Inaugural event to include a 55km mixed terrain run and a 27.5km run or walk in October

A new urban ultra-marathon, ULTRA LONDON, will offer runners a fresh challenge in the UK capital this October.

The multi-distance event is to be held on an innovative course which aims to showcase some of London’s finest viewpoints as well as take in many of its lesser known open spaces, nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest.

Both a 55km mixed terrain run and a 27.5km run or walk are set to take place on Saturday October 5.

The 55km course will start in Woolwich and finish in Richmond upon Thames, with participants following large parts of the Capital Ring Walk route across south London.

The 27.5km run or walk will start at Crystal Palace, also finishing in Richmond.

The course – a mix of trails, footpaths, parks, disused railway lines, woodland and more – aims to provide a challenge for participants who will also need to ensure they navigate the correct paths through parts of Falconwood, Grove Park, Crystal Palace, Streatham, Wimbledon and on to Richmond.

Andy Graffin, director of product development at The Great Run Company, which is staging the event, said: “We’re excited to be trying something new in the growing area of ultra running.

“Many of London’s landmarks are world famous of course, yet the Capital Ring is a comparatively little-known gem and we hope this event will provide participants with a suitable challenge and perhaps some surprises along the way. They will pass numerous landmarks and enjoy some breath-taking views of the capital.

“Being in London, the event is accessible for participants and also for friends, family and supporters who can plan a route using public transport that will allow them to see their runner at numerous points along the course.”

While the inaugural event this year will use the southern half of the Capital Ring there are plans to include the northern half of the route in 2020, where the ultimate challenge for ultra runners will be to complete the entire 125km circular route in the Ultra London 125.

For more information or to secure one of a limited number of entries into this year’s event visit ultralondon.co.uk