View the 2010 images & results here.

An exceptional race at an inspiring location. The Grimsthorpe Ultra 70 is an ultra marathon of 70 miles. Grimsthorpe Castle (www.grimsthorpe.co.uk,) in Lincolnshire, is the fantastic venue for the event, which will run from Friday 12th August (mid morning start) to Saturday 13th August (exact times yet to be confirmed).

Grimsthorpe is an historic house, park and garden in Lincolnshire. The race is non-stop and will continue through the night with the route being lit with glow sticks during the evening hours. The route will incorporate multiple loops through the beautiful grounds of the Grimsthorpe estate. The terrain is a mixture of a limestone trail and field trails.

All competitors will be expected to manage their own time, deciding how long to spend resting and refuelling during the event. There will be a time limit of 26 hours to complete the race. This is truly a race for the toughest of competitors. Your physical fitness will only get you so far. Even if you have never competed in an ultra marathon before, your mental toughness will determine whether or not you cross the finish line.This is an event that tests your endurance and stamina, not your navigational skills. Many Ultra races require a certain amount of navigational skill which frustrate some athletes.These athletes will be relieved to know that no map skills will be required as the large looping route will be clearly marked. A holding area in the organisers tent will allow competitors to have quick and easy access to their food and extra clothing, which they must provide. The organizers will provide water and toilet facilities.Grimsthorpe Ultra 70 competitors must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the race.As the estate is privately owned spectators will only be allowed a limited amount of access, which will be decided nearer the time.

All competitors will be expected to manage their own time, deciding how long to spend resting and refuelling during the event. There will be a time limit of 27 hours to complete the race. This is truly a race for the toughest of competitors. Your physical fitness will only get you so far. Even if you have never competed in an ultra marathon before, your mental toughness will determine whether or not you cross the finish line.

This is an event that tests your endurance and stamina, not your navigational skills. Many Ultra races require a certain amount of navigational skill, which frustrate some athletes who are not adept in this department. These athletes will be relieved to know that no map skills will be required as the large looping route will be clearly marked.

Synopsis Of Race

Runners complete approx 7 laps of 10 mile loop. Each competitor will be given a stamping card which they must get stamped at the far end of each loop and at the near end of each loop. When these stamps have been verified by one of the organisers at the race headquarters they will sign your card. When you have completed the correct number of verified laps you have completed the race. After completing each loop you will arrive at the organisers tent where you have access to your kit.

Grimsthorpe Ultra 70 competitors must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the race.

Competitors must provide;

Head torch (with extra batteries)
Extra clothing for night run (running tights, running top , warm hat, waterproof etc)
Whistle (to attract attention in case of emergency)
Salt tablets/electrolytes or similar (you will lose vitamins and minerals through your sweat during this race and these need to be replaced)
Water container- we will provide the water but you must provide your preferred container (Camel Back, water bottle, etc) we will also provide hot water in case you would like to add this to your freeze-dried meal.
Sleeping bag (in case you need to sleep during the night).

Food:
We will provide some food, which we will distribute throughout the race but please do not rely on this as if your fussy about what you eat and we haven't provided food that suits your needs then it could be a problem. You must bring enough food to last you throughout the race.

Recommendations for race food –
Nuts (salted), raisons, freeze dried meal (http://www.expeditionfoods.com) Jelly Babies.

Grimsthorpe Ultra 70 FAQ's

What is the address of Grimsthorpe Estate?
Grimsthorpe, Nr Bourne, PE10 0LY
What's the terrain like?
A mixture of limestone trail, field trails and tarmac
What about drinks ?
You will have to carry water with you in your chosen container (camel back, bottle etc). You provide the container we will provide the water. We will also provide hot water for use in freeze-dried meals or hot drinks.
How often will I be able to refill my water bottle?
Approx every 10 miles
How much water would you recommend carrying?
At least 1 litre of water if not more, depending on your ability.
What type of shoes should I be wearing ?
This is totally your call as everyone has their own preference but I would recommend trail running trainers and make them slightly bigger than your actual shoes size as your feet will swell (Fat Feet). My feet swell a lot so I would get 1 size bigger than my shoe size for a race of this distance. If your feet don't swell hugely I would get half a size bigger.
How should I be training?
Over night non-stop ultras require a certain tolerance to sleep deprivation. After running / walking all day your body will naturally begin to try to fall asleep as the night arrives. We call this "The Sleep Monster"; the sudden need to lie down and fall asleep. To fight off the sleep monster, ultra runners use all sorts of ways to keep themselves going. Ipods, singing, energy drinks and simply practicing running in the dark with a head torch prior to the race. Sometimes though the sleep monster will sit on your shoulders and no matter how much you try he won't go away until you grab a quick 20 minutes sleep. This usually will keep him away for at least a few hours. Other than that I would recommend getting the hours under your belt out on your feet. Your feet take the worst beating so they need toughening up. Your core muscles (groin, stomach) are hugely important as well.
What about blisters?
See http://running.about.com/od/commonrunninginjuries/p/blisters.htm
I've never taken part in an ultra run, do you think I can do it?
In my opinion, if you are fit, healthy and able bodied the only hurdle you face is the mental one. Some people keep going and some don't. Other than a genuine injury most people throw in the towel because they haven't got their heads in the right place. Whatever the competitor’s ability, everyone suffers; it's knowing that you are going to suffer and accepting it before you step onto the start line. Most who throw in the towel haven't truly accepted that they are going to suffer and then the enormity of the situation becomes too much.
So Why on earth would I want to enter an event where I know I'm going to suffer?
You have to ask yourself that question as its different for everyone. For me, facing adversity head on and conquering it is one of the best feelings I've known.
When will I receive my race number and race info pack?
Via post approximately 2 weeks prior to the race date.
Will the route be marshaled?
Yes marshals will monitor the route
What is the Time limit?
26 hours – Ultra 70 and 105 will start at the same time and have the same cut off time.
Is there a team category?
No, although some events encourage teams to enter we are passionate about personal challenges so only accepted individual entries
Will finishers get a medal and t-shirt?
Yes

"In short: Wonderful Scenery, Lovely People, Superb Organisation. In full: A lovely Low Key and very relaxed event. Organisers and fellow runners were all very friendly and helpful. The course was lovely and when you add it all together it was an amazing experience."
- John Wilden 2010 entrant -

"Thanks Fat Feet - outstanding event, 2nd Ultra for me and wont stop smiling for a long time!"
- Alan Hayes 2010 entrant -

"Fantastic friendly well run ultra marathon"
- Frank Martin 2010 entrant -

"Just a little note to say what a very well organised race. Very supportive and encouraging organisers. All the nibbles, drinks and food you could ever dream of when running 70 miles!!!! The different terrain made the race interesting and the race arrows were easy to read - so no wrong turns occurred!!!! It... was the most spectacular finish line - Breathtaking!! Thank you fat feet for a very enjoyable 14hour and 37 mins with a knee injury!!!!"
- Jennifer Norwood 2010 entrant -