The Peddars Way Ultra Marathon
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Peddars Way Ultra
The Peddars Way Ultra is a point to point event covering approximately 48(ish) miles along the Peddars Way from Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve to Holme-next-the-Sea on the Norfolk coast. The route follows an ancient trading route and former Roman road and runs through parts of Suffolk and Norfolk.
The course is a mix of straight tracks, bridleways, footpaths and quiet rural lanes, mostly good underfoot and described as relatively flat and easy to navigate. It is waymarked with local finger posts and National Trail acorn markings, and detailed GPS files are provided. A boardwalk in the early miles can be slippery or partially submerged in wet conditions. There are two route versions, one with an extra diversion of about two miles; cutoffs are extended by 30 minutes only if that diversion is used. Entrants must complete the course within an overall 12 hour limit.
There are three on course checkpoints and a staffed finish. CP1 at about 14 miles offers only basic cold drinks and snacks. CP2 at about 27 miles is at Castle Acre Village Hall with cold food, hot drinks and toilets. CP3 at about 34 miles is a roadside layby with basic provisions. The finish at Holme-next-the-Sea Village Hall provides hot food and drinks, changing and toilets; a finish bag service transports a small bag from the start to the finish only.
The event is cupless so runners must carry a reusable cup or use their bottles. GPS trackers are fitted at registration and a public tracking page is provided. Personal drinks or kit are not transported to checkpoints. A shuttle bus from the finish car park to the start is available for booked passengers for a fee; spaces are limited and non refundable. Parking at the finish is pay and display with a 2 m height restriction and some grass areas that can be slippery when wet.
A mandatory kit list reflects winter conditions and includes waterproof jacket and trousers with taped seams, a spare warm layer, a headtorch (minimum 100 lumens), hat or buff, gloves, a map or device with the route, a minimum 1 litre water carrying capacity and suitable shoes. Kit may be checked at registration and on course; failure to carry required items can lead to a time penalty or disqualification.
Entry requires being 18 or older. Early entry pricing applies for the first 30 places at £60 then the standard price of £70. The bus option costs £20. Transfers and deferrals are possible up to four weeks before the event subject to a £20 administration fee; refunds are not available from the organiser unless an optional insurance purchase was taken at entry. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.