ARE YOU UP TO THE ULTRA:5K CHALLENGE?
ULTRA:5K 2026 will be the 10TH year of our amazing event! And new for this year, to celebrate our tenth birthday, we’ve got something exciting to add to the mix!
Taking place on Sunday 12th July at Box End Park, Kempston, Bedford, ULTRA:5K is a running event that introduces the element of strategy into your running. A family friendly event… bring along your friends and family to support, encourage and be part of the amazing atmosphere!
If you are new to ULTRA:5K, you’ve missed an amazing first nine years! Come and be part of something very special and push your limits!
ULTRA:5K is more than just a race – it’s a community. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, are wanting to push your boundaries, or progressing your fitness journey, ULTRA:5K brings together energy, challenge, and a community spirit. This isn’t just your average run – it’s high-octane and adrenaline-fueled, designed to leave you feeling unstoppable/elated/drained/spent/wanting to give up (delete as appropriate!).
Join the ULTRA:5K family in a celebration of strength, speed, stamina, strategy and self-belief. We welcome all paces and backgrounds, whether you’re sprinting for the podium or walking for the cause, you’re part of something much bigger. Grab your place, bring your friends and family, and be part of a race experience that goes beyond the finish line. Are you up to the challenge?
THE EVENT FORMAT
The format is simple… but challenging! This year, there are 3, yes THREE, individual options on race day…
– Individual ULTRA:5K x10 NEW FOR 2026!
Starting at 4am, run 10 x 5K races, on the hour, every hour, for 10 hours.
– Individual ULTRA:5K x5
Starting at 9am, run 5 x 5K races, on the hour, every hour, for 5 hours.
– Individual ULTRA:5K x3
Starting at 11am, run 3 x 5K races, on the hour, every hour, for 3 hours.
The staggered start times ensure all our competitors commence their final lap at 1pm on Sunday.
The race takes place on a clearly-signposted, off-road course. It has hills. It has flats. It has twists, it has turns… a real test for all levels.
Included in the entry price is access to sports massage (which will be available from 7.30am onwards) in between each lap, and a variety of sweet and savoury snacks, energy gels and bars, and energy drinks. All finishers receive a bespoke ULTRA:5K medal.
(Runners must be 17 or older on the day of the event.)
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WHO WINS?
The fastest cumulative time over each of the 10, 5 and 3 lap races will be the winner of each race. Trophies are awarded to the top three overall and top three female in each category, as well as personalised individual certificates for the top three in age group categories (which will be emailed post-event).
THE RESULTS FOR 2025 CAN BE FOUND HERE
THE RESULTS FOR 2024 CAN BE FOUND HERE
THE RESULTS FOR 2023 CAN BE FOUND HERE
THE RESULTS FOR 2022 CAN BE FOUND HERE
THE RESULTS FOR 2021 CAN BE FOUND HERE
THE RESULTS FOR 2020 CAN BE FOUND HERE
THE RESULTS FOR 2019 CAN BE FOUND HERE
THE RESULTS FOR 2018 CAN BE FOUND HERE
THE RESULTS FOR 2017 CAN BE FOUND HERE
RACE TIMES
The 10 lap race will start at 4am, on the hour, every hour. The 5 lap race will start at 09:00. The 3 lap race will start at 11:00, meaning all three race options will commence their final lap at 1pm. You can only start the official races. If you run a 20 minute 5K, then you have 40 minutes recovery before the next 5K to recover. Equally if you take 40 minutes to run 5K, you have 20 minute recovery time before the next race start.
WHAT DO YOU DO BETWEEN RACES?
There will be a holding area where runners can stay. Within this area food, drink and nutrition will be provided along with soft tissue work to loosen those tired muscles (this will be available from 7.30am).
Runners
You will be looked after in the runners holding area, but you don’t have to stay in the area between races if you don’t want to. Feel free to wander out and talk to friends and family. But please make sure you are ready for the start of each race.
Spectators
There will be refreshments available and entertainment going on during the event. We welcome families (including dogs) to the event to help create and enhance the atmosphere of ULTRA:5K. Bring a picnic and cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line after each lap! The more noise, the better!
THE VENUE
The race takes place at the brilliant Box End Park near Kempston. Why not take a look at what is going on at http://www.boxendpark.com
THE COURSE
The course is mainly grass and trail with some technical turns and short sharp rises. Standard running shoes should be suitable.
Click here to see the route on Strava. Or download the Box End Route pdf.
PARKING
There is ample parking on site. The race takes place at the far side of the lakes, make your way over the bridge located between the two lakes. Follow the directions onsite for race participants.
FACILITIES
Toilets are available onsite. There is also food and drink for spectators to purchase from 9am at Box End. Runners will have complimentary refreshments, food and nutrition in the holding area as part of their race entry fee.
For terms and conditions, click here.
A 5K RUN. ON THE HOUR. EVERY HOUR. FOR 5 HOURS. 