Rose of The Shires ULTRA and The Rosebud Marathon

Embrace the beauty and challenge of Northamptonshire with the Rose of the Shires Ultra and Rosebud Marathon. Nestled within Brixworth Country Park, these events offer runners stunning landscapes and varied terrain through one of England's most picturesque regions.
The Rose of the Shires Ultra is a 54-mile journey that circles back to its starting point at Brixworth Country Park. This ultra marathon takes you on an adventure across country trails, roads, and canal towpaths, weaving through charming villages and two beautiful country parks along the way. The route features approximately three-quarters of trail running with the remainder on paved roads.
Runners will encounter iconic landmarks such as Salcey Forest, parts of the Grand Union Canal, and sections of well-known routes like the Nene Way, Midshires Way, and Northampton Round. With a total elevation gain and loss of 2315 feet (706 meters), this event challenges even the most experienced runners.
The course is waymarked but requires some navigation skills; however, helpful tools such as voice cue navigation apps are available to keep you on track. Six checkpoints spaced roughly every eight miles provide essential support with water and snacks like Go Beyond Fruit Cake. The race has a cut-off time of 13.5 hours, allowing for progressive checkpoint deadlines.
Awards go to the top three male and female finishers in both events, adding an extra layer of prestige to your run. Real-time tracking via GeoTracks GPS Tracker keeps friends and family updated on your progress throughout the day.
For those looking for a more team-oriented experience, the Rose of the Shires Relay Race offers varying distances across seven legs. Teams can choose from three options: 3-person (1 driver + 3 runners), 4-person (1 driver + 4 runners), or 7-person (2 drivers + 7 runners). Each runner will receive a medal and Go Beyond merchandise upon completion.
The Rosebud Marathon covers the final 26.2 miles of the Rose of the Shires Ultra, providing an equally scenic but slightly shorter challenge through Northamptonshire's rolling hills and picturesque towns. With approximately half of this distance on cross-country trails and another third on roads, it offers a mix that showcases both the beauty and challenges of the landscape.
Both events start at Brixworth Country Park with parking available for a fee. Participants will need to bring their own mandatory kit including trail shoes, mobile phone, water bottle, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch, and more. Real-time tracking via GeoTracks GPS Tracker is also an option to keep friends and family updated on your progress.
Join us in Northamptonshire for a day of unforgettable running through stunning countryside and charming towns. Whether you're tackling the full 54-mile ultra or finishing strong with the Rosebud Marathon's final miles, it’s an adventure that will leave lasting memories.
Accommodation options are plentiful around Brixworth Country Park, including budget-friendly hotels and Airbnb listings for those traveling from afar.
Training support is available through apps like Runna. Use discount code GoBeyond to get started on your training plan tailored specifically for these events.
Race day instructions will be provided closer to the event date, ensuring you have all necessary information at hand.
Join us in Northamptonshire and experience a memorable run through its rolling hills and picturesque towns!