Greensand Country 50K

Our 50km route starts from the Shuttleworth Estate following a cross country route on private trails.

Runners then complete an anti-clockwise loop passing through Old Warden, Haynes, Clophill, Chicksands, Shefford and Broom.

The terrain and surrounding countryside is varied, eyecatching and undulating throughout. This makes the course extremely runable and a great choice for anyone aiming to complete their first ultra.

Zoom

• Free car parking at the event base
• Finishers medal
• Chip timing with live results
• Marked course
• Bag drop
• TRA / UKA approved event
• Course wide medical support
• Three aid stations
• Prizes for top 3 and age cat winners
• Free photos

This race will be fully marked, with our orange arrow markers and ribbons.

There will be several marshals along the route to help along busier sections.

All runners must carry a digital version of the route, either on a watch or phone, just in-case you find yourself off course.

*What happens if I get lost?*

Retrace your steps, looking out for a left/right turn that you may have missed.

If you have the GPS track on your watch or phone or are carrying a route map, consult this to help find the correct path.

If this fails, please call the event phone number.

Sometimes signage gets tampered with, if you think this is the case please alert the race director via the event phone number.

Remember, successfully navigating yourself around the route, is part of the challenge in a trail race, keep your head up and look out for signs at all times.

All three checkpoints will act as both timing points and feed stations.
CP 1 - HAYNES VILLAGE HALL - 14.3km -WC
CP 2 - SHEFFORD - 28.9km
CP 3 - BROOM VILLAGE HALL - 37.9km - WC

These will contain the following items:
Water
Coke
Electrolyte drink (pre-mixed)
Energy gels
Selection of crisps and sweets
Energy bars
Fresh fruit

All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:

Mobile phone (emergency number saved)
Route map on watch/phone or paper map (provided)
Windproof or waterproof jacket (weather dependent)
Refillable water/hydration system (0.5L min)
Cash or bank card

How difficult is this race?
The Greensand Country route is considered to be a fast and accessible ultra marathon. We have seen lots of runners compelete this as their first ultra. The paths are good quality throughout and free from soft mud at this time of the year. The heat can present a challenge, but this is of course never gaurenteed in the UK.

Do I need to qualifiy?
No, there are no qualifiying standards required to enter this race.

I'm worried about getting lost?
Our route will be marked throughout with orange signage/ribbons, along with marshals at several key points. Course checkers will be out during the race ensuring that signage remains in place.

We ask runners to make sure they have access to the route via a phone or watch, to act as a backup in an emergency.

What are the cut-off times for this race?
There is an overall 9-hour time limit for this race. Anyone running significantly behind this time at each checkpoints will be monitored and maybe advised to stop for safety reasons.

Where can toilets be found at this event?
There will be temporary toilets at the event base. The majority of these will be unisex, however we will one female-only portaloos that have sanitary products available.

Toilets will also be directely checkpoint 1 and 3. There is a public toilet near checkpoint 2.

Are there changing facilities available?
Yes, there will be several pop-up changing tents at the event base for runners to use.

How can I attend this event without a car?
Biggleswade is the closest train station to our event base. From the station it is a short 13-min taxi journey or and 11-minute cycle. We will provide a safe place to store bikes whilst you are running.

What footwear should I wear at this race?
We would recommend a light trail running shoe for this race - something that can tackle varried and uneven terrain and remain confortable on harder dirt paths.

What prizes are awarded at this event?
There are awards for the top three male and female finishers overall, along with age category awards for FV40, MV40, FV50, MV50, FV60, MV60, FV70, MV70.

How do I follow the route using my phone or watch?
Most GPS watches allow you to upload a GPX file of the route for you to follow whilst running. Typically this is done via by loading the GPX file into the app (i.e Garmin Connect), and then syncing your phone/watch together.