Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon

Distances

The event offers two distances: a 50-mile ultra and a marathon.

Route

Both races follow the Three Shires Way, traversing quiet rural landscapes and ancient woodlands across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire. The course includes bridleways that are well-waymarked, making navigation easier. The 50-mile route links with the Swan's Way and finishes with a loop around Grafham Water. The marathon route starts at a different location. Trail shoes are advised due to varied terrain.

Logistics

This is a point-to-point event with separate start and finish locations.

• The 50-mile race starts at Hanslope Village Hall, Milton Keynes, and finishes at Marlow Park, Grafham Water, Huntingdon.
• The Marathon starts at Yelden Village Hall, Bedfordshire, and finishes at the same Marlow Park location. Coach transport is available from the finish area to the respective start lines for a fee. Parking is available at the finish area for a reduced daily rate. The races are cupless, so participants must bring their own cup.

Rules & Support

The races are licensed by the TRA and held under UKA rules. Pacers are not permitted. There are overall cut-off times of 14 hours for the 50-mile race and 8 hours for the marathon, with progressive cut-off times at checkpoints. Professional first aid is available at the start, finish, and on-course. Volunteers man aid stations providing hydration and nutrition. Free digital race photos are provided post-event.

Requirements

There is mandatory kit for all runners, including a fully charged phone, a water-carrying capacity of at least 1 litre, a survival blanket, a whistle, and their own cup. Additional mandatory items for the 50-mile race include a long-sleeved base layer, reflective gear, hat, gloves, and a headtorch. The minimum age for entry is 20 for the 50-mile race and 18 for the marathon. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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