Rose of the Shires Ultra & Rosebud Marathon 2027

The Rose of the Shires Ultra is a 54-mile race in Northamptonshire, beginning and ending at Brixworth Country Park. It is primarily a trail ultra, with approximately three-quarters of the route off-road, alongside road sections and a brief canal towpath stretch. Solo participants must be over 18, start at 8:00 am, and have 13.5 hours to complete the race, with progressive cut-offs at checkpoints. The circular course connects cross-country trails, villages, towns, two country parks, Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal, and segments of the Nene Way, Midshires Way, and Northampton Round. The route is marked but requires some navigation, allowing runners to use a tracker and voice-cue app. Six checkpoints are positioned 6 to 8 miles apart and provide water, snacks, and Go Beyond Fruit Cake. A relay option divides the same route into seven legs, with team formats for three, four, or seven runners, plus a driver if necessary.