Bowland Ultra 2027

Welcome to the 42-mile Bowland Beast, an exhilarating and challenging race set amidst the rugged beauty of Lancashire's Forest of Bowland. This unmarked course offers runners a unique blend of terrain, including fast vehicle tracks, flowing singletrack trails, muddy climbs, and sections of road that will test your endurance and navigation skills.
Scheduled for January in the north, this event is renowned not only for its scenic routes but also for its unpredictable weather conditions. From sunny days to torrential rain, ice, snow, high winds, and frost, participants must be prepared for anything as they traverse 68 kilometers of challenging terrain with over 1,700 meters of ascent.
Race day starts at 08:00 AM sharp in the quaint village of Slaidburn. Registration opens on January 9th from 5:30 to 7:30 AM for early arrivals to collect their maps and familiarize themselves with the route. A mandatory briefing will be held at 07:45 AM, where runners can gather important safety information before setting off.
The course itself features a mix of shooting tracks, technical singletrack, road sections, and boggy climbs that demand both physical prowess and mental fortitude. With four fully equipped aid stations along the way, participants will find warm drinks, soups, sandwiches, and hot food to keep their energy levels up throughout the race.
While GPS tracking is provided for friends and family at home, runners are encouraged to bring printed maps or OS map OL41 (Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale) or Harvey's new Bowland area map as battery life can be unpredictable in cold weather.
Upon crossing the finish line back in Slaidburn, participants will receive a hearty meal and a commemorative item that celebrates their achievement. Bag storage is available at race HQ but no on-course bag drops are provided unless for special dietary needs.
Entry fees cover all aid stations, GPS tracking, post-race meals, and an unforgettable day out among the fells of Bowland. Refunds and transfers are possible until November 1st (minus admin fees), with a reduced refund rate from December 1st onwards. From January 1st, entries become non-transferable.
Participants can also purchase XCover insurance when registering via SiEntries to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances that might prevent them from participating. For more information and FAQs about the event, visit our website.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure in one of England's most captivating landscapes as you run through the heart of Bowland’s wild beauty.