Shires and Spires
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Shires and Spires
Shires and Spires is a multi-distance running event based at Naseby Village Hall in Northamptonshire. It offers five race options:
- 10k (roads)
- Half marathon
- Three-quarter marathon introduced in 2025 on the anti-clockwise route
- Marathon
- Ultra marathon (35 miles)
The 35 mile ultra is a circular route that starts and finishes at the village hall. The course follows footpaths, country trails and roads. The organiser gives a terrain breakdown of 20.2 miles of cross country trails (59%) and 14.3 miles of roads (41%), with total elevation gain of about +625 m. The event is run clockwise on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years.
The route is waymarked but requires some navigation. Organisers provide electronic route files, a voice navigation app and live GPS tracking. There are five checkpoints that supply water, snacks and fruit cake, and a drink is available at the finish.
Mandatory kit requirements are enforced and include items such as a fully charged mobile phone, power bank, tracker, minimum 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle and a long sleeved base layer or fleece. Competitors must be 18 years or older. Free parking is available at Naseby Village Hall. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
