Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon

Question 1

Can I defer my place to next year's event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you let us know via email at least one month before the date of the event we will be able to transfer your entry across to the following year's event.

Question 2

I've changed my mind.  Can I request a refund?

Accepted Answer

You are able to request a 50% refund of the entry fee and any merchandise add-ons up until 6 weeks before the date of the event.

We incur a number of fees immediately on sign up, so a 100% refund is not possible. However, you may be able to transfer your place to a friend or defer your entry until the following year free of charge.

Question 3

Do you have a pregnancy policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please drop us an email and share your good news!

We will then be able to defer your race place to the following year (or the year after that if you feel that you are still not ready to return to racing).

Question 4

Is there a minimum entry requirement?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not ask for evidence of a qualifying race to have been completed before entry. However, please be aware that this is not a distance to enter on a whim and we expect that participants will have actively trained for the event.

Question 5

What happens if I am not going to make the cut-off?

Accepted Answer

The cut-off times are there to ensure your safety and that of the volunteers out on the course. If you do not make the cut-off at a checkpoint you will be withdrawn from the race and asked to return your timing chip. If you do not have a way of returning to the finish, we will provide a sweeper vehicle to ensure you are able to get to the finish.

We know that there are many factors involved when it comes to long distance running and will never pull somebody from a race unless we strongly feel that there is a need to do so. We want as many people as possible to cross that finish line as possible!

Question 6

Is the course marked?

Accepted Answer

Sections of the trail are marked using red and white tape, and we use yellow signs with black arrows along the road sections of the course.

All routes will also have a gpx file available to download.

Question 7

Can I buy an event t-shirt/hoodie/cap on race day?

Accepted Answer

All of our merchandise is made to order to prevent excess waste. There may be some leftover stock following a race, and if this is the case it will be mentioned in the post-race email that is sent out to runners of the event.

Any stock remaining after a month will be posted on the Shop page of our website, but there is no guarantee any leftover items will be in your size!

We place the merchandise order three weeks before each event and orders can be made when you sign up for the event or when you log back into your account.

Question 8

What shoes should I wear?

Accepted Answer

We would suggest a light trail shoe for most of our events. Something that is going to be comfortable if the ground is hard, and one that will give you some support for any ruts on the course.

We will share the current ground conditions in the Race Pack that goes out to all runners the week before an event so that you can make your own decision. Footwear is such a personal choice.

Question 9

When do entries close?

Accepted Answer

Entries will close the Wednesday before the event at 7pm, unless they sell out before this point.

Running has increased in popularity over recent years and a number of our events sold out as far out as a month before race day in 2025, so please do not leave it too late!

Question 10

Am I allowed to have a pacer?

Accepted Answer

No pacers are allowed on either distance at the Three Shires Way.

Question 11

Where can my crew support me out on course?

Accepted Answer

A good crew can make a runner’s race. If it’s a hot day, you can bring your runner ice cubes or ice lollies. Perhaps they’re craving something not on the checkpoints, or have dietary requirements meaning they can’t access the food provided. Crew can have alternative footwear for an indecisive runner, or a change of clothes or kit if required.

We ask that your crew do not meet you at any of the official aid stations, to ensure that volunteers can sufficiently meet the needs of those runners without crew on course. Other than that, your crew are free to meet you where you feel you will need them most! We ask that crew are considerate of local surroundings and residents when accessing the more rural sections of the course.

Question 12

What is the mandatory kit for this race?

Accepted Answer

Full charged mobile phone including the numbers of the Race Director and Race Medic
Water bottle/Bladder capable of carrying a minimum of 1 litre
Survival blanket
Waterproof jacket (suggested)
Whistle
Our races are cupless, so you will be required to bring your own cup
Long sleeved base layer or fleece top (50 miler only)
Reflective top/bands (50 miler only)
Hat and gloves (50 miler only)
Headtorch (50 miler only) – sunset is due to be at 9:54pm

We shared a blog post last year explaining why each of the mandatory kit is on the list - What Kit Should You Carry For An Ultramarathon?

Question 13

Are there toilets on route?

Accepted Answer

50 mile race: Toilets will be available at the start of the 50 mile race (Hanslope Village Hall), CP3 (Yelden Village Hall – 24.2m) and at the finish (Marlow Park, Grafham Water). Runners will also pass the toilets at Marlow Park at approximately mile 39.

Marathon: Toilets will be available at the start (Yelden Village Hall) and finish (Marlow Park, Grafham Water). Runners will also pass the toilets at Marlow Park at approximately mile 15.

Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon

Race Harborough

Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon

4.8/5