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Northants Ultra (Shires and Spires)

15-May-2022 Naseby Village Hall, Northamptonshire, UK (England)

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7 REVIEWS

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Trail Race Race Terrain

56KM / 35Miles
1 Day - 300 Runners

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Intermediate

Entry From £51 GBP

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Shires and Spires is a 35 mile circular Ultra Marathon with a mixture of trails and roads. It starts and finishes at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways. 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!

Event Organiser
Simon Hollis

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Northants Ultra (Shires and Spires)

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Sally Hart

08:58 26-05-18

20.05.18
Like other reviewers, this was my first ultra and a step away from my normal road running. I loved it! The course is beautiful and varied, the medal and t-shirt are good and the checkpoints & marshals are excellent. The marshals couldn't have been more friendly & helpful. I'll definitely be back next year, though I might swot up on navigational skills beforehand!

colemanb

05:49 15-06-16

This was my first Ultra and despite the pain, the tiredness and the poorly judged glass of Guinness at mile 24 - I'd thoroughly recommend the whole experience.
I'd done 5 marathons before this and wanted a new challenge. Lamport Hall is on my doorstep so there was no excuse. After all - how much can another 9 miles hurt? The answer is quite a lot but when you're surrounded by like-minded runners and incredibly knowledgable and supportive marshals, it makes it a lot more fun.
The course isn't easy for someone more used to road racing but it certainly is exciting and much more picturesque. The hills are tough in places and there are a couple of moments where my sweat-drenched map became unreadable and I had to rely on the kindest of strangers for directions but this somehow makes it all the more of an achievement.
The event is wonderfully organised. The route is challenging but never dull. I'd do it again tomorrow if my legs and brain would let me.

kempyBoy

04:41 15-06-16

A great event well organised my first ultra marathon really enjoyed it great marshals and the water stations were good will be back
Next year loved the race medal as well great scenery and fantastic views

Ahealthiermoo

04:21 15-06-15

2015 is the third year in a row that I have run this race. It was my first experience of an ultra back in 2013 and a fantastic one to encourage me to take on more long distance events!
The Shires and Spires course has road, fields, grass, tracks, footpaths, shingle... There were long flat sections and steep hills both to head up and to back head down again as well! Absolutely gorgeous scenery to be observed at the top of the hills!
The marshals are superb and eager to help you in any way they can at each checkpoint.
At the start line we received a technical T-shirt and upon finishing the race we were given medals and a print out of our chip timing splits. This race shall remain in my calendar for future years!

EdJones

09:21 12-06-15

One of my favourite races. 35 miles through some beautiful scenery, with a roughly equal mixture of road and trail. Very well organised, friendly and helpful volunteers, great technical t-shirt and nice medal. Although you need to keep an eye on the navigation in a couple of places, it would make an ideal first ultra. And the fruit cake is great. 2015 race reviewed, but I also ran it in 2012 and 2014.

Laura

10:49 11-06-15

Great race, ideal for people wanting to 'step up' from marathon. Beautiful countryside, great aid stations but you do need to learn to map read / know the course as there are no course markings.

alastair_g

10:41 11-06-15

Great race which is very well organised and has the most amazing scenery from start to finish. Ideal for people looking to step up to ultra distances as it includes some challenges hills but on the whole is a pretty forgiving course. Highly recommend this race to anyone wanting a challenge of that above marathon distance.

Northants Ultra (Shires and Spires)