Three Shires Way Marathon
The Marathon distance races through the quiet rural landscapes and ancient woodlands of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire along the Three Shires Way.
Sign up for £38-£40
- Sat 20 Jun 2026
10:45
Age 18 & over
£38-£40
- 26.2 miles trail running + 856 ft ascent
Event overview
Whether you’re stepping up in distance or looking for a decent challenge through wonderful countryside, both races are suitable for beginners and seasoned runners alike. Being a bridleway the routes are well way marked, so navigation is made fairly easy (and other sections will be marked too).
Highlights
Epic point-to-point challenge
Take on a 50-mile ultra or marathon along the iconic Three Shires Way, finishing at Grafham Water for a true journey run.
Three counties, one route
Run through Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, linking diverse landscapes in a single event.
Stunning natural scenery
Quiet rural countryside, ancient woodlands and big-sky trails far from busy roads.
Perfect step up in distance
Ideal for first-time marathon/ultra runners or experienced athletes chasing a new endurance challenge.
Well-marked, accessible trails
Follow established bridleways with clear waymarking, making navigation straightforward for long-distance racing.
Varied, engaging terrain
A mix of trails, tracks and runnable sections to keep the course interesting from start to finish.
Iconic Grafham Water finish
Complete a memorable final loop around the reservoir before crossing the line.
Fully supported experience
Regular aid stations, professional first aid and experienced volunteers throughout the course.
Logistics made easy
Organised coach transfers from finish to start simplify this point-to-point adventure.
Rewarding finish line
Earn a bespoke medal, free race photos and the satisfaction of completing a serious endurance challenge.
Course records
This event is part of Three Shires Way Ultra & Marathon.
Event photos
Event community
Christopher W.
- Average fitness
- Event village
Timetable
50 Mile Ultra
Marathon
Kit
A simple, mandatory kit list is readily available.
- Check points
- First aid
- Food stations
- Marshals
- Mass start
- Navigation required
- Point to point
- Water stations
- Way markers
- GPX available
GPX route
The route is displayed on the map above.
Overview
Linking with the Swan’s Way at the start, the 49 mile Three Shires Way takes in the county boundaries of Bucks, Beds and Northants at Threeshire Wood, with a 12.4 mile loop around Grafham Water to finish. A section to the village hall at Hanslope has been added to get to the magic 50 miles, and a marathon route has been created that starts at Yelden.
Cut offs
- Paid parking
- Toilets
Event HQ
Marlow Park
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE28 0BH
UK
Parking
Parking at the finish at Marlow Park, Grafham Water, Grafham, Huntingdon, PE28 0BH, will be available to runners at a reduced price of £5 for the day. Instructions on how to pay for parking will be made available in the race pack, which will be emailed out before race day.
Transport
As both races are from point to point, there will be coaches from the finish, at Marlow Park, Grafham Water, to the respective start lines.
Start
- 50 Mile | Hanslope Village Hall, Newport Road, Hanslope, Milton Keynes MK19 7NZ
- Marathon | Yelden Village Hall, Spring Ln, Yelden MK44 1AT
- Chip timing
- Medal
- Race photo
- Trophy
Included
- All finishers will receive a specially commissioned Snap Fitness Market Harborough Half Marathon medal
Optional extra
- Bus ticket £14
Prizes
- There will be trophies for the top 3 male and female finishers
Sustainability
- Bring your own cup
- Age 18 & over
- Entries open
- Enter online
- Event merch available
Entry fees
Entry fee (Affiliated)
£38.00
Entry fee (Unaffiliated)
£40.00
Other races at event
- Sat 20 Jun
- #1 of 2
08:00
Age 20 & over
£68-£70
- 50 miles trail running + 1768 ft ascent