Shires and Spires Event @ Naseby Village Hall, Naseby, England, United Kingdom on 11 May 2025

Picture this, you’re stood on the start line in a beautiful Northamptonshire village and everyone is a little apprehensive about what’s to come. But hey you are all running, some further than others but the excitement and anticipation is the same for everyone and you realise that running is just that – running. You are about to take part in Shires and Spires, a five distance circular event with a mixture of trails and roads comprising 10K (road), Half Marathon, 3/4 Marathon (new for 2024), Marathon and Ultra Marathon (35 miles!) . All distances start and finish at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways. The routes takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and for the Multi Terrain Marathon/Ultra Marathon the country houses of Holdenby, Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and Cottesbrooke.

The Half Marathon, 3/4 Marathon and Marathon give a break from the usual road races at these distances and create a new challenge with the changing terrain.

We have created a mini running festival with the chance to enjoy the excitement of race day regardless of the distance you are doing.

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!