Ultra North

Secondary header image
Camera
1 / 3
Secondary header image
Secondary header image
logo

Ultra North
Heart
Not quite ready to book?

Save this event for later and come back to it when you're ready.

About
Take on this epic challenge on Newcastle's doorstep. Run, jog or walk a fully-marked, all-terrain 25k or 55k route, with stunning views and historic landmarks the whole way. Entries are available at a special launch price for a limited time only.
PathWithPin
TRAIL 25 and ULTRA 55
View details
Calendar
Sat 15th Jul 2023
View logistics
LocationPin
Blaydon-on-Tyne, United Kingdom
View location
Star
4.6
(275 Reviews)
All reviews
Perks of booking with Let's Do This
Tick

Best price guarantee

Tick

Official booking partner

We're #1 in customer satisfaction

The event experience
Atmosphere

Based on the number of participants

Scenery

Based on location and reviews

Invite friends, earn credit

After booking your Great Run event, invite your friends to join you and you'll get £5 credit if they make it their first Let's Do This booking.

Where and when
Location
Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 6JA, UK
Start times
Sat 15th Jul 2023
TRAIL 25:
TBC |
ULTRA 55:
TBC
Event summary
Here are the distances available for Ultra North
TRAIL 25
Distance
25km
£38 - £48
ULTRA 55
Distance
55km
£68 - £78
Route information
ULTRA 55
ULTRA 55 is a 55k ultra-marathon starting and finishing within Derwenthaugh Park. The route will take competitors on a tour of the region, passing iconic landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge, Millennium Bridge and 9 arches viaduct, and following iconic footpaths including Hadrian’s Way, Wylam’s Wagon Way & Derwent Walk.
TRAIL 25
TRAIL 25 is the perfect event for half marathon runners and challenge walkers looking to embark on a new off-road challenge. Starting in Derwenthaugh Park, the 25k route follows the Derwent River to the famous River Tyne, before crossing the iconic 9 arches viaduct and a final stretch on the Derwent Walk before finishing in Derwenthaugh Park.
Organiser route images
What's included
  • Exclusive finishers medal
  • Exclusive finishers t-shirt
  • A fully signed route
  • Chip timing
  • Checkpoints/aid stations along the course with food and drinks
  • Medical Support
Train
How to get there
Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 6JA, UK
Get full directionsExternalLink
Parking
There is no parking at Swalwell Cricket Club and limited parking throughout the Derwenthaugh Valley. You can choose to walk or cycle to the venue, however the easiest option would be to use the drop-off facility at the cricket club. Cars will be permitted through the one way system at the cricket club to drop participants off or get picked up.
There are car parks in the surrounding area at the following what3words locations:
  • ///freed.lion.visits
  • ///lamp.rubble.blank
  • ///among.term.gravy
By Car
Join the A1, heading towards Metrocentre. On the A1 (Both Directions), take Junction 73 and head towards Consett, Newcastle and Blaydon.
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit to Derwenthaugh Road/ A694. Follow the A694 for half a mile, and the Cricket Club entrance will appear on your left-hand side.
By Public Transport
The start line is accessible by bus from Newcastle City Centre using the X45, X46 or X47 route ran by Go North East from Stand C at Eldon Square. These services run on Saturdays regularly and it is appropriate to exit the bus at the stop on Spa Well Road, turn left and walk a short distance before turning right at the Cricket Club entrance.
Event day logistics
Age Requirements
Entrants must be 18 and over to enter the TRAIL 25 and 20 and over to enter the ULTRA 55.
Checkpoints
ULTRA NORTH 55
There are four checkpoints along the route, plus the finish:
  • Checkpoint 1: will be at Hadrian's Wall Path, Newcastle Upon Tyne, approx 13k from the start. What3Words location: design.drives.puff.
  • Checkpoint 2: will be at The Keelman Pub, Newburn, approx 21k from the start. What3Words location: castle.fully.scout.
  • Checkpoint 3: will be at Hookergate Lane, Gateshead, approx 34k from the start. What3Words location: each.cape.chap.
  • Checkpoint 4: will be at Limtzford Road, Rowlands Gill, approx 44k from the start. What3Words location: panicking.landowner.driver. ​
  • A final checkpoint will be at the finish (55k) at Swalwell Cricket Club.
ULTRA NORTH 25
There is one checkpoint along the route, plus the finish.
  • Checkpoint 1: will be at Spen Lane, High Spen, approx 13k from the start. What3words location washroom.feeds.monkeys. ​
  • A final checkpoint will be at the finish (25k) at Swalwell Cricket Club.
Cut-off Times
There will be strict cut-off times at the event to ensure all participants have completed the routes by 7:10pm. Individual route cut-offs are detailed below:
Ultra 55
  • Cut off point 1: At Checkpoint 4 at Lintzford Road, located approx. 44k from the start. Any participant who has not passed this point by 4:48pm will not be permitted to continue.
  • Finish cut-off: The final cut-off time is 7:10pm at the finish line. Participants must cross the finish line before this time to receive a finishers medal and have a recorded time.
Trail 25
  • Cut-off point 1: At the 25k checkpoint at Spen Lane which is approx. 13k from the start. Any participant who has not passed this point by 12:58pm will not be permitted to continue.
  • Finish cut-off: The final cut-off time is 7pm at the finish line. Participants must cross the finish line before this time to receive a finishers medal and have a recorded time.
Toilets
There will be toilet facilities at the start/finish, as well as close to checkpoints along the route. There will also be public toilets and portable toilets at various points.
Walkers
Walkers are more than welcome to take part, but there will be paces to maintain for each route to ensure you finish within the cut-off time:
  • Ultra 55: average speed of approx. 12 minutes per KM (19 minutes per mile)
  • Trail 25: average speed of approx. 19 minutes per KM (30 minutes per mile)
FAQs
Can I walk the Ultra North?
Absolutely! There's no doubt it'll be a tough challenge, but walkers can definitely take on this challenge.
ChevronLeft
Are there any road crossings or gates/stiles to negotiate at the Ultra North?
Yes, there are a number of road crossings along each route. It is the responsibility of all participants to ensure they travel along footpaths and not on roads, and that they crossroads at suitable and designated road crossing points. Participants must leave gates as they find them (i.e. opened or closed).
ChevronLeft
Are support crews allowed at the Ultra North?
Yes, participants may receive support from friends and family along the course. Naturally this support cannot extend to assisting the participant to travel along the course.
ChevronLeft
Is there a minimum qualification standard to achieve before I enter the Ultra North?
No, there isn't a minimum standard, however it is recommended that entrants have some experience of long-distance events, and have trained and prepared as entrants will be self-sufficient most of the route.
ChevronLeft
Are pacers allowed at the Ultra North?
No, pacers are not permitted at the event. Entrants can run with friends who have also entered.
ChevronLeft
Do I need a map for the Ultra North?
A map and/or course notes are recommended. Course notes will be made available on the website before the event.Whilst there will be event-specific directional signs and confidence markers throughout the course, due to the nature of the route, certain parts are somewhat complex to navigate and runners are advised to moderate their speed at these points to ensure the correct path is taken. A sports GPS navigation device is recommended if you have one.
ChevronLeft
What happens if I need to drop out during the Ultra North?
It will be your responsibility to contact event control (via phoning the event control number or notifying event staff at the checkpoints) to let them know of your decision. Except in an emergency or where you cannot continue due to injury or ill health, please make your way to the next checkpoint and inform the event staff at the checkpoint that you intend to drop out. This is important so that we can account for all participants in the event. If you cannot make it to the checkpoint, you must call the event control (number on the back of your race number) to notify them of your location and of your intentions for onward travel (i.e. if you are planning to make your way to the finish). In the unlikely event of an emergency situation call the emergency services first and then call event control.
ChevronLeft
How do I contact the event director on event day at the Ultra North?
The event control number will be printed on your race number. Participants will be advised to save this number into their phone at registration.
ChevronLeft
Reviews
4.6
275 reviews
gary
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2023
2nd time at event always a great day out
andy sj
Star
4.0
Did the race in 2023
I fell once on the slippery downhill in Chopwell Woods … the paramedics at the last CP and at Finish were very nice and cleaned me up so that I carry on 😊🙏🏽 I wish for a more hilly 55km route and some parts were quite boringly straight!! The volunteers were absolutely brilliant 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
christopher
Star
4.3
Did the race in 2023
Really enjoyed it. Maybe just a few more signs and markings for the route so you can't get lost
suzanne
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2023
Lovely route and very friendly. Didn't feel like a competitive race. Would definitely recommend.
suzie
Star
3.3
Did the race in 2023
I enjoyed the course. If I hadn’t of met someone I would have got lost ax the ribbons are tiny & I don’t think it’s clearly marked enough.I finished in 7:47 and there was no one at the end to show me where to get my t shirt. There was no water or snack? I really thirsty & needed a drink. Is this correct that there was only a medal and t shirt.I don’t feel like there was any atmosphere before or after getting people excited to go for it. If my friends had not come to the end it would have been extremely lonely!
anne
Star
4.7
Did the race in 2023
Great race Great day
jerry
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2023
1st time, great experience 👍
nicky
Star
4.3
Did the race in 2023
First time for me but my friends did it last year too. They said the signage this year was much better. I really enjoyed the route (not so keen on the weather 🤣). Organisation was good as was communication. Didn't think the tee shirt was as good as last years - liked the slogan on the back last year. Also we are all sick of blue tee shirts and longing for a different colour 🤣.Well done everyone involved.
sau kwan iris
Star
3.7
Did the race in 2023
I enjoyed the running course and the scene was beautiful. The signage of the route after check point 4 was found missing and the participants need to check the GPS map for confirmation.
andrew
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2023
My first experience running an Ultra and it was an amazing day! Atmosphere was great and everyone was really friendly!
More reviews
Less reviews
Event passed
Results & Photos
Office

8th Floor, Orion House, 5 Upper St Martins Lane,

London, WC2H 9EA

Reg number 10083277

Follow Us
image
🇬🇧