Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon
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Event overview
Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon takes place on 20 June 2026. The event offers two distances:
- 50 Mile Ultra
- Marathon
Both races run along the Three Shires Way through rural landscapes and ancient woodlands across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. The 50 mile route links with the Swan’s Way, includes the county boundaries at Threeshire Wood and finishes with a 12.4 mile loop around Grafham Water; an additional section to Hanslope village hall makes the route 50 miles. Both races are licensed by the TRA and will be held under UKA rules. Cut-off times are 14 hours for the 50 mile race and 8 hours for the marathon. No pacers are permitted.
Logistics, support and kit
Race HQ and start locations are at Hanslope Village Hall (50 mile) and Yelden Village Hall (marathon); both races finish at Marlow Park, Grafham Water. Entries are priced at £70 for the 50 mile event and £40 for the marathon, with a £2 discount for athletes in UK Athletics‑affiliated clubs. Entries and transfers close seven days before the event. Coaches run from the finish to the start points for a fee (£14) and parking at the finish is available at a reduced price (£5).
Professional first aid will be available at the start and finish and volunteers will staff aid stations on course. Trail shoes are recommended. Mandatory kit includes a fully charged mobile phone, a minimum 1 litre water container, survival blanket, whistle, a cup (races are cupless), and additional items required for the 50 mile race such as a long sleeve layer, reflective top or bands, hat, gloves and a headtorch. Finishers receive a commissioned event medal and prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each race. Free digital race photos will be provided after the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
