National Forest Way Ultra 75

First to the Beacon
National Forest Way Ultra 75

This is not just another ultra.

The National Forest Way Ultra is a 75 mile (120km) journey across the heart of England's Midlands.

Starting at Alrewas and finishing at Beacon Hill Country Park, the route crosses Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, linking ancient woodland, former mining landscapes, rolling farmland and demanding trails. Every mile brings a new challenge as runners make their way towards the Beacon.

The first runner to reach Beacon Hill will earn the honour of lighting the Beacon Race Events Beacon.

75

Miles (120km)

6

Stocked checkpoints

24

Hour time limit

3

Runners per relay team

Start
Alrewas Showground, Burton-on-Trent
5:00am, Saturday 8 May 2027

Finish
Beacon Hill Country Park, Loughborough
Cut-off: 5:00am, Sunday 8 May 2027

Race Information

What You Get

- A fully supported 75-mile (120km) ultra marathon
- Six fully stocked checkpoints
- Food, drinks and medical support throughout the course
- Professional event medical cover
- GPS race tracking
- Free race photography
- Finisher's medal

A UTMB Index Race

The National Forest Way Ultra is an official UTMB Index Race in the 100K category.

The UTMB Index is an international performance-rating system run by UTMB Group, designed to let runners, race organisers and fans compare performances fairly across races with wildly different distances, elevation profiles and terrain. Finish an Index race and you're given a UTMB Index Score for that specific result, calculated from your finish time weighted against the course's own difficulty. Your overall UTMB Index reflects your best scores across races within that distance category.

Finish the NFWU and your result counts towards your official UTMB Index in the 100K category — a recognised, internationally comparable marker of performance, useful if you're building towards entry into other UTMB World Series races.

Please note: as an Index race, the NFWU contributes to your UTMB Index, but does not award Running Stones towards the UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery — those are earned only at UTMB World Series events.

Team Relay Option

Run the National Forest Way as a team!

The National Forest Way Ultra Team Relay allows teams of 3 runners to complete the full 75 mile route together. Each runner must complete a minimum of 20 miles to qualify for a finisher's medal.

Team relay changeovers must only be made at designated checkpoints, in the presence of a member of the Beacon Race team. If teams are seen to be transferring the GPS tracker to another team member outside of a designated checkpoint they will be disqualified.

The only time more than one team member can be on the course is the final mile. There will be a squad meet-up point where teams can run the final stretch together and cross the finish line as one.

All members of the team must carry all mandatory kit at all times.

Each team is responsible for their own travel between checkpoints for changeovers, and for their individual changeover location and duration strategy.

Checkpoints & Support

There are 6 Checkpoints during the race. Each checkpoint will provide refreshments including cola, electrolytes, water and juice, as well as a variety of sandwiches, salted potatoes, fruit, snacks, crisps and biscuits. We do our best to provide a range of food for Vegetarian & Vegan diets too.

We'll also have a Medic, First Responder or a 1st Aider available at each checkpoint.

Cut-off times per checkpoint are implemented by Beacon Race Events to ensure the safe and proper running of the event. Checkpoint cut-off times will be strictly enforced. There is a 24 hour cut-off time for the event.

Checkpoint 1 – 12.5 Miles: Byrkley Park Garden Centre
Cut-off: 3h30
Rangemore, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 9RN

Checkpoint 2 – 22 Miles: Rosliston Forestry Centre
Cut-off: 6h15
Burton Road, Acresford, Swadlincote, DE12 8JX

Checkpoint 3 – 30 Miles: Conkers Waterside Centre
Cut-off: 9h00
Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, DE12 6BA

Checkpoint 4 – 43.5 Miles: Calke Abbey — Drop Bag 1
Cut-off: 14h00
Stanton Hill, Ticknall, Derby, DE73

Checkpoint 5 – 54.5 Miles: Sence Valley Country Park
Cut-off: 18h00
Ibstock, LE67 6NW

Checkpoint 6 – 68 Miles: The Linford Pub, Newtown Linford
Cut-off: 22h00
66 Main St, Newtown Linford, Markfield, Leicester, LE6 0AD

FINISH – 75 Miles: Beacon Hill Country Park
Cut-off: 24h00
Breakback Road, Loughborough, LE12 8TA

Entry Requirements

To enter, runners must:

- Be at least 20 years old on race day
- Be in good health
- Have completed a marathon before the event start date

Mandatory Kit

All runners must carry mandatory safety equipment throughout the race, including:

- Headtorch and backup light source
- Waterproof jacket
- Survival blanket or bivvy bag
- Minimum 1 litre water capacity
- Mobile phone
- Whistle
- Nutrition
- GPX route file

Random kit checks may take place.

Drop Bags

Runners can utilise drop bag facilities at the following locations. These must be separate drop bags. Please take note of the size restrictions. Drop bags larger than these sizes will be refused. Drop bags are to be handed over to the designated area at race registration on Race Day.

Drop Bag 1 – Checkpoint 4: Calke Abbey
Maximum dimensions 40cm x 35cm x 20cm (L x W x H) – Capacity approx 30 litres.

Drop Bag 2 – Finish Line: Beacon Hill Country Park
Maximum dimensions 40cm x 35cm x 20cm (L x W x H) – Capacity approx 30 litres.

Race Photography

Race photographs are FREE!

We'll be posting the links to the official media team photographs on our website's gallery page after the race has finished. Please keep checking back to find yours.

Processing and editing the photographs does take time so please allow at least 48–72 hours after the conclusion of the race for the links to be added.

We'll also be adding photographs taken by the event team on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Safety + Rules

If you see a runner experiencing difficulties during the NFWU please inform Checkpoint Marshals or Race HQ. Each runner should save Race HQ mobile numbers on their mobile phone.

No roads are closed en route as this is a trail race, so please exercise due diligence and care at road crossings. This will mean that participants may have to slow, or possibly stop, to cross roads safely.

There are certain sections that lead onto country road and/or road crossings. Due to the length of the route it will not be possible to completely marshal a 75 mile route. It is the role of the entrant to be self-sufficient and exercise caution. Any emergency situations will be dealt with by the Chief Medical Officer.

No pacers or support runners are allowed at this event.

This is an England Athletics / Trail Running Association affiliated event. This event will be organised and run under their rules and covered by their insurance.

Race Waiver & Conditions

1. Governing Rules and Eligibility
The National Forest Way Ultra Marathon ("the Event") is organised by Beacon Race Events and conducted under the rules and regulations of UK Athletics (UKA) and the Trail Running Association (TRA). By entering this Event, I agree to abide by all such rules and any supplementary instructions issued by the organisers, race officials, or marshals. All participants must be 20 years of age or older on the day of the Event. Proof of age may be required at registration or during race check-in.

2. Acknowledgement of Risk
I, the undersigned participant, acknowledge and understand that participation in the Event involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: falls, collisions, overexertion, dehydration, hypothermia, heat illness, adverse weather, wildlife encounters, uneven terrain, and other natural hazards; hazards associated with running on roads, trails, and open countryside; equipment failure, acts or omissions by other participants, volunteers, or spectators; and medical emergencies where immediate assistance may not be available. I understand that trail and ultra-distance running can be physically demanding and that I am voluntarily participating entirely at my own risk.

3. Fitness to Participate
I confirm that I am in good physical health and have undertaken sufficient training to safely complete the Event; I have not been advised against participation by a qualified medical professional; I am solely responsible for monitoring my own condition before, during, and after the Event; and if I experience any pain, discomfort, or injury during the Event, I will stop and seek medical assistance immediately.

4. Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Event, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Beacon Race Events, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, sponsors, partners, landowners, and any other individuals or organisations associated with the Event ("the Released Parties") from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation, including but not limited to: personal injury, illness, death, or property damage, whether caused by negligence or otherwise; and delays, cancellations, or changes due to weather, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances. This waiver applies to myself, my personal representatives, heirs, next of kin, and assigns.

5. Indemnity
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, damages, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) incurred as a result of my participation in the Event, my actions, or any breach of this agreement.

6. Medical Treatment and Consent
I consent to receive medical treatment deemed necessary by race officials, paramedics, or medical personnel during the Event. I understand that medical support may be limited or delayed due to the remote nature of the course. I authorise the sharing of relevant personal and medical information with medical providers in the event of an emergency.

7. Event Rules and Conduct
I agree to abide by all race rules, instructions, and safety briefings provided by Beacon Race Events, UK Athletics, and the Trail Running Association. I understand that failure to comply with these rules, including environmental or behavioural misconduct, may result in disqualification or removal from the course.

8. Environmental and Land Use Responsibility
I agree to respect the environment and the land over which the Event passes. I will not litter, damage property, disturb wildlife, or trespass outside designated areas. I acknowledge that the Event operates with the permission of local councils, landowners, and forestry authorities, and that my actions reflect upon the reputation of Beacon Race Events and the trail-running community.

9. Event Changes and Force Majeure
I understand that the organisers reserve the right to postpone, cancel, or modify the Event for safety, legal, or logistical reasons, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disaster, pandemic, or government restriction. No refunds or transfers will be issued except as stated in the official Event policy.

10. Photography, Video, and Media Consent
I grant Beacon Race Events and its partners the right to capture and use photographs, video, and other media of my participation for promotional, editorial, and commercial purposes, without compensation. If I do not wish my image to be used, I will notify the organisers in writing prior to the Event.

11. Data Protection and Privacy
I consent to the collection and processing of my personal data for the purposes of Event administration, safety, and communication in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Beacon Race Events will not sell or share my personal data with third parties except as required for the safe operation of the Event.

12. Acknowledgement of Understanding
I have carefully read and fully understand this Waiver and Release of Liability. I acknowledge that by signing below, I am voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue. I agree that this waiver is governed by the laws of England and Wales and that any dispute arising under it shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Need more information?

Full details on entry requirements and qualification criteria, registration and race schedule, checkpoint locations and cut-off times, mandatory kit requirements, drop bags, safety information, race rules and event policies, and shuttle transport options are in our FAQs — or ask our on-screen AI Event Assistant for instant help, 24 hours a day.
Read the FAQs View the Course

First to the Beacon !!