THE FOREST OF DEAN ULTRA MARATHON (FOD ULTRA)
Saturday the 10th October 2026
This is a 55 km route taking in the highlights of the Forest of Dean. The route is varied with technical single track to wide open stretches by the river Wye. You’ll dive into the deep dark depths of the forest, explore ridges with open views, to glorious fields and far reaching countryside. There are stunning views across dense woodlands with rolling natural beauty that stretch out to the Brecon Beacons and beyond. It’s one amazing and exciting journey.
Canicross entries are allowed and there’s a separate race category.
FOD ULTRA – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- A 55 km route around an amazing area. This is a journey ultra and you will be required to put your navigation skills to the test.
- Parking and race HQ at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean.
- A varied route going all the way towards Monmouth via Symonds Yat viewpoint, the route weaves back through the countryside and forest crossing the major interest points of the forest and beyond.
- Free race photos.
- A minimum of 3 well stocked aid stations with toilets.
- Aid stations will have water, food, snacks, electrolytes, toilets and parking available for support vehicles.
- A unique finishers medal.
- Free race merchandise and free runners speed cup.
- Support vehicles for picks ups and help.
- Qualified race and medical professionals on hand at all points throughout the event.
- Open cafe at Beechenhurst, Symonds Yat and Mallards Pike.
- Canicross entries allowed.
FOD ULTRA – EVENT TIMING
- Registration will be open from 4 pm to 6 pm on Friday the 9th October.
- Registration will be open from 6 am till 7:20 am on Saturday the 10th October.
- Race briefing will start at 7:30 am.
- Canicross category will start at 7:50 am.
- Race starts at 8 am.
- Race cut off at 6 pm.
- Site closes at 7 pm.
"Just completed the first running of the Forest of Dean 55km ultramarathon. Faultless event! Brilliant communication leading up to the race including route GPX for the self navigation event. On the day everything was so well organised with fab marshals and volunteers, well stocked aid stations, amazing location and route. Oh nearly forgot to mention the finish medal (or is it a buckle) , Nice bling!!"
"Forest of Dean Ultra Trail Marathon. Wow, what an epic event. A really varied and picturesque route. Dave and his team were faultless. Great pre-event comms, and very well organised on the day itself. Well stocked aid stations by smiley happy people. Having run Dave’s Malvern Hills Trail Half Marathon a few times I decided to give this ago, and I’m glad I did. My first ever ultra, and it really didn’t disappoint! Even had proper loo’s on course rather than portaloos – unheard of! I’ll definitely do this event again. Well done Dave and team, you smashed it!!"
"Forest of Dean Ultra – Lovely scenic varied route, and easy enough to navigate, although there were always other runners in sight, and everyone helping each other. Well-stocked feed stations – and a treat to have actual toilets too !!! Great merch and bling and a credit to everyone involved that there were no DNFs. Absolutely recommend this event!!"
"What a brilliant race! This was so well organised and each check point was such a welcome boost. We loved every single km even the hills! Would definitely recommend this race to anyone thinking about entering. We loved the challenge of self navigation which was a first for us although very easy to follow. Forest of Dean is a truly beautiful part of England and it was lovely to do a race in this part of the world."
What an incredible event! Huge thanks to Dave and all the team out on the course for keeping us on track — and well fed and watered at the aid stations! ♂️ Beautiful views, amazing atmosphere, and great, if somewhat, painful memori