Shires and Spires is a 35 mile circular Ultra Marathon starting and finishing at Naseby Village Hall just outside of Northampton in a wonderful central location.  The route is a mix of  footpaths, country trails, and roads.  The event is run in a clockwise direction on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years.

You’ve done a marathon and are now ready for a trip to the dark side of ultra marathon running?  Well you have found your perfect race Shires and Spires is a  35 mile circular Ultra Marathon in the second garden of England running through beautiful scenery with a mixture of trails and roads.  It starts and finishes at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways.

The route takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and country houses, Holdenby,  Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and  Cottesbrooke.  At 35 miles it is ideal for first time Ultra Runners or those looking for a shorter challenge.  The event is run in a clockwise direction on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years, both give you a different perspective on this scenic route.  Which is harder?  That’s for you to decide!

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2024 THE RACE WILL BE FULLY TRACKED AND INTERACTIVE ALLOWING YOU TO USE THE DEVICE TO NAVIGATE AND YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN FOLLOW YOU FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR ARMCHAIRS!

The male anti-clockwise course record was set in 2021 – Andrew Siggers  4:08:41 and the clockwise course record was set in 2022 – David Green  4:06:41 and the female anti-clockwise record was set in 2021 – Amy Sarkies  4:54:18 and the clockwise record in 2022 – Rachel Piper  5:15:49