The Rosebud Marathon

The Rosebud Marathon

The Rosebud Marathon is a 26.2 mile section of the Rose of the Shires Ultra Marathon, running from Ashton Road in Hartwell to the finish at Brixworth Country Park near Northampton. The route crosses Northamptonshire countryside and follows parts of the Grand Union Canal, the Nene Way, the Midshires Way and the Northampton Round.

The course is approximately 60% trail and 40% road, with a more detailed breakdown of 14 miles of cross country trails, 10.4 miles of roads and 1.8 miles of canal tow path. Elevation change is listed as +1241 ft and -1308 ft. The route is waymarked but requires some navigation; organisers provide a Geo Tracks GPS tracker, a voice cue navigation app and resources, and the course is covered by OS Maps 207 and 224.

Registration and the finish are hosted at Brixworth Country Park, which has allocated parking and proximity to local accommodation in Northampton. Transport to the start is offered for a fee or entrants may travel to the start independently. There are two staffed checkpoints, at about 9.5 miles and 17.7 miles, offering water and snacks, and a drink is available at the finish. The event has a cut off time of eight hours, with checkpoint deadlines at CP5 and CP6.

Entry is restricted to competitors aged over 18. Mandatory kit includes a fully charged mobile phone, power bank, at least one litre of water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, hat and gloves, and a long sleeved base layer or fleece. Baggage can be stored at the finish within a UK carry-on size limit. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.