St Peters Way Ultra

Timetable

• 07:00 | Registration and kit check opens (Budworth Hall)
• 08:10 | Briefing
• 08:30 | Start
• 21:00 | Overall cut off time

Ability level

Anyone entering this event should ideally have completed at least one marathon distance race previously and although it is not enforced, this is a good benchmark. If you can run a marathon in around 6-7 hours you should be able to complete this event.

Kit list

A mandatory kit list is readily available.

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

The route is a mixture of muddy trails, fields and rural tracks and roads with the final section being on raised sea wall. It can be very exposed in places and if wet, can be very muddy. There are some hills but it's mostly rolling countryside and very runnable. The last few miles to the finish can be cold, wet and windy.

Route highlights

• Approximately 42-mile route on trails, mainly footpaths and bridleways, with some road sections through villages
• Varied and scenic course with historic significance dating back to 653AD
• Uneven terrain underfoot, ranging from grass to very muddy tracks; conditions can be tough, especially in wet weather
• Mostly flat but undulating rather than hilly
• Route is waymarked, but markers may be missing or obscured; basic navigation skills required
• GPX file provided (updated annually) and recommended for navigation; maps also available for download
• Some sections divert from the official route; these are reflected in the GPX
• Navigation can be more challenging at night or in poor weather; stay alert throughout
• Final GPX files shared before race day; minor last-minute route changes possible
• Live tracking provided for all participants to share with friends and family

Checkpoints

There are 4 outdoor checkpoints along the way. Each will be stocked with similar food, coke, water, squash, sweet and savory foods including vegan and veggie options. If you have specific dietary needs please be sure to list them when you enter. There will be nuts and nut based products handled at checkpoints.

• CP1

  Opposite Viper Pub, Mill green, CM4 0PT - small local car park.

• CP2

  Small green opposite Three Compasses Pub, West Hanningfield, CM28UQ - do not obstruct the pub car park, please park on the road safely.

• CP3

  Cut off time 4pm - approximately 25.4 miles total (7 hours 30 mins)

• CP4

  Grass by the Bell Pub, Purleigh, CM36QJ - IMPORTANT - Please do not park in or near the pub car park as it's very small and busy on Sudays, we will lose permission to have the CP there if you park in the car park. If you park in the car park or refuse to move if CP staff ask you to move, we will DQ your runner. Please park your car further down the road.

• Finish

  The Star Inn, Steeple. If you are visiting this CP please do not use the pub car park as it gets busy on Sunday's. Please use the road or the village hall car park opposite if its not being used for anything. We will lose permission if we block the car park.

Cut offs

• CP1 | 11:00 | Approximately 7.9 miles total (2 hours 30 mins)
• CP2 | 13:15 | Approximately 15.8 miles total (4 hours 45 mins)
• CP3 | 16:00 | Approximately 25.4 miles total (7 hours 30 mins)
• CP4 | 19:00 | Approximately 34 miles total (10 hours 30 mins)
• Finish | 21:00 | Approximately 43 miles total (12.5 hours)

Event HQ

The Pleasance
229 High Street
Chipping Ongar
Ongar
Essex
CM5 9AB
UK

Start

• Start/finish are remote with limited public transport
• Optional return minibus to start (£20)
• Departure times: 15:30, 18:00, 20:30 (first-come, first-served)

Included

• All finishers get a medal (either metal or wood)

Optional extras

• T-Shirts and Buffs

Prizes

• There will be sustainable Bamboo trophies for the 1st 3 male and female runners
• There may be spot prizes (tbc)

Excellent, mainly trail, run, thoroughly enjoyed it! Kerry M

Excellent organisation and incredible value for money. Super well organised race along a lovely mostly countryside route. You have to be relatively self sufficient for navigation, but with a smart watch that can take a GPX file that’s not really a problem. Highly recommend. Kevin LV

Great off-road, muddy race. Well-organised informal ultra, providing great support for all levels. Jon P

Great organisation. Lovely trail course. Friendly atmosphere. Marshals were great! Would recommend downloading the GPX route file onto your running device, as will be needed for some sections. You are likely to get muddy! Adam W

Well organised, friendly and well-considered ultra trail. Super organisation, brilliant volunteers & awesome atmosphere and comradery within the running packs! Tom S

Excellent. First time doing this event and it was everything I hoped it would be. Superb organisation, mud, friendly aid stations, mud, impromptu cuppa at the last stations that got me to the end, more mud and finally the disco lights guiding us home in the dark along the sea wall. Jona D

Great race! Really well organised, great volunteers, would highly recommend! Peter B

Really friendly, low key, well organised race along a beautiful course that is not to be underestimated - that mud was tough and I think it was relatively dry this year! David A

So well organised, all volunteers so friendly/encouraging, great route. First time of doing anything over a marathon distance and absolutely loved it. Will definitely enter next year. Thank you to everyone involved x Laura P

It’s an absolute staple on the Winter ultra scene. Matt J

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

Entry fees