Shires and Spires
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Event overview
Shires and Spires is a multi-distance, circular running event based at Naseby Village Hall (NN6 6DE) in Northamptonshire. The event offers five distances on a mix of trails and roads. The route direction alternates by year, so runners experience the course from different directions in different editions. Entry fees vary by distance and there is a charity entry option with a small admin fee and minimum fundraising targets.
Distances
- 10 km (road)
- Half Marathon (13.4 miles / multi-terrain)
- Three-Quarter Marathon (19.1 miles / multi-terrain)
- Marathon (26.6 miles / multi-terrain)
- Ultra Marathon (35 miles / multi-terrain)
Course and logistics
The Ultra is a 35-mile loop starting and finishing at Naseby Village Hall. The ultra route is a mix of footpaths, country trails and roads, with around 59% trail and 41% road and total elevation of about +625 m / -625 m. Routes are waymarked but navigation is required in places; electronic GPX files and a voice navigation app are provided. Geo Tracks GPS trackers are used for live tracking. Trackers upload position frequently, are accurate to about 5 metres, and have long battery life.
There are multiple checkpoints with water and snacks (the ultra has five checkpoints). Mandatory kit is required and includes a fully charged mobile phone, power bank, tracker, at least 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle and a long-sleeved base layer or fleece. Free parking is available at the village hall and the organisers provide bag storage at the finish; bag size limit is 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.