Shires and Spires is a  35 mile circular Ultra Marathon with a mixture of trails and roads.  It starts and finishes at Naseby Village Hall which is a great central location close to the A14, M1 and M6 motorways.  The route takes in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and country houses, Holdenby,  Althorp (home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Princess Diana), and  Cottesbrooke.  At 35 miles it is ideal for first time Ultra Runners or those looking for a shorter challenge.  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!