Shires and Spires Marathon, Three Quarter, Half & 10k
History and running in perfect settingsShires and Spires Event
Shires and Spires Ultra Marathon | Multiterrain Marathon, Multiterrain Half Marathon & 10k
Any questions? Why not give us a call 07989 850170 always happy to chat! The Half Marathon is the winner of the MARM race of the year 2023
The race is based in the village of Naseby, famous for the Battle of Naseby in 1645
Picture this, you’re stood on the start line in a beautiful Northamptonshire village and everyone is a little apprehensive about what’s to come.
But hey you are all running, some further than others but the excitement and anticipation is the same for everyone and you realise that running is just that – running.
You are about to take part in Shires and Spires, a five distance circular event with a mixture of trails and roads comprising 10K (road), Half Marathon, 3/4 Marathon (new for 2024), Marathon and Ultra Marathon (35 miles!) .
All distances start and finish at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways. The routes takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and for the Multi Terrain Marathon/Ultra Marathon the country houses of Holdenby, Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and Cottesbrooke.
The Half Marathon, 3/4 Marathon and Marathon give a break from the usual road races at these distances and create a new challenge with the changing terrain.
We have created a mini running festival with the chance to enjoy the excitement of race day regardless of the distance you are doing.
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!
COURSE description
Shires and Spires is a five distance circular event starting and finishing at Naseby Village Hall just outside of Northampton in a wonderful central location. The event is run in a clockwise direction on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years.
The 10K is a challenging road race (open roads) with an undulating course, down hill into the valley below and up hill to finish! Elevation is +400 and -400 Feet
- Anti Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
- Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
The Multi Terrain Half Marathon (13.4 miles) – winner of the MARM race of the year 2023 is 11.7 miles on road and 1.7 miles of trails and covers a section of the longer distance routes. Elevation is +897 and -897 Feet
- Anti Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
- Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
The Multi Terrain 3/4 Marathon (19.1 miles) is 11.1 miles on road and 8 miles of trails and covers a section of the longer distance routes. Elevation is +1334 and -1334 Feet
- Anti Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
- Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
The Multi Terrain Marathon (26.6 miles) is 12.9 miles on road and 13.7 miles of trails and covers a large part of the Ultra distance routes. Elevation is +1743 and -1743 Feet
- Anti Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
- Clockwise Electronic route plot and downloadable GPX file
course marking
The 10K and Half Marathon course follows a marked and marshalled route and the 3/4 Marathon and Marathon follow a waymarked route but requires some navigation, you will be issued a tracker which will tell you (via your phone) your location/the route/everyone else’s location in the race. We provide a voice cue navigation app (for free) and various resources to keep you on track. The routes are covered by OS Maps 223
CHECKPOINTS AND AID STATIONS
10K – one aid station (water only) Anti Clockwise – 5Km Clockwise – 7Km
Half Marathon – two aid stations Anti Clockwise 4.5 miles/10.2 miles Clockwise 4.6 miles/8.9 miles
Three Quarter Marathon – three aid stations Anti Clockwise 4.5 miles/9.6 miles/14.4 miles Clockwise 4.6 miles/9.5 miles/14.5 miles
Marathon – 4 checkpoints
Each will have water, and snacks. A drink will be available for all athletes at the finish. Details of the locations for the Anti Clockwise Marathon can be found here. and Clockwise can be found here.
AWARDS
Registration in the village hall is open from 2pm until 4pm on Saturday 10th May to avoid the queues and then from 7 am on race day where you will collect your race number. You will need to confirm your mobile phone number and be subjected to random kit checks. You will collect your trackers TQM and M on Sunday morning. The race will start at 8.30am. Please click here for your Race Day Instructions (2024)
AGE LIMIT
The following age limits apply for your safety and well being:
10K – 16 years of age
Half Marathon – 17 years of age
Three Quarter Marathon – 18 years of age
Marathon – 18 years of age
BAGGAGE TRANSFER
As the event is a loop then most competitors will have their kit in their cars. For everyone else we will store your bag at the finish, so you have warm, dry clothes waiting for you . Your bag should be no larger than a UK airport carry-on bag size (56 x 45 x 25 cm).
TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION
For anyone wanting to stay overnight locally either before or after the event there is Airbnb or Northampton offers a wealth of hotels to suit all budgets
Arrival by car – If you are planning to drive then there is ample free parking at the village hall complex. Please allow adequate time to park and register.
TRACKER
Stay on track during the Shires and Spires Three Quarter Marathon and Multi Terrain Marathon . The Geo Tracks GPS Tracker is lightweight and easily fits in a small pocket in your rucksack. Let family and friends track your progress in real-time and use the Geo Tracks app combined with the tracker as an accurate tool for navigation during the event. The Event can be followed using the web link https://www.geotracks.co.uk/live/xxxx or via the app which can be purchased prior to the event for Apple or for Android. When opening the web link please click on start times and this will display a list of bib numbers (they are sorted alphabetically by surname). The GPS Tracking units upload their position every 10 seconds to the live view tracking map and are accurate to 5 metres. Batteries last for 70 hours . Don’t forget to collect your GPS tracker on Sunday at the event registration and drop off at the finish. To find out more please visit the Geo Tracks website.
COURSE RECORDS
10K – none
Half Marathon – 4 hours
Three Quarter Marathon – 5 hours
Marathon – 9 hours. We have progressive cut off times from Checkpoint 3 onwards, details can be found on the Clockwise Checkpoint information sheet.
KIT
For the 10K road shoes
For the Half Marathon road shoes should work unless the weather has been very wet
For the Three Quarter Marathon trail shoes are advised. There are sections of trail which can become very muddy in wet conditions
For the Marathon trail shoes are advised. There are sections of trail which can become very muddy in wet conditions. It is essential to carry the items below. There will be random kit checks prior to the race . TQM and Marathon runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times.
- Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Director and Assistant Race Director (shown at registration)
- Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
TRAINING
Need help with your training why not try the Runna App (link on the side bar)- email for your discount code
When you have finished why not recycle your old trainers –
Location
Naseby Village Hall, NN6 6DE
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Is the course marked? The 10K and Half Marathon course follows a marked and marshalled route and the Marathon follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation. For the TQM and marathon there are lots of footpath signs and we provide a tracker and a free voice navigation app to keep you on track.
What’s the course like? The course is on road for the 10k and a mix of trails, paths, and roads for the half, TQM and marathon..
Is there a mandatory kit list? Yes, please see the race information tab.
How many checkpoints are there? There is one for the 10Km, two for the half marathon, three for the TQM and four checkpoints with water and snacks for the TQM and marathon
Are the road crossings marshalled? No, you will need to cross a number of roads with care during the event.
Where can I park? There is free parking available at Naseby Village for the duration of the event.
Can I have support during the race? Yes you can have your own crew – the golden rule is only do what would be possible for everyone else to do if they had a crew! Please make sure that your supporters do not get in the way of the race and other competitors.
Can people spectate? Yes for the marathon Creaton, Long Buckby and West Haddon are great locations. For the half marathon: Guilsborough and Thornby and for the 10K only the start/finish. Please note that spectators are not permitted at Cottesbrooke or Holdenby
What do I do with my bag with my dry kit in for after the race? Most people leave them in their cars as the finish is next to the car park. If you have been dropped off then we can hold a bag at the finish for you. The bag should be no bigger than a UK airport carry-on bag size 56 x 45 x 25 cm. There are no bag drops at checkpoints.
What happens if I get injured or want to drop out? Please contact the Race Director or Assistant Race Director on the phone numbers displayed at registration and make your way to the next checkpoint if possible or confirm your location. We will send the sweeper bus to collect you and transport you to the finish to collect your bag if you have one. If you make your own arrangements please ensure that you let us know other wise we will waste time and energy trying to locate you.
Can my friend collect my race pack/race number for me at Saturday registration? Yes as long as they have your mobile number so we can verify the details – you will still need to collect your timing chip or tracker (TQM and Marathon) on race day
What if I forget to return my timing chip or tracker at the end of the race/if I drop out? You will be required to return the chip/tracker via recorded delivery, at your own cost. Any non returns will be charged.
What if I have a question not covered above? Please email us admin@gobeyondchallenge.co.uk
The Middle Aged Running Man – completes the first ever Shires and Spires Three Quarter Marathon
Top 10 half marathons by the Middle Aged Running Man – guess where we are!
2023 Shires and Spires Vlog by the hilarious Middle Aged Running Man
2019 Shires and Spires by Thomas Sauka
My first Ultra 2019 by Clean Coach Katie
Clockwise 10k Route 2020
Clockwise Half Marathon Route 2020
Clockwise Ultra route 2020
When
Sunday 11th May 2025 Registration from 7am on race day or 2pm until 4pm on Saturday 10th May
Start 08:30
Cost
£24/£35/£40/£45 (Ultra – £60)
Entry on the Day (if not sold out)
£30/£40/£45/£50/(£65) cash only
10k
Half Marathon
3/4 Marathon
Marathon
Ultra Marathon
run for a CHARITY
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
For information about charity places or general enquiries please contact us.
