About This Event
The Five Rivers Ultra traverses East Anglia's most beautiful coastline, creating a unique point-to-point journey through the Dedham Vale and Suffolk Coast & Heaths Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This relatively flat course across unspoiled countryside keeps sparkling estuary waters nearly always in view, with more than 85% of the route following soft dirt trails through one of Britain's driest regions. The event circumnavigates five coastal estuaries—the Stour (Constable Country), Orwell (Pin Mill), Deben (Woodbridge), Butley (marshlands), and Ore/Alde (Shingle Street and Orford)—linking together sections of several well-established and waymarked long distance footpaths. Now in its fourth edition under new management by Coastal Trail Runners, the race maintains its commitment to giving back to the landscapes it crosses, with portions of entry fees supporting the River Stour Trust. With comprehensive GPS tracking, regular support stations, and accommodations for both runners and walkers, the event creates an accessible ultra experience. The 32-hour time limit for the full distance and generous cutoffs make this suitable for those seeking their first ultra challenge while still providing a meaningful test for experienced runners.
Choose Your Distance
50K
Beginning at Shotley Village Hall, this shortest option focuses on the final coastal section of the route. New for 2026, this distance features course marking while maintaining the same scenic finish in Harwich within a 9-hour time limit.
50 miles
An ultramarathon distance of 50 miles on mixed terrain, Harwich, Suffolk.
100 miles
Covering 100 miles of mixed terrain, Harwich, Suffolk.