Shires and Spires is a four distance circular event with a mixture of trails and roads comprising 1oK (road), Half Marathon, Marathon and Ultra Marathon . All distances start and finish at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways. The routes takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and for the Multi Terrain Marathon the country houses of Holdenby, Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and Cottesbrooke. The Half Marathon and Marathon give a break from the usual road races at these distances and create a new challenge with the changing terrain.  We have created a mini running festival with the chance to enjoy the excitement of race day regardless of the distance you are doing.  The event is run in a clockwise direction on even years and anti-clockwise on odd years, both give you a different perspective on this scenic route. Which is harder? That’s for you to decide!