There are two staffed checkpoints at about 9.5 miles (Gayton) and 17.7 miles (Nobottle). Each checkpoint offers water and a selection of snacks including Go Beyond fruit cake. A drink is available at the finish. The event uses GPS tracking and a voice cue navigation app; a tracker is provided as part of entry and uploads positions frequently to a live map.

The route gains and loses elevation (approximately +1241 ft and -1308 ft) and is covered by OS Maps 207 and 224. The race has an overall cut off of eight hours and is restricted to competitors aged over 18. Trail shoes are advised and a mandatory kit list includes a charged mobile phone, power bank, at least 1 litre of water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, hat and gloves. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.