St Edmund Way Ultra

Winter's Grip: The Essex-Suffolk-Norfolk Ultra Adventure
Set for December 5th, 2026, Winter's Grip is an exhilarating endurance challenge that takes place through the picturesque landscapes of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. This inaugural event spans a daunting distance of 80 miles, pushing runners to their limits in some of Britain’s most charming winter terrain.
Registration for this epic race opens immediately and closes two weeks before the scheduled start date on December 5th at 10am. The journey begins early with transport buses leaving from the finish location between 7-7:30 am to take participants back to the starting point in Manningtree, which is tentatively set as the beginning of your adventure.
The race route features four mandatory checkpoints where runners must adhere to strict cut-off times, ensuring a steady pace throughout. These CPs are strategically placed at approximately 17 miles (CP1), 28 miles (CP2), 45 miles (CP3), and 63 miles (CP4). The final push towards the finish line in Brandon concludes no later than Sunday afternoon at 2pm, allowing a total of up to 28 hours for completion.
To ensure safety during this lengthy winter trek, participants must carry essential gear including a headlamp with sufficient battery life, waterproof clothing, and emergency supplies such as a survival bag. A mobile phone is also mandatory, providing runners the means to stay connected while out on the course. Additionally, all entrants will be equipped with tracking devices supplied by our partner Open Tracking, enabling friends and family to follow their progress from home.
The race offers early bird discounts for those who sign up promptly: the first 25 registrants secure a special price of £80, followed by an additional 25 runners at £100. All subsequent entries will be charged the full rate of £120. This dynamic pricing scheme encourages participants to commit early and take advantage of these exclusive offers.
Winter's Grip promises not only breathtaking scenery but also rich history along its winding paths through Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. As you navigate this challenging course under winter skies, experience firsthand what it means to push your body and spirit in one of the most unique ultra events on the calendar.
Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of each runner during Winter's Grip. If interested in supporting this event as a volunteer, please contact our organizing team for more information and available opportunities.