National Forest Way Ultra
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
The Route
The National Forest Way Ultra follows the 75-mile National Forest Way trail. The route links the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas to Beacon Hill Country Park, crossing Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire. The terrain includes old mining country, reborn woodlands, ancient paths, rough farmland, and steep climbs.
Event Support
The event provides a fully supported trail ultra with six checkpoints. Each checkpoint offers refreshments such as cola, electrolytes, water, juice, sandwiches, salted potatoes, fruit, snacks, crisps, and biscuits, with options for vegetarian and vegan diets. Medical support is provided by TrailMed. Free race day photography is included, and finishers receive a medal. A shuttle service is available from the finish back to the start.
Logistics and Rules
The event has a 24-hour overall cutoff. Strict cutoff times are enforced at each checkpoint. Participants must be at least 20 years old and must have previously completed a marathon-distance race. Mandatory kit includes a headtorch with spare batteries, a backup light source, a survival blanket, a minimum of one litre of water-carrying capacity, nutrition, a waterproof jacket with taped seams, a long-sleeved thermal base layer, a mobile phone, a whistle, a race number, and a provided GPS tracker. Drop bag facilities are available at Checkpoint 4 and the finish line, with specific size restrictions. No pacers or support runners are allowed.
Additional Information
The event is the inaugural race on the full National Forest Way. The first runner to finish gets to light the Beacon Race Events beacon. One tree is planted per participant. The event is a registered UTMB Index race and operates under UK Athletics and Trail Running Association rules. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
