Shires and Spires
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Event overview
Shires and Spires is a multi-distance circular running event on 10 May 2026 with all races based at Naseby Village Hall, Northampton (NN6 6DE). The event offers five distances:
- 10 km (road)
- Half Marathon (13.4 miles / 21.44 km)
- Three-Quarter Marathon (19.1 miles / 30.56 km)
- Marathon (26.6 miles / 42.56 km)
- Ultra Marathon (35 miles / 55.2 km)
The route passes through Northamptonshire countryside and past country houses such as Holdenby, Cottesbrooke and Althorp. The event changes direction between years, giving runners a different route perspective in alternate years. The event is a registered UTMB Index race.
Course and logistics
Routes combine footpaths, country trails and roads. The ultra route is described as about 59% trails and 41% roads with total ascent around +625 m and descent -625 m. The course is waymarked but requires navigation; electronic route plots and downloadable GPX files are provided. There are five checkpoints on the ultra with water, snacks and event fruit cake.
Geo Tracks GPS trackers are used for live tracking; trackers upload positions regularly and are accurate to about 5 metres with long battery life. Trail shoes are advised and a mandatory kit list is enforced (examples: fully charged mobile phone, tracker, minimum 1 litre water capacity, waterproof jacket, survival blanket, whistle, long-sleeved top). Free parking is available at the village hall and small baggage storage at the finish is offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.