Rose of The Shires ULTRA and The Rosebud Marathon

Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Northamptonshire's countryside with the Rose of the Shires Ultra and its companion race, the Rosebud Marathon. Both events offer runners a unique blend of scenic trails, charming villages, and historic landmarks.
The Rose of the Shires Ultra is an epic 54-mile journey that begins and ends at Brixworth Country Park. This challenging ultra marathon takes you on a circular route through Northamptonshire's picturesque landscapes. The course winds its way along country trails (36.4 miles), roads (15.6 miles), and canal towpaths (1.8 miles). You’ll pass by iconic landmarks such as Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal, parts of the Nene Way, Midshires Way, and Northampton Round.
The terrain is varied but mostly trail-based, offering a mix of challenging climbs and serene descents. The elevation gain totals 2315 feet (+706m), balanced by an equal amount in loss (-2315 ft or -706m). While the route is waymarked for guidance, some navigation skills are necessary. To assist runners, a voice cue navigation app and tracker are provided to ensure you stay on course.
The race includes six checkpoints spaced every 6-8 miles apart, offering essential hydration, snacks, and Go Beyond Fruit Cake—a staple of Northamptonshire’s culinary delights. A cut-off time of 13.5 hours ensures that all runners have ample opportunity to complete the full distance safely. The event culminates with awards for top male and female finishers.
For those looking to experience the Rose of the Shires Ultra without committing to a solo run, there's also the Rosebud Marathon. This 26.2-mile race follows the final section of the ultra marathon’s route, starting from Ashton Road in Hartwell at 11:30 am and requiring runners to make their way through scenic trails (14 miles) and roads (10.4 miles), with a brief stretch along canal towpaths.
The Rosebud Marathon offers two checkpoints for hydration and snacks, located strategically throughout the route. Real-time tracking is available via GeoTracks GPS Tracker, allowing friends and family to follow your progress live. The race also includes awards for top male and female finishers.
In addition to these marquee events, there’s a relay option for those who want to experience the Rose of the Shires Ultra as part of a team effort. Teams can choose from three configurations: 3-person (1 driver + 3 runners), 4-person (1 driver + 4 runners), and 7-person (2 drivers + 7 runners). Each leg varies in distance, ensuring that every participant gets to enjoy the scenic route while contributing to their team's success.
Both events are designed for serious runners over the age of 18. They provide a unique opportunity to explore Northamptonshire’s diverse landscapes and charming villages, making it an adventure not soon forgotten. Whether you’re tackling the full ultra marathon or joining in on the final stretch with the Rosebud Marathon, prepare yourself for a day filled with stunning scenery, challenging terrain, and unforgettable moments.
To ensure your safety and enjoyment, mandatory kit includes trail shoes, mobile phone, water bottle, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch, and more. The event organizers also offer real-time tracking through GeoTracks GPS Tracker to keep friends and family updated on your progress throughout the race day.
Join us for a truly memorable experience in Northamptonshire’s rolling hills and picturesque trails!