Rose of the Shires Ultra & Rosebud Marathon

Description

The Rose of the Shires Ultra Marathon offers a 54-mile (88.5 km) circular route through the picturesque Northamptonshire countryside. For those seeking a shorter challenge, the Rosebud Marathon covers the final 26.2 miles (42.2 km) of the ultra course. Both events start and finish at Brixworth Country Park, providing participants with a seamless experience amidst beautiful landscapes.

Course Details

Rose of the Shires Ultra Marathon:

• Terrain: Approximately 70% trail and 30% road, the route encompasses footpaths, country trails, roads, and canal towpaths
• Elevation: Total elevation gain and loss of 2,315 feet (706 meters), offering a moderately challenging course.
• Scenery: The course passes through two country parks, Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal, and 21 charming villages and towns, highlighting the region's natural beauty.
• Relay Option: The Rose of the Shires Ultra Marathon offers relay team options for 3, 4, or 7 participants, allowing runners to share the experience and distance.

Rosebud Marathon:

• Terrain: Consists of 60% trail and 40% road, featuring footpaths, country trails, roads, and canal towpaths.
• Elevation: Total elevation gain of 1,241 feet (378 meters) and loss of 1,308 feet (399 meters), providing a balanced challenge for marathon runners.
• Scenery: Runners will experience the scenic Northamptonshire countryside, including the Grand Union Canal and 14 picturesque villages, towns, and hamlets.

Participant Experience

• Checkpoints: The ultra marathon features six checkpoints at intervals of 6 to 8 miles, while the marathon has two checkpoints at approximately 9.5 miles and 17.7 miles. All checkpoints offer water, snacks, and the signature Go Beyond fruit cake, supported by local running clubs.
• Navigation: Both courses follow waymarked routes but require some navigation. Participants are provided with trackers and access to a voice navigation app to assist with route-finding.
• Support: The events are fully tracked and interactive, allowing friends and family to monitor participants' progress remotely.

Preparation Tips

• Training: Incorporate trail running and elevation changes into your training regimen to prepare for the varied terrain and moderate elevation gains.​
• Footwear: Trail-running shoes with good grip are recommended to handle the mix of trail and road surfaces effectively.​
• Navigation Skills: Familiarize yourself with basic navigation techniques and consider practicing with GPS devices or navigation apps to ensure confidence on race day.​

Both the Rose of the Shires Ultra Marathon and the Rosebud Marathon present unique opportunities to explore Northamptonshire's diverse landscapes, offering challenges suitable for ultra-endurance athletes and marathon enthusiasts alike.​

Event Location

Address

Brixworth, Northampton, UK

Accomodation

If you need accommodation near the event, you will find a selection of hotels and vacation rentals here.

Competitions

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