Rose of the Shires Ultra & Rosebud Marathon

GB

From Go Beyond

  • Date Sat 11th April 2026
  • Time 08:00
  • Location Brixworth Country Park, Northampton Road, Brixworth, NN6 9DG
  • Price £49.03 - £138.17
  • Races 5 races

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable running experience at the Rose of the Shires Ultra & Rosebud Marathon, organized by Go Beyond! On Saturday, April 11, 2026, join us in the picturesque Northampton, Northamptonshire, for a thrilling 54-mile adventure through some of the most stunning countryside England has to offer. This friendly and welcoming event promises a unique atmosphere, showcasing the lush landscapes that have earned Northamptonshire its nickname as the "second garden of England."

The Rose of the Shires Ultra features a circular route that begins and ends at Brixworth Country Park, easily accessible just 20 minutes from the M1. Runners will traverse a delightful mix of approximately three-quarters trails and a quarter roads, passing through breathtaking natural sites like Salcey Forest and the Grand Union Canal, along with visits to charming villages and towns. With six well-equipped checkpoints manned by local running clubs, participants will receive all the support they need to conquer this epic race. The event is fully tracked, allowing friends and family to follow your journey every step of the way. Whether you’re a seasoned ultra runner or a marathon enthusiast, mark your calendars for this extraordinary day in Northamptonshire!

Rose of the Shires Ultra & Rosebud Marathon

Sat 11th April 2026

A group of six runners jogs along a narrow, winding rural path flanked by lush, green hedgerows and trees on a sunny day. The path stretches off into the distance, bathed in sunlight filtering through the tree branches. A person on a bicycle and four walkers are on a sunny roadway, heading towards a building surrounded by greenery. A red car is parked on the left side of the road, and there's a 40 mph speed limit sign visible. The road has double yellow lines on both sides. Two runners in athletic gear jog through a field of yellow flowering plants. Both wear race bibs—one with the number 28. The background is blurred but appears to be a mix of trees and distant terrain, suggesting a rural setting. Two runners are participating in an outdoor race on a dirt path through a rural area. They wear numbered bibs, with the runner on the right wearing bib number 82. The landscape features fields, trees, and distant houses under a cloudy sky. A group of runners is gathered at a hydration station during a race. Some are refilling bottles, while others are interacting with volunteers and spectators. The runners wear blue, yellow, and black athletic gear. A yellow clothing bank and a building are visible in the background. A group of five runners wearing race numbers and athletic gear run on a narrow, grassy trail through dense, green foliage during a trail race. The lead runner wears a red vest and black shorts.

Organiser's Description

ROSE OF THE SHIRES ULTRA
Incorporating The Rosebud Marathon

A GRAND 54-MILE TOUR OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S
BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE

“A friendly, welcoming event with a personal pride shining through from the organisers”
The Rose of the Shires Ultra is one of our flagship events, providing crazy runners with a sensibly priced race in the heart of Northamptonshire.

This circular route will take you through an area renowned as the second garden of England – OK Kent, you beat us to first place! Along the way, you will enjoy 54-miles of incredible scenery, country trails, roads and towpaths.

Featuring around three-quarters trails with the rest being road, Rose of the Shires starts and finishes at Brixworth Country Park, where there is plenty of room for parking. Found just 20 minutes drive from the M1, this is the perfect starting point for a race which is really easy in terms of planning and logistics because of its one loop format.

The route passes through the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, including two stunning country parks, Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal and 21 pretty villages and towns. It winds its way along parts of the Nene Way, the Midshires Way and the Northampton Round.

The Rose of the Shires has six checkpoints, found at six to eight mile intervals along the course and manned by members of local running clubs who are keen to give something back to this sport we love and to help you on your way in this epic race.

The event is fully tracked and interactive, so friends and family will be able to follow your progress from the comfort of their armchairs – and make sure you’re sticking to the correct route!

For anyone wishing to stay overnight, Northampton offers a wealth of hotels to suit all budgets.
We are proud to say that this event is an Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc index race.

Races

  • Ultra 3 Person Relay Team

    Sat 11th April 2026 (08:00)

    £95.73

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Ultra 4 Person Relay Team

    Sat 11th April 2026 (08:00)

    £106.33

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Ultra 7 Person Relay Team

    Sat 11th April 2026 (08:00)

    £138.17

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Ultra Solo

    Sat 11th April 2026 (08:00)

    £80.87

    Booking for more than 1?
  • The Rosebud Marathon

    Sat 11th April 2026 (11:30)

    £49.03

    Booking for more than 1?

Event Video

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Location

Pitsford Resevoir, Northampton, NN6 9, United Kingdom

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11 Apr 2026

£49.03 - £138.17