The Battle of the Brampton Valley Way is a 28-mile (45km) ultra run along the traffic-free Brampton Valley Way, connecting Northampton and Market Harborough. This flat, out-and-back race follows a hard-packed trail, extending just beyond marathon distance with minimal elevation gain. Typically held in spring, its moderate terrain serves as a suitable introduction for runners considering their first ultra-distance event.
The unique aspect involves participants selecting a starting point: either Northamptonshire or Leicestershire. Runners begin from both ends of the path and encounter each other mid-route, transforming the out-and-back format into a lighthearted competition between counties. The course crosses rural Northamptonshire, featuring shaded sections and the Oxendon and Kelmarsh tunnels, which add character beyond the trail's flat nature.