

Sat 06 Jun
|Burton-on-Trent
National Forest Way Ultra 75
This is not just another ultra. This is the first-ever ultra marathon on the National Forest Way – 75 miles of raw, untamed challenge across the heart of England’s wild Midlands. FIRST TO THE BEACON
Time & Location
06 Jun 2026, 05:00 – 07 Jun 2026, 05:00
Burton-on-Trent, Croxall Rd, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7AR, UK
About the event
The Route
The National Forest Way cuts across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire, linking the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas to the windswept heights of Beacon Hill Country Park. It’s a trail carved through old mining country and reborn woodlands – where ancient paths, rough farmland, and steep climbs push you harder with every mile.
Make History
This is the inaugural National Forest Way Ultra. The first time the full route has ever been raced. When you cross that finish line, you won’t just have run an ultra – you’ll have carved your name into the history of the trail itself.
The question isn’t whether the forest is ready for you. The question is..
Are you ready for it ?
The first runner to cross the finish line gets to light the Beacon Race Events Beacon
Qualifying criteria
At least 18 years old + at the time of the race.
In good health.
Must have run at least a marathon distance race prior
to the event. This can be for an event not yet taken
place but that will be successfully completed
prior to the NFWU start.
Start/Finish Venues + Event Schedule
Start Venue
National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Rd,
Burton-on-Trent DE13 7AR, CAR PARK B
At Start Venue
Friday 5th June 2026
5.00pm – 9.00pm – Race Registration:
Bib Number Collection Only.
If you collect your bib number on Friday evening,
you will still need to return during the times below
on Saturday to collect your Race Tracker.
The Race Tracker device is part of your mandatory
kit – if you do not collect this, you will not be permitted
to race.
Saturday 6th June 2026 – Race Day
3.45am – 4.45am – Race Registration:
Bib Number Collection & Race Tracker Collection
5.00am – Race Start
Finish Venue
Beacon Hill Country Park, Woodhouse Eaves
, Loughborough LE12 8TA, lower car park
Event CUT - OFF 5.00am Sunday June 7th
Checkpoints
There are 6 Checkpoints during the Race.
Each checkpoint will provide refreshments
including cola, electrolytes, water and juice
as well as a variety of sandwiches, salted
potatoes, fruit, snacks, crisps and biscuits.
We do our best to provide a range of food for
Vegetarian & Vegan diets too.
We’ll also have a Medic, First Responder
or a 1st aider available.
Cut-Off times per Checkpoint – These
conditions include the length of time taken
to complete sections of the course and they
are implemented by the Event Organisers,
Beacon Race Events, to ensure safe and
proper running of the event. Checkpoint
cut-off times will be strictly enforced.
There is a 24 hour cut off time for the event.
Checkpoint 1 - 12.5 Miles: Byrekley park garden centre
Checkpoint 2 - 22 Miles: Rosliston forestry centre
Checkpoint 3 - 30 Miles : Conckers Waterside centre
Checkpoint 4 - 43.5 Miles: Calke abbey
Checkpoint 5 - 54.5 Miles: Sence valley country park
Checkpoint 6 - 68 Miles: Newtown Linford
Exact location to be confirmed
FINISH 75 Miles: Beacon Hill Country Park
Drop Bags
Runners can utilise Dropbag facilities at the
following locations, these must be separate
dropbags. Please take note of the size restrictions
on the capacity of the bags to be transported.
DROP BAG 1 – Checkpoint 4: Calke Abbey –
Maximum dimensions 40cm x 35cm x 20cm
(L x W x H) – Capacity approx 30 litre
DROP BAG 2 – Finish Line: Beacon hill country park –
Maximum dimensions 40cm x 35cm x 20cm (L x W x H)
– Capacity approx 30 litre
Drop bags are to be handed over to the
designated area at race registration on Race Day.
Drop bags larger than these sizes will be refused.
Mandatory Kit
Every runner must carry the following at all times.
This kit is essential for your safety and for
compliance with race rules. Random checks may occur.
Headtorch with spare batteries –
essential for any night running or low-light
conditions.
Backup light source –
spare torch or second headtorch in case
your primary fails.
Survival blanket / bivvy bag –
lightweight emergency shelter in
case of injury or severe weather.
Water carrying capacity (minimum 1 litre) –
hydration is critical; carry enough between
aid stations.
Nutrition to cover long gaps –
gels, bars, or other fuel; plan for the toughest
sections.
Waterproof jacket with taped seams –
fully weatherproof; protects against wind,
rain, and cold.
Long-sleeved thermal base layer –
for warmth and protection during cold,
wet, or windy conditions.
Mobile phone with race emergency number
saved –
for emergencies
Whistle –
for alerting marshals or other runners in an
emergency.
Race number / bib –
(provided by organisers) must be visible at
all times.
GPS tracker / timing chip –
(provided by organisers) For safety monitoring
and race results.
Optional but recommended:
Lightweight first aid kit
Sunglasses or eye protection
Map or route notes
Hat/buff and gloves
Pacers / support runners
No Pacers or support runners or allowed
at this event
Race Photographs
Race Photographs are FREE !!
We’ll be posting the links to the official media team
photographs on our websites gallery page after the
race has finished. Please keep checking back to find
yours.
Processing and editing the photographs does take
some time so please allow at least 48-72 after
conclusion of the race for the links to be added.
We’ll also be adding photographs taken by the
event team on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
Safety
If you see a runner experiencing difficulties during
the NFWU please inform Checkpoint Marshals or
Race HQ. Each runner should save Race HQ mobile
numbers on their mobile phone.
No roads are closed en route as its a trail race so
please exercise due diligence and care at road
crossings. This will mean that participants have
to slow, possibly stop to cross roads.
There are certain sections that lead onto country
road, and/or road crossings – due to the length of
the route – it will not be possible to completely
marshal a 75 mile route. It is the role of the entrant
to be self-sufficient and exercise caution.
Any Emergency situations will be dealt with by
TrailMed.
Rules + Regulations
1. Governing Rules and Eligibility
The National Forest Way Ultra Marathon (“the Event”)
is organised by Beacon Race Events and conducted
under the rules and regulations of UK Athletics (UKA)
and the Trail Running Association (TRA).By entering
this Event, I agree to abide by all such rules and any
supplementary instructions issued by the organisers,
race officials, or marshals.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older
on the day of the Event.Proof of age may be
required at registration or during race check-in.
2. Acknowledgement of Risk
I, the undersigned participant, acknowledge and
understand that participation in the Event involves
inherent risks, including but not limited to:
Falls, collisions, overexertion, dehydration,
hypothermia, heat illness, adverse weather,
wildlife encounters,
uneven terrain, and other natural hazards;
Hazards associated with running on roads,
trails, and open countryside;
Equipment failure, acts or omissions by other
participants, volunteers, or spectators;
Medical emergencies where immediate assistance
may not be available.
I understand that trail and ultra-distance running can
be physically demanding and that I am voluntarily
participating entirely at my own risk.
3. Fitness to Participate
I confirm that:
I am in good physical health and have undertaken
sufficient training to safely complete the Event;
I have not been advised against participation by
a qualified medical professional;
I am solely responsible for monitoring my own
condition before, during, and after the Event.
If I experience any pain, discomfort, or injury during
the Event, I will stop and seek medical assistance
immediately.
4. Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the
Event, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold
harmless Beacon Race Events, its directors, officers,
employees, volunteers, agents, sponsors, partners,
landowners, and any other individuals or organisations
associated with the Event (“the Released Parties”) from
any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action
arising out of or related to my participation, including
but not limited to:
Personal injury, illness, death, or property damage,
whether caused by negligence or otherwise;
Delays, cancellations, or changes due to weather,
natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances.
This waiver applies to myself, my personal representatives,
heirs, next of kin, and assigns.
5. Indemnity
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released
Parties from any liability, damages, costs, or expenses
(including legal fees) incurred as a result of my participation
in the Event, my actions, or any breach of this agreement.
6. Medical Treatment and Consent
I consent to receive medical treatment deemed necessary
by race officials, paramedics, or medical personnel during
the Event.I understand that medical support may be
limited or delayed due to the remote nature of the course.
I authorise the sharing of relevant personal and medical
information with medical providers in the event of
an emergency.
7. Event Rules and Conduct
I agree to abide by all race rules, instructions,
and safety briefings provided by Beacon Race Events,
UK Athletics, and the Trail Running Association.
I understand that failure to comply with these rules,
including environmental or behavioural misconduct,
may result in disqualification or removal from the course.
8. Environmental and Land Use Responsibility
I agree to respect the environment and the land over
which the Event passes. I will not litter, damage property,
disturb wildlife, or trespass outside designated areas.
I acknowledge that the Event operates with the
permission of local councils, landowners, and forestry
authorities, and that my actions reflect upon the
reputation of Beacon Race Events and the trail-running
community.
9. Event Changes and Force Majeure
I understand that the organisers reserve the right to
postpone, cancel, or modify the Event for safety, legal,
or logistical reasons, including but not limited to severe
weather, natural disaster, pandemic, or government restriction.
No refunds or transfers will be issued except as stated in the
official Event policy.
10. Photography, Video, and Media Consent
I grant Beacon Race Events and its partners the right to
capture and use photographs, video, and other media
of my participation for promotional, editorial, and
commercial purposes, without compensation.If I do
not wish my image to be used, I will notify the
organisers in writing prior to the Event.
11. Data Protection and Privacy
I consent to the collection and processing of my
personal data for the purposes of Event administration,
safety, and communication in accordance with the UK
GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.Beacon Race
Events will not sell or share my personal data with
third parties except as required for the safe operation
of the Event.
12. Acknowledgement of Understanding
I have carefully read and fully understand this Waiver
and Release of Liability. I acknowledge that by signing
below, I am voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights,
including the right to sue.I agree that this waiver is
governed by the laws of England and Wales and that
any dispute arising under it shall be subject to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
Tickets
NFWU Race Participant Ticket
this ticket is for participants who are a registered UKA member. UKA member number can be provided on the race registration form and required at race registration before the race start.
From £139.00 to £141.00
Goes on sale
06 Dec, 12:00
£139.00
+£3.48 ticket service fee
£141.00
+£3.53 ticket service fee


Beacon Race Events — Code of Conduct
By taking part in this event, you commit to respecting the trail, the land, and everyone around you. These rules are designed to keep you safe, protect fellow runners, and preserve the wild landscapes you’ll be running through.
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Respect everyone on the trail. You’ll share paths with walkers, cyclists, and locals — give them space and courtesy at all times.
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Pass safely. Only overtake when there’s enough room to do so without risk. If the trail is tight, slow down and wait.
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Obey the roads. Follow the Highway Code on any road sections — your safety depends on it.
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Leave no trace. Carry all rubbish to the next checkpoint or the finish. Every wrapper left behind damages the forest we all love.
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Close all gates. Farm gates protect livestock and land — always shut them behind you.
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Respect animals. Do not feed, touch, or disturb livestock or wildlife along the route.
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Follow marshal instructions. Our crew are here for your safety. Ignoring guidance may result in removal from the event.
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Stay on the path. Stick to marked trails, avoid damaging vegetation, and help preserve the wild areas you’re racing through.
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Carry mandatory kit. Keep all safety equipment on you at all times — random kit checks may happen.
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Look out for each other. This is a tough course — check on fellow runners, and alert marshals if someone is in trouble.
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Own your responsibility. You are accountable for your pace, your decisions, and your conduct on every mile of the trail.










