10 October ultra marathons in the UK
It’s time to start thinking about autumn ultramarathons. I’ve onboarded a new athlete recently who’s training for Ultra X England 50 in September and it’s getting me excited about autumn events again.
One of the big things that’s been coming up with you lately as you approach your summer ultramarathons is what does the second half of the year look like. Now is the time to start thinking about your race calendar.
Where you start in your training is going to be based on your training history. If like many of the women I work with are only just entering the space, you’ll need to honestly evaluate where you are right now and how much time you can realistically commit around work and family life.
Timelines will look wildly different for each one of you and will depend on a bunch of factors. But if there is one thing, I know for certain it’s that gradual and sustainable change takes time, that is no quick fix fast track to ultra.
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is not leaving themselves enough time to train. It’s easy to get overexcited when you’re starting a new program, motivation is high, and you want to cram a lot of training into a short period of time. Don’t!
It’s far better to give yourself plenty of time so you can start off conservatively and allow time for the unexpected to happen (because it will!). Kids getting sick, work projects, unplanned rest days, family stuff and the list goes on.
Don’t come off the starting line too hard when it comes to training, give yourself some compassion and buffer this into your training now. Trust me, it’s going to avoid a lot of stressing out later down the line.
Know you want to get something in the dairy for the end of the year but not sure where to look?
Here are my 10 top picks for October ultramarathons in the UK.
1. The Fox Ultra
A popular alternative to the London Marathon, The Fox Ultra presents runners with a unique opportunity to circumnavigate Guildford clockwise through the stunning Surrey Hills, starting at Godalming United Church.
2. Ultra X England 50
Ultra X 50 England is a single-stage ultramarathon that takes place over one day in the Peak District National Park, an upland area characterised by vast green landscapes, rounded hills, valleys, and limestone gorges.
3. Chiltern Wonderland 50
The CW50 is a 50-mile single loop around the beautiful Chiltern countryside where you will visit picturesque villages bursting with history, featuring locations made famous by British film and television.
4. Humanity Direct Tring Ultra
A 31 mile, 50km one day ultramarathon within easy reach of London, all in aid of funding life changing operations for children in developing countries. The event is run on National Trails and Footpaths, showcasing many areas of natural beauty in the Chilterns.
5. Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge
This end-of-season 50km looped route covers some of the best of the Chilterns countryside, with historic trails, rolling hills, nature reserves and fantastic views. It’s a route with real variety and some wonderful scenery – and it’s all easily accessible from London.
6. Sidley London Revolution Trails
A 50k ultra through the Chilterns and along the stunning Thames riverside! Whether you are new to the trails or a seasoned pro there is something for all abilities right on London’s doorstep.
7. Ultra London
The Ultra London route follows the Capital Ring footpath which forms an inner circle around Greater London. The route includes some of London’s finest scenery, including the Thames Barrier, Eltham Palace, Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park.
8. Ladybower Reservoir 50k
Join RunThrough on their first ever ultramarathon event, hosted at the breathtaking Ladybower Reservoir. The route is a looped circuit of the Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs, depending on the race you enter.
9. Run to The Sea Bournemouth
A fabulous multi-terrain point-to-point course that stretches from Horsham to Brighton, including wonderful trails and rolling downs before reaching the seafront promenade. Great organisation and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for beginners.
10. Epping Forest 50k
Back for its second year…Camino Ultra put on a world-class ultra in the heart of London’s Epping Forest. This out and back from Wanstead to the top of Epping Forest is truly picturesque as you take in all the vast parks and forests in between.
Do you have a goal race for the second half of the year? Maybe it’s one listed above? Leave me a comment below if you’ve signed up for any of these events or drop me a message on social media.
Want support for your first ultra?
Do you have an October ultramarathon in the diary or are you thinking of signing up for one in the autumn?
If this is you, I would love to chat. Book your free discovery call now and find out more about how I can help you with 1:1 run coaching.
I absolutely believe you don’t have to be an elite runner to work with a running coach and for many of the women I work with, it’s the first time they have ever made that commitment.