It may be the height of summer, with sunshine and shorter races dominating many runners' calendars, but experienced ultra runners know that January challenges are built during the months ahead. That's why attention is already turning to the Country To Capital Ultra, which returns on Saturday 9 January 2027 to once again launch the UK's ultra running season.

Organised by Go Beyond Events, the 43 mile race has become one of Britain's best known ultra marathons, attracting runners from across the UK and overseas. Starting in Wendover, the point to point route heads through the Buckinghamshire countryside before joining the Grand Union Canal, finishing beside Little Venice in central London. The varied mix of trails, roads and canal towpaths provides a demanding but rewarding test of endurance.

Five fully supported checkpoints keep runners fuelled along the route, while GPS tracking allows friends and family to follow every step of the journey. Every finisher earns a commemorative medal and Go Beyond merchandise after completing one of the country's classic early season ultras.

The Country To Capital Ultra also marks the opening event in the prestigious Grand Slam series, making it an important date for seasoned ultra runners and an inspiring goal for those stepping beyond the marathon distance for the first time.

January may still seem a long way off, but successful ultra marathons are rarely built at the last minute. With entries open and training plans about to begin, now is the perfect time to commit to one of Britain's most iconic endurance events.

You can secure your entry for the 2027 event via Eventrac here.

Image courtesy Go Beyond Events.