Best UK Ultramarathons for Beginners in 2024
Looking to take the leap and step up to your first ultramarathon in 2024? But unsure which events are beginner-friendly and which ones you should steer well clear of?
There is no shortage of ultramarathons in the UK right now which is great news for you since you’ll have plenty to choose from but it can also leave you feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even laced up your shoes.
RELATED: What Is the Difference Between a Marathon and an Ultramarathon?
When choosing your first ultramarathon, it’s important to spend the time finding the one that’s right for you. There are some specific considerations but in general, I always encourage my athletes to choose an ultramarathon that’s around the 50km distance, on undulating trails, has a generous cut-off time or none at all and is relatively close to home.
Here are my 10 Best UK ultramarathons for beginners that need to be on your list in 2024.
1. Hundred Hills 50km
The Hundred Hills 50KM is a beautiful 50KM trail ultra through the heart of the Chiltern countryside. The Centurion Running season opener for 2024, the race consists of two different 25KM loops. It starts and finishes at 850-year-old Stonor Park, providing a truly stunning backdrop to the event. With a 9-hour cut-off, the race is ideal for runners looking to take on their first ultra and those looking to take a step up to our longer events.
2. Race to the Stones
Take on the UK's favourite ultramarathon, Race to the Stones. Choose from 100 km and 50 km routes along the Ridgeway, Britain's oldest path. An unforgettable route running towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avebury stone circle, your journey promises to be rich in both history and breathtaking scenery. Extended cut-off times and medical support at every stage make it a fully accessible ultramarathon
3. The Lap Anticlockwise
The Lap is a 45-mile ultra trail race around Lake Windermere. Open to runners and walkers, fully marked and with generous cut-offs. Open to both runners and walkers, you will have 24 hours to circumnavigate England's largest and most iconic lake on some of the most stunning trails in The Lakes. The route will be heavily way-marked from the head of each trail, road crossing, and at all trail junctions. Just keep the big lake to your left!
4. Humanity Direct Tring Ultra
A 31-mile, 50km, one-day ultra marathon within easy reach of London, all in aid of funding life-changing operations for children in developing countries. Perfect for anyone looking to take their running to the next level. Explore the picturesque Chilterns, a stone's throw from London. Even better, it's FREE to run, if you commit to raising funds for Humanity Direct. Now with a half ultra option available!
5. Spring Trail Series
The Spring Trail Series takes place on the Serpent Trail, a stunning route that weaves through the hills, rivers, woodland, and lowland heath of the South Downs National Park. It is a habitat which is rarer than rainforest and home to a variety of rare and endangered species. With very relaxed cut-offs, it’s not about what time you get, it’s the adventure you have along the way.
6. SVP50
The Stour Valley Path is a long footpath in England, which starts in Newmarket (Suffolk) and ends in Cattawade, a village near Manningtree (Essex). The SVP50 covers some of the length of the well-marked trail and is one of the longest point-to-point races in East Anglia. Notable for the beauty of the scenery en route, the landscape of the Stour Valley inspired the author Beatrix Potter.
7. Chalkland Way Ultra
The route is a 40-mile circular waymarked route through the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, starting and ending on the edge of Pocklington. This route surprises you from start to finish. The great thing is that the area is so peaceful and you can lose yourself in the beautiful surroundings and picturesque villages visited along the way. Held in Autumn so expect showers, muddy fields, chalk climbs and hidden valleys.
8. Ladybower Reservoir Ultra
Set in the rugged hills of the Peak District, the route involves climbing Win Hill and traversing west, all the while enjoying unbelievable views over the reservoir. The 50K ultra route consists of an undulating loop on a mix of surfaces including trail, gravel and road. Starting at Bamford Recreation ground you will ascend Win Hill and enjoy breathtaking views of Ladybower Reservoir to the north.
9. Goring Gap Ultra
This 52K ultra is perfect for first-time ultra runners but also open to regular ultra runners. It is a looped route so no drop-offs or pick-ups, you finish where you start at the riverside race village where we have free parking, camping (if needed) catering and even a bar. The route uses the Thames Path and Ridgeway national trails, it is mostly flat and a mix of trail, footpaths and quiet lanes.
10. Serpent Trail 50km
The Serpent Trail is a long-distance trail through some of the most breathtaking countryside in the South East. The Serpent Trail 50k Ultra race is the southern half of the trail, starting just outside Petworth and finishing in Petersfield. Two race start times allow for a more chilled, less pressured race option for those wanting to complete the distance and enjoy the trail.
Completed any of these events? Or maybe there is one you think deserves a mention. Let me know in the comments below.
Looking for support for your first ultra?
Hi, I’m Hannah. Your Ultramarathon Coach.
I’m obsessed with getting more women onto ultramarathon start lines by giving you the skills and confidence so you can finally realise what you’re truly capable of and more!
I support you with everything you need to show up to the start line of your event leaving no stone unturned, whether it’s your first 50km or multi-stage ultramarathon.