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National Forest Way Ultra 75
National Forest Way Ultra 75

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

3.45am4.45am – 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

Rangemore

Burton-On-Trent

DE13 9RN

England


Checkpoint 2 - 22 Miles: Rosliston forestry centre

Burton Road

Acresford

Swadlincote

DE12 8JX

England


Checkpoint 3 - 30 Miles : Conckers Waterside centre

Bath Yard

Moira

Swadlincote

DE12 6BA

England


Checkpoint 4 - 43.5 Miles: Calke abbey

Stanton Hill

Ticknall

Derby

DE73

England


Checkpoint 5 - 54.5 Miles: Sence valley country park

Ibstock

LE67 6NW

England


Checkpoint 6 - 68 Miles: Newtown Linford

Exact location to be confirmed


FINISH 75 Miles: Beacon Hill Country Park

Breakback Road

Loughborough

LE12 8TA

England

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.


  1. Headtorch with spare batteries –

    essential for any night running or low-light

    conditions.

  2. Backup light source –

    spare torch or second headtorch in case

    your primary fails.

  3. Survival blanket / bivvy bag –

    lightweight emergency shelter in

    case of injury or severe weather.

  4. Water carrying capacity (minimum 1 litre) –

    hydration is critical; carry enough between

    aid stations.

  5. Nutrition to cover long gaps – 

    gels, bars, or other fuel; plan for the toughest

    sections.

  6. Waterproof jacket with taped seams –

    fully weatherproof; protects against wind,

    rain, and cold.

  7. Long-sleeved thermal base layer –

    for warmth and protection during cold,

    wet, or windy conditions.

  8. Mobile phone with race emergency number

    saved –

    for emergencies

    Whistle –

    for alerting marshals or other runners in an

    emergency.

  9. Race number / bib  –

    (provided by organisers) must be visible at

    all times.

  10. GPS tracker / timing chip

    (provided by organisers) For safety monitoring

    and race results.

  11. 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

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    1FREE Tree Planted Per Participant 

    A tree will be planted on behalf of every participant by the tree app company ! Click the link below to find out more ..

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    This is medically fully supported event 

    Our emergency first aid partners TrailMed will be covering the event from start to finish 

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    Claim your free 30 day premium Komoot subscription 

    All participants have access to a FREE 30 day premium subscription to Komoot !

    A downloaded GPX route is mandatory for this event. 

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    The NFWU is a registered UTMB Index race 

    check out the UTMB Index race benefits below ..

    Trail in Woods

    This event is ran by UKA and TRA rules 

    For more information on the UK Athletics and the Trail Running Associations rules click below..

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    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.

    1. Respect everyone on the trail. You’ll share paths with walkers, cyclists, and locals — give them space and courtesy at all times.

    2. Pass safely. Only overtake when there’s enough room to do so without risk. If the trail is tight, slow down and wait.

    3. Obey the roads. Follow the Highway Code on any road sections — your safety depends on it.

    4. Leave no trace. Carry all rubbish to the next checkpoint or the finish. Every wrapper left behind damages the forest we all love.

    5. Close all gates. Farm gates protect livestock and land — always shut them behind you.

    6. Respect animals. Do not feed, touch, or disturb livestock or wildlife along the route.

    7. Follow marshal instructions. Our crew are here for your safety. Ignoring guidance may result in removal from the event.

    8. Stay on the path. Stick to marked trails, avoid damaging vegetation, and help preserve the wild areas you’re racing through.

    9. Carry mandatory kit. Keep all safety equipment on you at all times — random kit checks may happen.

    10. Look out for each other. This is a tough course — check on fellow runners, and alert marshals if someone is in trouble.

    11. Own your responsibility. You are accountable for your pace, your decisions, and your conduct on every mile of the trail.

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