13 Mar Northamptonshire runcations: Who wants to go on holiday when you can run as well?
Yes, much as you might need a vacation, what you really want is a ‘runcation’.
And with international races proving expensive both in terms of entry and travel, why not check out what’s on offer closer to home.
With everything from the petrol head’s pinnacle at Silverstone to rolling countryside and numerous pretty villages, Northamptonshire – aka the ‘Rose of the Shires’ (good name for a race that…) – has plenty to offer.
Northants boasts a host of stunning country parks, miles of cycle path along the beautiful Brampton Valley Way, a network of canals and waterways that weave through the Nene Valley, and stacks of stately homes from Rockingham Castle and the Althorp residence of the Spencer family.
Talking of ancestral homes, you can really embrace the ‘runcation’ craze at our Brigstock Dirt Run. The event, which features 7.5km or 15km races, offers a unique and stunning glimpse of Lyveden New Bield, a captivating Elizabethan lodge.
Nestled in the rolling countryside near Oundle, Sir Thomas Tresham designed Lyveden in the 17th century as a symbol of his Catholic faith, at a time when such beliefs were prosecuted. It was an act of quiet and creative rebellion. Work on the building was stopped by Sir Thomas’ death in 1605, and it has remained virtually unaltered since then.
It’s just one of a host of Go Beyond races that could provide you with the perfect ‘runcation’ – here’s five more:
Shires & Spires
More than just a race, Shires & Spires is a festival of running that features five different distances, from 10km to our 35-mile ultra marathon.
This year’s event is set to feature talks from extraordinary runners, food and running stalls and even the showing of an international running feature film.
And if you’re looking for more history, it’s based in Naseby, home of the one of the most important skirmishes of the English Civil War in 1645. The Battle of Naseby was won by Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army, a victory which would propel him to the role of Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland and eventually see King Charles I lose his head to an executioner’s axe.
When: Sunday, May 11, 2025
Where: Starts at Naseby Village Hall
More details: Click here for race information and to enter
beat the sunset
You’re on holiday, so much as you want to run an ultra marathon may not be top of your agenda. So what about a 5km sprint that’ll get you finished just in time for whatever evening activities you have planned?
Our Beat the Sunset 5k could be just what you’re looking for. This fast and furious road race is always popular, and there are plenty of other runners on hand to swap stories with – last year, we we welcomed representatives from 24 different clubs.
When: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Where: Back Lane, Desborough – meet at Targetcraft Archery West Lodge Rural Centre
More details: Click here for race information and to enter
Rose of the shires
Fifty-four miles of incredible scenery, country trails, roads and towpaths – what better way to escape the grind of work and see more of your holiday destination than you ever thought possible.
Also featuring the Rosebud Marathon, Rose of the Shires passes through the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, including two stunning country parks, Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal and 21 pretty villages and towns. It winds its way along parts of the Nene Way, the Midshires Way and the Northampton Round.
When: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Where: Brixworth Country Park
More details: Click here for race information and to enter
The Amazing Northampton Run
Enjoy visiting top level cricket, football and rugby stadia, take in views of the famous All Saints’ Church – which rose from the ashes of the 1675 Great Fire of Northampton, and pass the town’s white water rafting centre… all within the bounds of 13.1 miles of running.
Our flagship Amazing Northampton Run half-marathon is packed full of history and offers plenty of fun for all the family, including our accompanying three-miler race.
When: Sunday, September 14, 2025
Where: Northampton town centre
More details: Click here for race information and to enter
Capital to Country Multi-Day Ultra
Did I say these events were all in Northamptonshire… I may have lied!
Capital to Country is an epic five day, 123-mile race through Nepal and the foothills of the Himalayas. You’ll see temples galore, life-changing scenery and the thriving city of Kathmandu.
Described as a cross between UTMB and the Marathon des Sables, this really is the runcation of a lifetime.
When: November 23-30, 2025
Where: Kathmandu, Nepal
More details: Click here for more information and to enter