Northants Shires & Spires Event
GB
From Go Beyond
4.9 ·
9 reviews
Sunday 10th May 2026
Past event
08:30
Northampton
£25.68–£63.88 · 5 races
10km, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable running experience at the Northants Shires & Spires Event, hosted by Go Beyond on Sunday, May 10th, 2026. Nestled in the charming village of Naseby, Northamptonshire—historically known for the Battle of Naseby in 1645—this multi-distance race is perfect for runners of all levels. Participants can choose from an exciting lineup of distances: a 10K, Half Marathon, Three Quarter Marathon (TQM), Marathon, and an exhilarating 35-mile circular Ultra Marathon.
Starting and finishing at the picturesque Naseby Village Hall, runners will traverse a stunning route that showcases the beauty of the Northamptonshire countryside, including iconic landmarks such as Holdenby, Althorp—home to the Spencer family and the final resting place of Princess Diana—and Cottesbrooke. Whether you’re a first-time ultra runner or seeking a shorter challenge, this event promises to be a rewarding adventure. For the first time in 2024, the race will feature full tracking capabilities, allowing both participants and their supporters to stay connected throughout the journey. Mark your calendars for this unique and scenic race, and join us in celebrating the spirit of the Shires & Spires!
Starting and finishing at the picturesque Naseby Village Hall, runners will traverse a stunning route that showcases the beauty of the Northamptonshire countryside, including iconic landmarks such as Holdenby, Althorp—home to the Spencer family and the final resting place of Princess Diana—and Cottesbrooke. Whether you’re a first-time ultra runner or seeking a shorter challenge, this event promises to be a rewarding adventure. For the first time in 2024, the race will feature full tracking capabilities, allowing both participants and their supporters to stay connected throughout the journey. Mark your calendars for this unique and scenic race, and join us in celebrating the spirit of the Shires & Spires!
Northants Shires & Spires Event
This event has taken place
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Previous editions
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Reviews
4.99 reviews
SM
Sean Mountcastle-Evans
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2025 edition · 1 year ago
Such a beautiful route with some really challenging hills. Great route if you want to get out and enjoy the scenery. Not great if you want to be breaking PBs as some of it is really difficult.
SA
Sara Abreu
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2025 edition · 1 year ago
It was my first ever half marathon and what a great one it was. No, it was not easy, the last 4km of the course (anti-clockwise) are brutal as it's basically all up hill. Up until then, the course is lovely, quite a lot of it on the road, but some sections are over fields off road which amazing - beautiful views of the country side. The event itself was very well organised - car parking was easy and free, collecting the pack was easy and there were plenty of toilets too! It wasn't the busiest or loudest ambiance at the end - could have done with some music, but overall, extremely well organised and I highly recommend.
LT
Lisa Thompson
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2024 edition · 2 years ago
Great course. Well organsied. Friendly race organisers. Beautiful villages that you run through. Good challenge on an
undulating course. Pick from various distances too. Would do again.
undulating course. Pick from various distances too. Would do again.
AC
Alana Crooks
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2024 edition · 2 years ago
Was an amazing race! Like people say, don’t expect to go in for a pb because the hills are difficult. Staff are lovely and would definitely recommend to people who want a challenge!
ZV
Zoe Van Den Burg
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2024 edition · 2 years ago
Brilliant, my first 10k and we did it as a family - it definitively wasn't easy but we all really enjoyed it and will do it next year. The race was very well organised and everyone was so helpful.
KL
kevin lewis
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2023 edition · 3 years ago
100% doing this every year. really nice run, yes it’s hilly and don’t expect to get a pb, but i just really enjoyed it. great views and nicely organised. if i was to criticise one thing i would say that it could have done with one more drink station for the half marathoners. see you next year.
EI
Emma Izzles
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2023 edition · 3 years ago
It was really well organised and we really enjoyed it. My first 10K, thank you! 😊
SR
Simon Reynolds
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2022 edition · 4 years ago
A well-organised event for a beautiful route around Naseby. It would be even better if there was more trail than road for the half marathon.
IC
Ian Cathcart
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2022 edition · 4 years ago
Great Route, Good Value for Money, & Very Well Organised!!!
I think I'll be back next year!
I think I'll be back next year!
Races
-
10k 2026
Entries closed08:30
£25.68
-
3/4 Marathon 2026
Entries closed08:30
£42.66
-
Half Marathon 2026
Entries closed08:30
£37.36
-
Marathon 2026
Entries closed08:30
£47.97
-
Ultra Marathon 2026
Entries closed08:30
£63.88
Event information
TERRAIN MIX
The 10K is road, the half marathon is 11 miles of road and 2 miles of hard packed trail.
The ultra route is 20.2 miles of cross country trails; and 14.3 miles of roads (the marathon shares all but two segments of this. Elevation is +2052 ft and -2052 ft.
COURSE MARKING
The course follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation. We provide a map book and various resources to keep you on track. The course is covered by OS Maps 223
The 10K is road, the half marathon is 11 miles of road and 2 miles of hard packed trail.
The ultra route is 20.2 miles of cross country trails; and 14.3 miles of roads (the marathon shares all but two segments of this. Elevation is +2052 ft and -2052 ft.
COURSE MARKING
The course follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation. We provide a map book and various resources to keep you on track. The course is covered by OS Maps 223
The course follows a waymarked route but requires some navigation.
Electronic navigation
Prizes
Finishers Medal and Go Beyond Merch
Checkpoints & Aid stations
Baggage drop
Electronic navigation
Prizes
Finishers Medal and Go Beyond Merch
Checkpoints & Aid stations
Baggage drop
Free parking on site
Naseby Village Hall, Sports Court & Recreation Ground
Naseby Rd, Haselbech, Naseby NN6 6DE
Naseby Rd, Haselbech, Naseby NN6 6DE
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.
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.
There are 5 check points, each will have water, and a selection of supplementary snacks. A drink will be available for all athletes at the finish.
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).
The Geo Tracks GPS Tracker is lightweight and easily fits in a small pocket in your rucksack. Your family and friends can track your progress in real-time and you can 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://events.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 your 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 drop it off at the finish!
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 .
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 (given at registration)
Power bank to charge your phone if required
Tracker – provided
Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
Waterproof Jacket
Whistle
Long sleeved base layer or fleece top
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 (given at registration)
Power bank to charge your phone if required
Tracker – provided
Water Bottles/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre.
Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
Waterproof Jacket
Whistle
Long sleeved base layer or fleece top
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female Competitors. All finishers will receive a medal and T-shirt. There is a special Team Trophy for the fastest team of four (one of which must be female)
Event video
Organiser's description
THE RACE IS BASED IN THE VILLAGE OF NASEBY, FAMOUS FOR THE BATTLE OF NASEBY IN 1645!
Shires and Spires is a 5 distance event comprising 10K, Half Marathon, Three Quarter Marathon (TQM), Marathon and a 35 mile circular Ultra Marathon with a mixture of trails and roads. It starts and finishes at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways. The route takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and country houses, Holdenby, Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and Cottesbrooke. At 35 miles it is ideal for first time Ultra Runners or those looking for a shorter challenge.
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!
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2024 THE RACE WILL BE FULLY TRACKED (TQM/Marathon/Ultra) AND INTERACTIVE ALLOWING YOU TO USE THE DEVICE TO NAVIGATE AND YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN FOLLOW YOU FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR ARMCHAIRS!
We are proud to be an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc index race.
Shires and Spires is a 5 distance event comprising 10K, Half Marathon, Three Quarter Marathon (TQM), Marathon and a 35 mile circular Ultra Marathon with a mixture of trails and roads. It starts and finishes at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways. The route takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and country houses, Holdenby, Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and Cottesbrooke. At 35 miles it is ideal for first time Ultra Runners or those looking for a shorter challenge.
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!
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2024 THE RACE WILL BE FULLY TRACKED (TQM/Marathon/Ultra) AND INTERACTIVE ALLOWING YOU TO USE THE DEVICE TO NAVIGATE AND YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN FOLLOW YOU FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR ARMCHAIRS!
We are proud to be an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc index race.
Location
Naseby Village Hall, Haselbech Road, Northampton, NN6 6DE
Naseby Village Hall, 6B Newlands, Northampton, NN6 6, United Kingdom
Northants Shires & Spires Event
