Region: Midlands

This year we are back to anti-clockwise with our amazing running festival in the beautiful Northamptonshire village of Naseby (home of the famous battle) with something for everyone. We have a road 10K, a multi-terrain half marathon, a multi-terrain marathon and the legendary Shires and Spires 35 mile Ultra Marathon. All races start at the same time at Naseby Village Hall and finish in the same place too making for easy race logistics. This year is the first ever anti-clockwise edition of the 10K and half marathon leaving the course records to be claimed!

The 10K takes you on quiet country roads from Naseby down a steep hill towards Cottesbrooke along the quiet country estate rods before turning back up to Haselbech up a hill which you won’t forget for a while then onwards Naseby with a challenging undulating road to the finish.

The Multi-Terrain Half Marathon follows the marathon and ultra route before turning off at White House Farm to the picturesque village of Guilsborough and down hill past the Hollowell Reservoir. Its then on to the quiet estate roads towards Cottesbrooke and then a challenging hill up to Haselbech. A challenging undulating road will take you back to the finish in Naseby.

The multi terrain marathon gives you a welcome break from the standard road marathon with the course following much of the Ultra route without the extra 9 miles! It follows a 26.6 mile loop taking in the pretty villages and towns of Thornby, West Haddon, Long Buckby, Great Brington, Harlestone, Holdenby, Teeton, Creaton and Cottesbrooke and of course amazing country houses and stunning countryside. The finish is a challenging climb up to Haselbech and then on to an undulating road to the finish in Naseby

We also have Shires and Spires Ultra which is a 35 mile circular Ultra Marathon with a mixture of trails and roads. It starts and finishes at Naseby Village Hall and the route takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and country houses, Holdenby, Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and Cottesbrooke. At 35 miles it is ideal for first time Ultra Runners or those looking for a shorter challenge. The event is run in a clockwise direction on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years, both give you a different perspective on this scenic route. Which is harder? That’s for you to decide! We are proud to be a qualifying race for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc with 2 Endurance points awarded by ITRA.

Prices:
Ultra Advance Race Place : GBP 50.00,
Multi Terrain Marathon : GBP 38.00,
Multi Terrain Half Marathon : GBP 31.00,
10K : GBP 22.00

Time: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Held under UK:Athletics rules and with the kind permission of The Canal & River Trust, this non-stop race is from Gas Street Basin, Birmingham, along the way-marked Grand Union Canal Towpath to Little Venice, London.

Regarded by many as Britain’s premier Ultra, this is a 145 mile continuous race from Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham, to Little Venice in the heart of London. Run entirely on the waymarked Grand Union Canal towpath, the easy to navigate, and relatively flat route, takes runners through a variety of urban and rural scenery – there should be something for everyone.

This is a race organised by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. It is definitely “old school”; definitely low key, and definitely a long way. There are no entry qualifications (other than that you must be over twenty and willing to give it a good try) so runners of all abilities are welcomed. Entrants should, though, be aware that they must be able to maintain a rate of progress in line with an overall time limit of 45 hours.
GUCR is the first of a three race series “The Canalslam” totalling over 400 miles. Each race can be entered as a one-off, but competitors completing all three receive a special award.

Easy route navigation – detailed maps and a canal to follow.
Plenty of support – snacks and drinks every 10 –15 miles.
Transport for retirees – a lift to the nearest station for anyone having a bad day.
Easy to meet cut-off times – simply in line with the generous overall time limits.
No qualification – previous experience of just a marathon has proven enough.

Inspiring, unique and community-spirited – Stoke-on-Trent’s iconic half marathon, The Hanley Economic Building Society Potters ’Arf, will return on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Runners, walkers, relay teams and junior race entrants can now book their places for this incredible event!

The Potters ‘Arf is one of the most rewarding races in the UK. There are so many reasons to take part, including…

• A proper Potteries welcome – experiencing Stokie support, crowds lining the streets and the amazing community spirit is something special;
• Places for all – sections for runners, relays teams, walkers and juniors;
• City centre finish – providing a real atmosphere as you cross that line;
• Fantastic challenges – a wonderful route;
• Special Potteries medals created by Wade Ceramics.

The Potters ‘Arf includes a 13.1 mile run along a well-mashalled route. The event finishes back in the city centre to cheering crowds near a statue of Sir Stanley Matthews.

There is also relay team section for those who do not want to run the full distance – so you can split the 13.1 miles up between you in groups of up to four.

There’s a 13.1 mile walk – which sets off earlier in the morning and has a fantastic atmosphere among the participants. You also finish around the same time as the runners – to cheers from the crowds.

Finally, there’s a 1,000-metre junior race for youngsters aged six to 15 years old. This provides a fantastic opportunity for children to take part – and many previous entrants have gone on to take on the main event.

Everyone who finishes receives a goody bag, as well as the special Potters ‘Arf medal created by Wade Ceramics, including time bonus ribbons. Winners’ trophy presentations take place after the event.

Organisers hope that around 2,000 participants will be able to tackle the course during an amazing, inspiring, community-spirited day. For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.stoke.gov.uk/pottersarf

The Northampton Half Marathon race starts with a tour of Northampton’s heritage. Beginning at the Guildhall, touring the town centre and returning to the Guildhall before heading out of town for some picturesque countryside running and a finish at the beautiful Delapre Abbey.
For those who don’t fancy the half marathon distance, we also offer the Northampton Size 6 – a 6.9 mile route with the same start and finish location.

Upon reaching Delapre, runners will be welcomed in our Race Village, which will contain plenty of stalls to have kept supporting family and friends busy whilst waiting for their loved ones to cross the finish line!

Time: 09:30 to 12:30

Prices:
Northampton Half Marathon Affiliated entry: GBP 30.00,
Northampton Half Marathon Unaffiliated entry: GBP 32.00,
Northampton Size 6 entry: GBP 23.00

Category: Sports / Leisure | Running