Race details

A single loop 50km ultra marathon around Bedfordshire's most picturesque countryside.

The next edition of the Greensand Country Ultra Trail will take place on Sunday 26th May 2024.

Our 50K trail route follows a unique loop that is predominately flat/undulating.

This race is a great choice for those looking to post a faster 50K time, or if you want to avoid the bigger hills encountered on our Chiltern ultra events.

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50KM Ultra Marathon

£62 unaffiliated / £60 affiliated

 

Key Information

Date
26th May 2024
Start Time
0900
Event base
Shuttleworth, Alder Dr, Biggleswade SG18 9DT
Distance / Elevation
50.2km / 430m+
Maximum Runners
200
Time Limit
9 hours
Navigation
Arrow markers and orange ribbons
Terrain
Trail
Public Transport
Biggleswade Train Station - 13 min drive to event base
UTMB Qualifier
UTMB World Series Index Race
Price
£62 unaffiliated / £60 affiliated
Minimum Age
20
License
Race held under UKA rules - Permit Pending

Please scroll down to find a list of resources, such as GPX files, maps, videos and more.

View resources

Route Description

Our 50km route starts from the Shuttleworth Estate following a cross country route on private trails.

Runners then complete an anti-clockwise loop passing through Old Warden, Haynes, Clophill, Chicksands, Shefford and Broom.

The terrain and surrounding countryside is varied, eyecatching and undulating throughout. This makes the course extremely runable and a great choice for anyone aiming to complete their first ultra.

CP 1 - Haynes Village Hall
14.3km
WC
CP 2 - Shefford
28.9km
CP 3 - Broom Village Hall
37.9km
WC

Event resources

Last updated - 2nd June 2023

GPX File
OS Maps
Garmin
Google Maps
Printable map (PDF)
Info document
A downloadable PDF with all key race information.
TBC

Route Map

Previous editions

Greensand Country 2023
Greensand Country 2022
Greensand Country 2021

Keep scrolling for more event info

Race Navigation
Race checkpoints

Aid stations

There are three feed stations along the route. These will contain the following items:

  • Water
  • Coke
  • Electrolyte drink (pre-mixed)
  • Energy gels
  • Selection of crisps and sweets
  • Energy bars
  • Fresh fruit
Event base

Event base

Our event base, held at the Shuttleworth Estate is designed for runners and spectators to enjoy both pre and post-race.

Hot drinks will be on offer throughout the day, along with food and local beer.

Car parking is available on site, along with toilets and a bag drop facility for runners.

View on Google Maps

Required Gear

Required gear

All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:

  • Mobile phone (emergency number saved)
  • Route map on watch/phone or paper map (provided)
  • Windproof or waterproof jacket (weather dependent)
  • Refillable water/hydration system (0.5L min)
  • Cash or bank card

Entry details

Registration is £62 (or £60 to affiliated runners), runners must be aged 20 years or older.

  • Entry to the 50KM race
  • Event permitted by the TRA
  • Car parking at the event base
  • Finishers medal
  • Chip timing with live results
  • Three on-route aid stations
  • Course wide medical support
  • Bag drop at the event base

T-Shirts are available to purchase on our store.

Entry details

Event FAQs

We've answered some common questions below. Please contact us if you have any further queries.

How difficult is this race?

The Greensand Country route is considered to be a fast and accessible ultra marathon. We have seen lots of runners compelete this as their first ultra. The paths are good quality throughout and free from soft mud at this time of the year. The heat can present a challenge, but this is of course never gaurenteed in the UK.

Do I need to qualifiy?

No, there are no qualifiying standards required to enter this race.

I'm worried about getting lost?

Our route will be marked throughout with orange signage/ribbons, along with marshals at several key points. Course checkers will be out during the race ensuring that signage remains in place.

We ask runners to make sure they have access to the route via a phone or watch, to act as a backup in an emergency.

What are the cut-off times for this race?

There is an overall 9-hour time limit for this race. Anyone running significantly behind this time at each checkpoints will be monitored and maybe advised to stop for safety reasons.

Where can toilets be found at this event?

There will be temporary toilets at the event base. The majority of these will be unisex, however we will one female-only portaloos that have sanitary products available.

Toilets will also be directely checkpoint 1 and 3. There is a public toilet near checkpoint 2.

Are there changing facilities available?

Yes, there will be several pop-up changing tents at the event base for runners to use.

How can I attend this event without a car?

Biggleswade is the closest train station to our event base. From the station it is a short 13-min taxi journey or and 11-minute cycle. We will provide a safe place to store bikes whilst you are running.

What footwear should I wear at this race?

We would recommend a light trail running shoe for this race - something that can tackle varried and uneven terrain and remain confortable on harder dirt paths.

What prizes are awarded at this event?

There are awards for the top three male and female finishers overall, along with age category awards for FV40, MV40, FV50, MV50, FV60, MV60, FV70, MV70.

How do I follow the route using my phone or watch?

Most GPS watches allow you to upload a GPX file of the route for you to follow whilst running. Typically this is done via by loading the GPX file into the app (i.e Garmin Connect), and then syncing your phone/watch together.

If you don't have a GPS watch we would recommend using OS Maps (£20/year) or Strava Premium (£48/year).

Withdrawal options

By entering our race, you agree to the following withdrawal policy. This policy applies to all runners with the exception of women of cannot compete due to pregnancy.

Withdrawal date
Race Credits
More than 12 weeks before race day
75%
4-12 weeks before race day
50%
2-4 weeks before race day
25%
Less than two weeks to race day
0%

To make a withdrawal request, please follow the button below and fill in the form.

Withdraw from race
Event withdrawal

The route was well marked and the aid stations very well placed. A thoroughly enjoyable run.

Rachel

Greensand Country 50km, 2021

Well marked and very well organised race - I will definitely participate in another one of your events

Stuart

Greensand Country 50km, 2021

Event partners

Shuttleworth
Greensand Country
UTMB World Series
Athletic Brewing
Ugoku Projects
She Races
Mountain Fuel
Gokce Restaurant
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50km -26th May 2024
21.2km -16th June 2024
21.2km -14th July 2024
50km -14th September 2024