Greensand Country 50K
Race details
Next edition - Returns in 2026
A stunning single loop 50K ultra marathon around the Greensand Country trails in Bedfordshire.
The next edition of the Greensand Country 50K will take place in 2026, following a 1-year hiatus, we will confirm a date in due course.
Our trail route follows a unique loop though a series of attractive countryside villages and the trails that connect them.
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.
50K Ultra Marathon
£70/£68 (UKA Affiliated)
Key Information
You will find Precision Fuel & Hydration products at all our aid stations. Check out their planner to tune up your race nutrition.
Launch PlannerImage Highlights
Route Map
Event Downloads
Last updated - 17th March 2024
Route Description
Our 50km route starts from the Shuttleworth Estate following a cross country route on private trails.
Runners then complete an clockwise loop passing through Ickwell, Broom, Shefford, Haynes and Old Warden.
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.
There are three major checkpoints, at 16km, 28km and 41km. Additional water points will be added if it is a particularly warm day.
Checkpoints
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Aid stations
There are three full checkpoints on the route, at 16km, 28km & 41km. Satellite water points will be added if the weather is particularly hot. The checkpoints will contain:
- Water
- Coke
- Precision Fuel & Hydration - PH 1000 Electrolyte Drink (pre-mixed)
- Precision Fuel & Hydration - PF 30 Gels
- Precision Fuel & Hydration - PF 30 Chews
- Selection of crisps and sweets
- Chia Charge Mini Flapjacks
- Selection of Fresh fruit (banana, orange, watermelon)
Event base
Our event base, held at the Shuttleworth Estate is an immpressive venue complete with manor house and extensive gardens - A great place to finish and hang out 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.
Required gear
All runners will be required to carry the following items for the entirety of the run:
- Mobile phone (emergency number saved)
- Route GPX on watch/phone + paper map (provided)
- Space blanket or additional layer
- 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
- On-route race photographer
T-Shirts are available to purchase on our store.
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 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.
*Entrants to The Ridgeway Challenge are entitled to defer their entry for up to 2 years, or receive a 90% entry voucher to use on any Runaway Racing event.
Credits can be used on future race entries, any time during the following 2 years.
Withdrawal requests must be completed online via our manage booking functionality.
Manage Booking
What a lovely first ultra! Beautiful views, well organised, a well marked course with really sweet little orange ribbons. Super friendly supportive marshalls and well stocked aid stations. Just loved it!!
Georgina
Greensand Country 50km, 2022
Lovely race, wonderful scenery, and great organisation. Recommended.
Richard
Greensand Country 50km, 2023
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Past results & photos
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