Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon

Event overview

The Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon takes place on Saturday 20 June 2026. It offers point-to-point trail races along the Three Shires Way through rural landscapes and ancient woodlands in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, finishing with a loop around Grafham Water. Both races are licensed by the TRA and held under UKA rules. The organiser provides professional first aid at the start and finish and on-course access, and volunteers staff a number of checkpoints and aid stations.

Race distances and key rules

• 50 miles
• Marathon

Entries are open with fees of £70 for the 50 mile race and £40 for the marathon; UK Athletics club members receive a £2 discount. Minimum ages are 20 for the 50 mile race and 18 for the marathon. Entries and transfers close seven days before the event. No pacers are permitted. Cut-off times are 14 hours for the 50 mile race and 8 hours for the marathon, with progressive cut-offs at checkpoints.

Logistics, kit and other information

Start locations are at village halls (Hanslope for the 50 mile, Yelden for the marathon) and the finish is at Marlow Park, Grafham Water. Coaches run from the finish to the start points; coach seats cost £14. Reduced parking at the finish is offered for runners at £5 for the day. Required kit includes a charged mobile phone, at least 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket, whistle and a personal cup. Additional mandatory items for the 50 mile race include a long sleeved base layer or fleece, reflective top or bands, hat and gloves, and a headtorch. All finishers receive a commemorative event medal; prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each race. Free digital race photos are provided after the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.