Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon

Event Overview

The Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon is a trail running event that follows an iconic bridleway path across the rural landscapes of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire. The course traverses ancient woodlands and quiet countryside.

Participants can choose from two distinct distances:

• 50 Miles (Ultra Marathon)
• Marathon (26.2 miles)

Course and Navigation

Both races are point-to-point routes. The 50 Mile race begins at Hanslope Village Hall in Buckinghamshire, while the Marathon distance starts at Yelden Village Hall in Bedfordshire. Both distances share a common finish line at Marlow Park, Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire.

The route primarily follows well-marked bridleways, making navigation straightforward. Participants are encouraged to use GPX files on their own devices, though the organizers place additional tape and arrows at sections that are more difficult to navigate. The terrain consists of a mix of footpaths, bridleways, and some quiet road sections without pavements.

Logistics and Requirements

The event operates a cupless policy, meaning runners must bring their own reusable cups for use at the fully stocked aid stations. Mandatory kit for all runners includes a fully charged mobile phone, a water capacity of at least one litre, a survival blanket, and a whistle. Participants in the 50 Mile distance have additional mandatory equipment requirements, including a long-sleeved base layer, reflective gear, and a headtorch.

To reach the start lines, paid coach transport is available from the finish area at Grafham Water. There is a cut-off time of 8 hours for the marathon and 14 hours for the 50-mile ultra. Finishing medals and professional race photos are provided to all participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.