The Winter Green Man Ultra

Event Overview

The Winter Green Man Ultra is an endurance event that follows the Community Forest Path around Bristol. Participants travel in an anti-clockwise direction, which distinguishes the winter edition from the summer version of the race. The event is open to runners aged 20 and over and requires participants to be self-sufficient between checkpoints.

The event offers two distinct distances:

• 45 miles (72 Kilometres): This full loop starts and finishes at Ashton Park School in Bristol, featuring approximately 3,100 feet of elevation gain.
• 30 miles (48 Kilometres): Known as "The Green Boy," this route starts at The Lock Keepers in Keynsham and finishes at Ashton Park School, with 1,900 feet of elevation gain.

Course and Support

The course involves self-navigation through a varied landscape. To assist with timing and navigation, the event provides "timelords" who run at specific paces to help participants reach the finish within 9, 10, 11, or 12 hours. The 45 mile distance includes four checkpoints, while the 30 mile distance has two. These stations provide water and nutrition such as sandwiches, savory items, and sweets.

Mandatory Equipment and Completion

Runners must carry specific gear, including a head torch with spare batteries, a mobile phone, a whistle, a first aid kit, and navigation tools like a compass, GPS, or the provided route directions. All finishers receive a bespoke medal and a technical T-shirt. Those who complete the 45 mile distances of both the summer and winter events in a single year are eligible for a cumulative time buckle. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.