Stort30 Ultra
A 30 mile out and back ultra along the River Stort and Lee navigations on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex. The course runs 15 miles out before turning and returning along the same route. The surface is mostly grassy trail and graded footpath with only the first half mile on footpaths or tarmac and the final half mile on the return. The route is generally flat and mostly good underfoot, but around 12 miles can be muddy or slippery on riverside trails if conditions are wet. The course is signed and a GPX file and written route description are available as backups.
Checkpoints are positioned at roughly 5 mile intervals and supply water, squash, basic sweets and snacks, and sometimes hot or savoury items. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are offered but cross contamination cannot be guaranteed. If a runner is past the halfway cut-off they will be stopped and transported back to the start; the event enforces a 4 hour cut-off at halfway and an 8 hour overall cut-off.
The start and finish are at Hockerill Sports and Social Club, Bishop's Stortford. There is no parking at the clubhouse for competitors; drop off only. The clubhouse provides toilets, changing, showers and baggage storage. Runners receive an electronic finish time and a medal; trophies are awarded to the first three male and female finishers. Entrants must be 18 or over. The event is cupless so runners must carry a drinking vessel.
Event Details
Date: October 25th 2026
Start Time: 8:30am sharp.
Cut-off time at 15 miles (turnaround point): 1pm (4 hours).
Final Cut-off: 8 hours - 4:30pm.
Location
Start/Finish Location: Bishop's Stortford Running Club (Hockerill Sports and Social Club), Beldams Lane, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 5LG
Route
The route is mostly grassy trail or graded footpath with only the first half a mile on footpaths/tarmac and the last half mile on the way back. The route is flat and mostly good underfoot with a mixture of graded gravel paths and riverside trail. If it's wet, about 12 miles in total can be muddy/wet riverside trail that can be slippery.
Checkpoints are every 5 miles (approx.) with water, squash, basic sweets, snacks and maybe some cake or anything else I can find on offer! There will be veggie/vegan and Gluten free options but we can't guarantee not having cross contamination for allergies etc.
Facilities
Parking: There is no parking at the clubhouse, you may drop off.