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DIFFICULTY Intermediate
Approximately 33 miles in length, the Imber Ultra starts at the Leighton Recreation Centre in Westbury in the north west region of the Imber mountain ranges. After a few miles along the Salisbury Plain, runners follow the Imber Range Perimeter Path anti clockwise. There are five checkpoints along the route with water and sweets. It is recommended that runners carry their own snacks and drinks.
The route is varied: footpaths, metalled roads, bridleways and tracks.
All proceeds are for charity. The race is run according to the rules of the Association of Running Clubs (ARC). This event is not marshalled and participants must self-navigate.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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This is a fabulous hilly ultra with lovely scenery, great prizes and a fab start to the ultra race year!
I ran the 2016 race, and thought it was a great and well-organised event. If you're expecting it to be pancake flat, then you'll be surprised, but it's not mountainous either. Enough undulations to keep things interesting though! Five simple but good aid stations, enough to keep you going on the way round.
After 4 marathons last year I wanted a small but well run event to push me further. Fellow Fareham Crusaders had spoken highly of the Imber from the last two years so it was an easy choice. I found the detailed race instructions and maps very useful. The course was quite exposed so carrying a jacket and wearing a long sleeve Helly were well worth it. I followed the "walk the hills" mantra and that worked for me !! Lots of friendly encouragement came from every marshal as well as checkpoint staff. The clubhouse had showers, massage, food & drink which was very welcome. I would recommend this as a "step up" from marathons. Excellent value too.
I did Imber for the first time in 2016 & found it to be a low key great value event. The route follows the Imber Range Perimeter Path on Salisbury Plain but don't be fooled, I went into this thinking it would be comparatively flat & easy going after the initial climb but it's deceptively undulating - but it's all the better for it as the ascents provide some fabulous views. Fantastic support, marshals & competitors all make this a race well worth considering in the future. For a full write up of the race you can read my blog here: https://ukruncat.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/imber-ultra-what-a-lovely-day-ultra-3-of-12/
2016 was the first time doing this run for me and I thought it was fantastic. Great route with nothing major hill wise but just the right mix for an early season ultra. Lucky with the weather this year which could turn it into a pretty tough run! Aid stations, organisation, volunteers and mug on completion all amazing.
2016 is my second run of this race, and I will probably do it again in the future! The course is fairly fast, with a few climbs but nothing nerve shattering. It is very well organised, and as the other reviewers mention, the mug is a lovely change from from a medal. Very good value, and a really good ultra to start the season with, or for beginners.
I've run this race twice in 2014 and 2016. I disagree with the previous review, this is a relatively flat and runnable course on good trails, yes its undulating but there are no monster hills. It's a small low key event run by the local community and all profits from the race go to charity which is just one reason why I like this race so much. It's well organised and the volunteers and marshals are all very friendly. A good option for a short early season ultra.
Great low key event. Super friendly organisers, less than a pound per mile and some impressively desolate scenery. Perfect first ultra.
In 2015 I ran the Imber Ultra. I thought it would be a flatish introduction to an ultra. I was very wrong, The plains are certainly not flat, the course was challenging and had a little bit more tarmac than I would have liked. It had awesome aid stations full of cake, brownies and flapjack. The goody bag was awesome and mug instead of a medal was nice touch. A quality mug made in a local potters. Worth doing just for the mug and reasonable price. A great introduction race to Ultra running! I wrote a full blog on it and the following link.http://www.triblogs.com/blog/Ironjedi/imber-ultra-race-report-its-all-about-the-mug?pid=3120
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