Best UK multi day ultramarathons
At certain times in your life the pull of a multi day ultramarathon in a far away place sounds all too appealing but in reality it’s a logistical nightmare inbetween house renovations, home schooling, work commitments and all of the other plates you are spinning.
From following in the footsteps of travelers, herdsmen and soldiers who have used the historic Ridgeway in prehistoric times to taking on the brutality of non-stop racing along the iconic Pennie Way in the full ferocity of winter, you don’t need to travel outside of the UK to challenge your limits and find out what you’re truly capable.
Here are the 6 best UK multi day ultra marathons to enter in 2024:
1. The Montane Dragon's Back Race
The Montane Dragon’s Back Race is a legendary 380km, 6-day ultra running journey through Wales. From Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, enjoy spectacular scenery, amazing camaraderie and first class support on this once in a lifetime adventure! Not quite ready for the full route?
Check out the equally inspiring Hatchling - a stepping stone to the full route or a brilliant experience in its own right! Allowing you to experience the race route in more manageable chunks. It is still an epic mountain challenge, and your achievement will be recognised with a special memento at the finish.
2. The Druids Challenge
A three day, 85-mile, 136km, ultra marathon crossing the historic Ridgeway. You'll be following in the footsteps of travelers, herdsmen and soldiers who have used the Ridgeway since prehistoric times. Be entranced by the ancient landscapes, hidden valleys, beautiful downland and woodland.
As with all of Extreme Energy events, everything is taken care of at the Druid's Challenge so you can focus on the experience! Overnight accommodation, evening meals, showers, breakfast, food and drink at checkpoints, free parking, and even inspiring guest speakers in the evening are all included.
3. The Montane Summer Spine Race
Take on the challenge of non-stop racing, expedition-style along the iconic Pennine Way. You will experience the full beauty and magnitude of this iconic route. These races will test not only your physical resilience but your mental strength. Prepare yourself to take on Britain’s Most Brutal.
The summer races include four events; distances range from 46 miles to 268 miles of non-stop expedition-style racing. Each race has its own entry requirements which can be found on the individual race pages.
4. The Cape Wrath Ultra
The Cape Wrath Ultra is Scotland's finest multi-stage ultra running event. Starting in Fort William and finishing at Cape Wrath, the 400km, 8-day journey ultra running adventure through the stunning Scottish Highlands. Enjoy spectacular scenery, amazing camaraderie and first class support on this once in a lifetime adventure!
Not quite ready for the full route? Check out the equally inspiring Cape Wrath Explorer - a stepping stone to the full route or a brilliant experience in its own right! This allows you to experience the race route in more manageable chunks. It is still an epic challenge, and your achievement will be recognised with a special memento at the finish.
5. The Montane Winter Spine Race
Take on the brutality of non-stop racing and the British winter along the iconic Pennine Way. You will experience the full ferocity and magnitude of this iconic route. These races will test everything about yourself and more. Prepare to take on Britain’s Most Brutal.
The winter races include six events: distances range from 46 miles to 268 miles of non-stop expedition-style racing including two dedicated Mountain Rescue Team races. Each race has its own entry requirements which can be found on the individual race pages
6. The Winter Downs 200
The Winter Downs 200 is a 200 mile continuous trail run, the route forms a giant loop around the South of England, the heartland of our events taking in the North Downs Way, Vanguard Way, South Downs Way, Wayfarers Walk and St Swithun's Way.
With 16 hours of darkness each day, long stretches between aid stations and the undulating terrain, the race is designed to be an incredible winter running adventure on what is a phenomenal course with lots of good runnable ground.