Where is the race? Kington Ultra - the Burton Hotel, Kington, HR5 3BQ
Registration: 0700
Race brief: 0750
Race start: 0800
Croft Half - the Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, Leominster, HR6 9ST
Registration: 0800
Race brief: 0850
Race start: 0900
Kington Ultra and Croft Half finish - Chapter66 café, Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, SY8 1AY
Race HQ for both distances will be located at the finish in Chapter 66 Cafe in the grounds of the medieval castle of the delightful market town of Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AY. Race HQ will be established once both distances have been set off.
When is the race?
The race is on Saturday 20th June 2026.
What distances are involved?
There are two distances to choose from:
Kington Ultra: approximately 30 miles Croft Half: approximately 14 miles
What are the courses like?
The Kington Ultra is a mere 30ish mile mixed trail/field/road run. The route takes you through the Marches of England, with extensive forests, limestone tops and gentle pastures in an area dominated in mediaeval times by the Mortimer family, one of the most powerful Norman earldoms. It follows a succession of hills and ridges with some strenuous climbs, crossing the valleys of the rivers Arrow, Lugg and Teme, taking in Wapley Hill fort, Croft Ambrey, Orelton Common, the High Vinnals and the Mary Knoll Valley, and, whilst meandering through a number of villages. The Trail starts in the Herefordshire market town of Kington and meanders it's way through to the entrance archway of one of the finest medieval ruins in England, set in the glorious bustling market town of Ludlow.
This route will appeal to runners and walkers that are either looking for a great introduction to ultra distance events or athletes that are already established ultra runners and looking to test themselves on a relatively fast hilly course. With an estimated walk time of 8-12 hours and run time of 5-9 hours, this promises to be an adventure worth remembering.
The Croft Half is a 14ish mile short course version of the MMT Ultra. Taking in some of the Marches of England, it consists of mixed trail/field/road with extensive forests, limestone tops and gentle pastures in an area dominated in mediaeval times by the Mortimer family, one of the most powerful Norman earldoms. It follows a succession of hills and ridges with some strenuous climbs. The Trail starts at the Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, Herefordshire and meanders it's way through to the entrance archway of one of the finest medieval ruins in England, set in the glorious bustling market town of Ludlow.
This route is ideal for runners and walkers that can already complete at flat half marathon distance or athletes looking to increase from a 10k route. An estimated walk time of 5-8 hours and run time of 2-5 hours, this is a great route for our shorter distance athletes.
How much does the race cost?
Kington Ultra: £55
Croft Half: £35
Minibus: transport to start £15
Medal: Included
Is there parking available? We recommend parking your car early in the morning in Ludlow and making your way back to Kington or Aymestrey for the start of your race. There is free all-day parking at Ludlow Rugby Club, The Linney, SY8 1EE. Minibus transport which can be booked for £15 per person when you sign up for the race will also take athletes from Ludlow Rugby Club car park to Kington and Aymestrey for registration and the start of your respective race. There is no parking at the Riverside Inn, Aymestrey. Further details on car parking and transport will be shown in the Athlete’s Guide that is posted to each athlete two weeks prior to race day.
There is no organised transport from Ludlow back to Aymestrey or Kington after the race
Kington parking information can be found here:
Where are the checkpoints?
CP1: Kington Ultra: registration & start: Burton Hotel, Kington, HR5 3BQ
Grid Reference: SO 2961 5660
What 3 Words: ///client.wage.villager
CP2: Kington Ultra: Titley crossroads
Grid Reference: SO 3316 6017
What 3 Words: ///energetic.mainframe.computer
CP3: Kington Ultra: Upper Lye woodland stile
Grid Reference: SO 3989 6508
What 3 Words: ///dynamics.expensive.squirts
CP4: Kington Ultra and Croft Half registration & start: Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, HR6 9ST
Grid Reference: SO 4250 6541
What 3 Words: ///clinking.hexes.adopts
CP5: Kington Ultra & Croft Half: High Vinnals
Grid Reference: SO 4780 7241
What 3 Words: ///paper.undercuts.option
CP6: Kington Ultra & Croft Half: The Goggin Grid reference: SO 4707 7000 What 3 Words: ///obviously.dwarf.undercuts
CP7: Kington Ultra and Croft Half Finish: Chapter 66 Café, Ludlow Castle, SY8 1AY Grid Reference: SO 5093 7460
What 3 Words: ///barbarian.basin.forecast
For those athletes doing the Ultra distance there will be the opportunity to buy coffee and snacks at the Burton Hotel and use the toilet facilities as you register and get ready for the start.
For both the Croft Half athletes starting at, and the MMT(S) Ultra athletes checking in at, the Riverside Inn checkpoint there will be plenty of water and snacks as well as toilet facilities.
At the finish for both distances there is the fantastic Chapter66 cafe where you can buy hot/cold drinks and snacks
How do I enter?
To enter the race visit the ‘How To Enter’ section on the website and follow instructions. Entry to the race is online only. Online entry is being managed by SiEntries. Sign up here
Maps and Navigation
The MMT(S) Kington Ultra and CroftHalf are both self-navigating routes. Part of the compulsory kit list is a paper copy of the route (an A4 sized OS map or printed page off the website is fine). It is also recommended to have a gpx file of the route on your smartwatch / mobile phone or the OS maps app on your phone to aid with navigation.
What is the minimum age for entry?
Competitors for the Kington Ultra must be 18 years old on the date of the event. Competitors for the Croft Half must be 17 years old on the date of the event.
What age group will I race in?
There are no age group categories, however prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places on both distances for female and open categories. Full details of prizes will be announced closer to race day.
How does the registration process work?
Kington Ultra: registration will be available from 0700 in the Burton Hotel, Kington, HR5 3BQ.
Croft Half: registration will be available from 0830 at the Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, Leominster, HR6 9ST.
Full details will be provided in the Athlete Guide, which will be emailed to you two weeks before the event. We do not send out race numbers or timing chips in the post.
Are there ‘cut-off’ times for the race?
Kington Ultra: although there is no official cut off, it is estimated that most athletes should arrive at the Riverside Inn checkpoint no later than 1400 (6 hours after starting) and be finished by 2000 (12 hours after starting).
Croft Half: again, there is no cut off, but it is estimated that most athletes should arrive at the finish in Ludlow no later than 1400 (5 hours after starting).
Is there a kit list?
Below is a list of the required and optional kit for the race. You MUST have all the required items on the list and MUST be as described. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS. The organisers’ decision is final.
We will be carrying out kit spot checks at the start/finish and the checkpoints any runner found to not be carrying all the compulsory kit will be disqualified, this is for your own safety and also ensures that all entrants are carrying the same kit whether a racing snake or back marker.
Compulsory Kit List:
Rucksack/Race Vest - suitable for carrying the items on the compulsory kit list
Fully charged mobile phone - with emergency numbers saved
Means of hydration - ability to carry an absolute minimum of 1 litre of fluid (electrolytes recommended)
Enough food for between checkpoints (no shops on route!)
Lightweight waterproof jacket*
Sun hat or thin beanie hat*
Lightweight gloves*
Lightweight fleece (or similar long sleeved warm upper body layer)*
Basic first aid kit (plasters, microtape, vaseline, scissors, personal medication as minimum) Headtorch / normal torch*
Whistle: lost / assistance procedure: 6 whistle blasts and wait one minute - keep repeating until rescued response procedure: 3 blasts as a reply to the six blasts. Commit to finding lost person
Map (covering full route) - Ideally OS map but printed sections off the website will suffice
Optional Kit List:
Cup/Mug/Bottle - no cups will be provided at checkpoints
*Some of the items listed might seem overboard but they are there in case you or another athlete you encounter injures themself and needs the additional items to make themselves comfortable whilst waiting for medical assistance, or in the unlikely incident of you becoming lost and continuing into the night.
Are there prizes?
Yes, there will be prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places on both distances for female and open categories. Full details of prizes will be announced closer to race day.
What is the cancellation policy?
If for any reason you are unable to attend the race, there will not be a refund or deferal option, however, there is an option to transfer it to another athlete.
Where will I be able to find the results? We will share the race results with you via email shortly after the event.
All other queries