Foxton Hound Ultra

The Foxton Hound Ultras, set to take place on August 14, 2027, offers runners an immersive journey through the picturesque landscapes of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. This challenging race features two distances: a grueling 100k event and a more manageable yet still demanding 50k option.
The route winds its way along the Harborough Round long-distance footpath, passing by historic villages like Houghton on the Hill, West Haddon, Coton, and Stoke Albany. Runners will also encounter notable landmarks such as Foxton Locks, Naseby Battlefield, and the Kelmarsh Tunnel while navigating sections of renowned trails including The Jurassic Way and The Leicestershire Round.
Both races are meticulously organized under UKA rules by Race Harborough with TRA race licenses in place to ensure a safe and competitive environment. Participants must be at least 20 years old on race day, and the event will enforce strict cut-off times: 18 hours for the 100k route and 12 hours for the 50k.
To minimize congestion early on, the 50k runners are divided into two waves based on their predicted finish time—sub-6h30m or above. Pacers are allowed only from Checkpoint 5 (Queens Head in Billesdon) onwards along the 100k route, and no crews or spectators are permitted within certain areas.
The race course features varied terrain with significant elevation changes that challenge runners physically while rewarding them visually. Aid stations will provide essential hydration and nutrition at regular intervals, ensuring participants have access to hot food and drinks during longer stretches of the run.
Race Harborough encourages pre-race familiarization through guided recces led by experienced volunteers who can offer insights into course navigation and local points of interest. Participants are required to carry specific mandatory kit items such as a headlamp with spare batteries for navigating the Kelmarsh Tunnel, ensuring safety throughout the event.
Upon crossing the finish line at Winwick Hall in Northamptonshire, all runners will receive commemorative medals while top male and female finishers in both races can look forward to claiming trophies. Additionally, complimentary race photos will be made available online shortly after completion of the event through Race Harborough's Facebook page.
This year’s Foxton Hound Ultras also supports local charities including the Jubilee Foodbank in Market Harborough and Weston Favell Centre Foodbank in Northampton, providing runners with an opportunity to contribute towards these vital community services.