FOREST OF DEAN ULTRA MARATHON OVERVIEW
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, you’ll explore ridges with open views, to glorious fields and far reaching countryside. There’s 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. Which way is north?
- Parking and race HQ at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean – https://www.forestryengland.uk/beechenhurst
- 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 station 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 memories made today. Definitely one I’ll be signing up for again next year!



THE FOREST OF DEAN ULTRA MARATHON - 55 KM SATURDAY THE 10th OCTOBER

FOD ULTRA – THE RULES
- This is a 55 km route taking in the highlights of the Forest of Dean.
- This is a circular route that will need to be navigated via a precise GPX route. Your ability to follow this is vital to your time and speed.
- If you get lost, you must come back to the point on the path of which you got lost.
- You must ‘check in’ and mark ‘yourself’ as having visited each aid station. The aid station staff will not do this for you.
- You must carry the mandatory equipment with you at all times.
- You must ‘NOT’ get eaten by a boar!!!
- You have 10 hours to complete the course.
- The top 10 finishers from each category (male, female and canicross) will be asked to submit a GPX file of their route for advanced checking and scrutiny. This is easily done by being a member of the Strava FOD Ultra group.
- Failure to do any of the above will be a strict DNF unless deemed fit by the Race Director.
Want some tips on running your first ultra marathon, check out – https://davetalbot.net/running-your-first-ultra-marathon/
FOD ULTRA GPX FILES
THE ROUTE WILL CHANGE YEAR ON YEAR AND AN EMAIL OF THE EXACT ROUTE WILL BE SENT TO PARTICIPANTS NEARER THE TIME.
SATURDAY THE 10th OCTOBER

FOD ULTRA ROUTE MAP
FOD ULTRA HEIGHT GAIN PROFILE

THE FOREST OF DEAN ULTRA MARATHON - 55 KM SATURDAY THE 10TH OCTOBER

FOD ULTRA NAVIGATION HINTS AND TIPS
An accurate GPX file will be provided and this will need to be used to navigate this course. We recommend having this GPX file on a basic smartphone or sports watch – whatever you’re happy with. This is a forest ultra and there are many twists and turns, your ability to navigate and follow a GPX trail will be important but fear not as it’s easy to do.
Outdoor Active – https://www.outdooractive.com/ – is a great free mapping tool that will allow you to follow a GPX file easily and will track your live location, showing you exactly where you are, it’s brilliant.
This is a great article on how to upload a GPX file to the above App on a phone – https://www.outdooractive.com/en/knowledgepage/what-is-a-gpx-file-/45669912/
FOD ULTRA MANDATORY KIT
- Base layer
- GPX file of the route on either your phone or smart watch
- Small battery pack for charging your phone or watch
- Method for navigating the course – Map & Compass, Outdooractive route maps / GPS device with enough power supply
- Trail shoes – high heels, stilettos, sandals are also acceptable
- Race pack/Rucksack
- Waterproof jacket with taped seams
- Mid Layer
- Hydration system – bladder or bottles, min. capacity 1 litre. This is the min, we recommend 1.5litres and if it’s a hot day you may want to bring 2 litres, remember it is 15km from one check point to another. We will provide plenty of drinking water for refilling at the checkpoints.
- Survival bag – foil or plastic survival bag (not blanket)
- Basic first aid kit – min 1 x wound dressing and selection of blister plasters
- Whistle
- Head torch
- Nutrition – energy foods, gels, bars, etc. We will provide light snacks and food (including vegan options) at the checkpoints but you should be carrying any specific foods you require.
- Mobile phone, fully charged



We’re in partnership with Forestry England to help provide financial support and look after the local area through our shared interest in the forest and promoting outdoor recreation, health, fitness and well being. A percentage of your registration fee goes to Forestry England to help them with their work.
Join Forestry England and get free parking across all its sites in the Forest. This includes the cycle center – https://www.forestryengland.uk/the-forest-dean/forest-dean-membership – Yearly membership currently costs £50 and day parking costs £8.50 – so, it’s a good saving and covers two vehicles.

We both abseiled 100 ft down St John the Baptist church tower.
This fabulous event ran so smoothly, with excellent safety training prior the actual abseil.
I myself was extremely nervous of heights but the thorough training and encouragement from both Dave & Mark gave me the confidence in achieving a goal during my “year of yes”.Many thanks to Dave Talbot and the community of Chipping Sodbury that not only welcomed us but also supported us. Nick & Sue (Melbourne)
He has created an AMAZING company.
We have already raised a phenominal amount of money to help rebuild part of Exeter Cathedral £53,000 and it is still counting until the end of May.
Thank you, Dave, for realising my dreams!
I'll be back!! ?
I contacted Dave with the crazy idea to organise a climbing day for my partner's birthday. In February. In the UK. Specifically - Bristol.
This was a feat that no one would normally accept, given that weather conditions, rock conditions and the activity being a bit risky (if you're not in the right hands) could end up being a trip to l'Hospital.
However, Dave answered the call, was really responsive and sent us Dan.
Somehow rain managed to avoid the one area we were climbing that day - (Avon Gorge: the main wall and central buttress). Rish and I learned so much from abseiling, placing gear, setting up anchors and being more on it with our communication/ calls. It was great to end the day climbing up placing trad gear and learning the mechanics of multipitch by setting up a 4 pitch climb on the Central Buttress with Dan beside us.
Both Dave and Dan have been really helpful in making sure that my other half had an awesome birthday weekend doing something we both love - climbing outdoors - and re-discovering a new side to the adventure possibilities in trad and multipitch. Thank you so much!
Great job
Really good communication prior to the race. The route was beautiful, the medals are fabulous and the travel cup is brilliant.
I was one of the slower racers and it was so lovely to have people cheering and klaxons sounding as I approached the finish, and to have my medal placed over my head. There was a wonderful party atmosphere. The support for the final finisher was great too.
Lost one star for minor reasons: I would have loved a burger van or something substantial at the finish, the massage people were packing up at 4hrs, and the finish aid station was a bit bare, except for the wasps having a picnic. But, I would happily do this race again.

I love this event, definitely one of my favourite events and I have done it twice so it must be good! Fabulous venue, beautiful and challenging course along the river Wye, amazing volunteers and great aid stations. I love that it is inclusive for slower runners with a very generous cutoff time as well, so I knew I could enjoy and take lots of photos. Definitely would recommend! Also love the merch and the medal is epic!


My first ultra event and second event with Dave Talbot Events.
What can I say?
The team are a fantastic bunch, well organised, vast experience and made me feel so welcome throughout.
I’d recommend this team very much and have just signed up for another run with them in September.
I actually sustained an injury on this ultra, nothing too major but enough to retire after 30km.
Yes I was disappointed, the team had nothing but praise and warm feedback, even giving me a consolation medal so when I asked about doing this again, the staff encouraged me to do so.
I can’t say enough how well drilled they all are and how much fondness I have for them all, hoping to see them soon and trust me, do an event like this with them and you will not regret it.
It was apparant everyone on the team knew their stuff. They knew how I was was feeling and what I needed, through their own experiences. This made it a very safe space and also very welcoming and warm. It really did feel like we were one big family. Absolutely loved the community spirit of this event! If you are considering a challenge, Dave Talbot and his team are your people!

Dave’s an inspiring mountain leader with boundless energy and (seemingly) limitless good humour, great skills and a plan for everything.
Everyone had great fun and it was a totally relaxed and the perfect introduction to high altitude mountaineering (in sunny, spectacular Morocco).
Dave has amazing attention to detail - every aspect of the trip had been thought about, ensuring a safe but exceptionally fun, relaxed time for all. Loved the enthusiasm, sharing of tips & skills along the way.
Highly recommended to go on any trip with Dave. Im certainly looking forward to my next one 😉

Well organised and great group of people.
Dave and his team made the day so much more enjoyable, they were very organized, caring and so friendly that it made me feel so relaxed in their company knowing that they put our safety first and making sure the participants feel comfortable and no one gets left out!
I would highly recommend Dave’s company if you are looking for a challenge, you will definitely succeed with their encouragement, and you will have a great time!! Also the support vehicle has Loads of treats… not to mention the very yummy chocolate ginger cakes!
Once again thank you for a memorable day, it really was a great day!
Will be looking at you other programmes, probably Snowdonia next? Who knows but definitely looking forward to taking part in your other challenges!!
I said about 4 times, I cannot do it, even stood on the edge, and they encouraged me and told me I could, and I did!!! It was scary but amazing, I could not have done it without Dave stood at the top telling me its okay and I can do it.
They are a totally professional, amazing team, and I would recommend then to anyone that wants to abseil but is a bit unsure about it, you will get the support to help you over come your fears and do it! Brilliant experience, brilliant team! Thank you so much!
Dave is extremely knowledgable, meticulous, fun and interesting, which made for an outstanding adventure.
Time to start planning the next one!
Thanks Dave.
The course, was fantastic, after 10k it really ramped up as described in the course description ! Certainly not easy but achievable. I am 54, my wife the same age. Far from youngsters but we loved it. I was an hour behind the winner, so need to adjust my training for next year slightly !! There was no time pressure to finish and my wife found that a good thing as she was a bit worried about timings but all finishers were welcomed in with the bells & whistle just the same, first or last. Views from on top of the hills had to be seen to be believed. The effort was certainly worth it and we felt a massive sense of pride once the race was conquered, and got a nice medal & Tshirt as a reminder. We will be back !
Definitely looking forward to the next one.
Fantastic event! Well organised and sign post route!
I must admit it’s a tough terrain for amateur like myself. Thanks for all your patience as we were the last lot to cross the line. The two tail runners are absolute Star, they’re so patient and helpful all the way!
All in all we had a great day and pleased that we had done it!
I absolutely love love love the medal! My absolute favourite so far! Once again massive thanks to you and your team!
Definitely recommend to those wanting a fun action packed few days away in nature.
Dave was very helpful with excellent communication running up to the event. The day itself was great fun and well organised, providing all the support we needed (including photos and cake!) All aspects of the day were well planned for which meant he was able to cope really well with our group of different fitness levels. We had a great day and raised lots of money for our chosen charity! Medals and quickly uploaded photos at the end of the day were the icing on the cake. Thank you!
We like it so much we keep engaging Dave to take our Dad & Daughters Activities group on bespoke days out.

My brother and I came from an indoor top roping background and were quite worried about our lack of experience in the great outdoors and lead climbing safely. Dave explained in an email that the key is getting the basics and theory correct and getting the mileage in to gain confidence and he was absolutely right! We were both really impressed with how Dave took us from complete novices to confident beginners!
Dave went over and above what we were expecting, from starting with the absolute basics where we wanted to check our existing habits with him and we were better able to correct ourselves and understand why these processes are safe. I think a lot of climbing courses we have done before are instructed at a very basic level and aimed towards children, and Dave's style of instructing was able to meet us at our level and was a great balance of knowledge and experience,
Dave picked a really good day and location for the climbing which made the day that much more enjoyable. During the day we tried lots of different scenarios giving us really good experience, we also had the opportunity to try different belay devices and other equipment and Dave was very helpful in going beyond the basics to slightly more advanced knowledge which will be very useful in the future, and also gives us more confidence that if we can overcome problems on our own and really how we should be thinking in order to have fun and climb safely.
It was a really great day, Dave was very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly and was really fun to have around whilst also instilling lots of knowledge in us and gave us a great experience of real outdoor climbing and I must say he managed to encourage us on even when we were quite high up in a desperate situation, which at the time I was thinking "Dave, I am really stuck" but he was really good at instilling the confidence to keep pushing on, which is something I think will stay with us for the rest of our climbing journey. Thanks Dave!


If you want to learn how to climb i couldn't recommend Dave's services and Simon's instruction enough!

My husband and I were supported to achieve more than we'd expected, whilst feeling safe at every turn. Definitely finished the second day happy to go out and tackle simple trad routes independently now, which was exactly what we'd set out to learn.
Happy to recommend, and would (probably will!) use again. 🙂

Dave is an excellent teacher, gives clear advice and great tips. He made the day fun, crafted a plan that worked on what we needed most and followed up with some great links and further info for us to read through.
Couldn't recommend him highly enough!





Professional, friendly, organised and fun. Would definitely use them again.




The service was very reasonably priced and I would happily come here for future learning!

On top of this, they were always teaching us important mountain skills, with demonstrations and giving everyone the chance to practice these skills in a safe and fun but relevant environment. I also thought they were excellent at tailoring the experience to different peoples wants and needs. A personal example: i was keen to learn more about ice-climbing. Dave had clearly noted this and took the time to discuss extra ice-axe techniques with me, even hanging out by a frozen waterfall at the end of a long day to teach me a few skills in-depth!
Without a doubt my favourite adventure holiday of the year - i'm already looking to book another one with Dave in the New year!
Highly recommended.


I have copied in an email from one of our abseilers...
"I just wanted to thank you for a great time on Saturday . The wonderful friendly greeting from you and you team was a delight and made a super start to the day.
Dave Talbot and his team are also to be congratulated on a job very well done , their approach and banter put us all at ease - or as much as one can when walking backwards off a tall building !
Please put my name of your list for any similar events in the future and I hope you raise a stack of money !
Best wishes
PS I assume the coffee was laced with valium or I would not have enjoyed the drop so much !"


From the outset Dave was very helpful with the administrative side of the event and on the day he was very proactive and very friendly, calming anyone who was nervous.
I would recommend Dave and his team to anyone who was thinking of running a Challenge event and Noah's Ark Charity look forward to booking the event next year. Dave keep the good work up and the excellent standards you have.

From the outset he was proactive, friendly and incredibly helpful, not only finding us a venue but roping in (no pun intended) some extra participants on the day too.
Having sworn I would never abseil, I found myself feeling so relaxed and safe with the guys that not only did I complete the 130ft challenge, I did it three times... thank heaven for the photos they took to prove it!
If you're looking for someone to help you with an adventure look no further. From start to finish the process was fun, easy and cost-effective - I have no hesitation in recommending them and look forward to finding some more activities we can get involved in.



















