The Malvern Hills Ultra

Event Information

All competitors must register on-line prior to the event. Collection of race numbers and a safety brief will be at each of the start locations half an hour before the start of the race, where competitors will present their kit for examination on request.

Participants will be given a race number which must be clearly attached by safety pins. If this is not clearly visible you may be delayed at checkpoints.

The course is very challenging and for competitors own safety and fairness the following rules must be adhered to. Failure to comply with these rules may result in disqualification from this and future events.

• The event is under race conditions and entrants will be issued with race numbers
• Checkpoints will be provided (5 in total) to (a) monitor times & well-being of competitors, (b) provide water and some nutrition.
• Check point cut-off times are set which will allow completion of the event within a 13 hour period. Anybody who falls outside these times, at any of the checkpoints, will have failed to have completed the challenge and not be allowed to continue.
• All entrants must be 20 years of age or over at the start of the race.
• Each competitor must ensure that they carry with them all mandatory requirements needed to complete the race.
• Every entrant must confirm that they have read these rules and other event information and therefore understand the nature of the event and that participation is at their own risk.
• At the end of the race finishers will receive a bespoke Malvern Hills Medal, and either a commemorative t-shirt, mug or hat.
• A food pack will be available at the finish.

MHU Individual Race Start Times:

• MHU 45 will start at 7:00 from Sally’s Place, WR13 6DW.
• MHU 37 will start from The Suckley Post Office,WR6 5DU  at 8:30
  MHU 30 will start from Admiral Rodney,WR6 6PL  at 9:45
  MHU 22 will start from Abberley at 11:00

Finish:

All races will finish at Sally's Place, WR13 6DW

Transport:

If required, transport for MHU 37, MHU 30 & MHU 22 competitors can be provided to the various start locations which will cost £20.00 per person and you can secure your transport by selecting that option during your booking process. This must be booked prior to race day.

Approximate times competitors will be transfered from Sally's Place:

MHU37 competitors will depart immediately after the main race start, be ready from 7:00
MHU30 competitors will depart at 8:15
MHU22 competitors will depart at 9:30

Transfer departure times will be confirmed by race email prior to race day.

Race Briefs:

Your race brief will be conducted at the location of your race start. The race brief will take place about 15 minutes prior to the race start which will be punctual, so please get to your race start location at least 30 minutes before the race.

Race Bibs:

On the day, each participant will be given a race number which must be clearly attached by safety pins, to either the back or front and be clearly visible. It is the competitors responsibility to ensure all CP stations have recorded their time as they pass through (this is in addition to the chip-timing system). Please arrive at your start location at least 30 minutes before the race to collect your Bib and attend a race brief. Late arrivals may not be allowed to start.

Checkpoints - provisions and Toilets:

Please remember that the Malvern Hills Ultra is a 'CUP-FREE' race, so you need to bring your own reuseable cup. We do have some reuseable cups in our shop.

The MHU benefits from 5 CP stations (MHU45), 4 CP Stations (MHU37), 3 CP Stations (MHU30) and 2 CP Stations (MHU22).  All have a good selection of food items and drinks, but any personal requirements are the responsibility of the entrant.

Competitors must go through all of their designated check points and it is their sole responsibility to ensure that the check point attendant has recorded their race number; failure to do so at any check point will mean the competitor has failed to complete the race and will be disqualified.

Along the route, between Sally’s Place and Suckley –  there are two Punch Points which are un-manned punch-points, where you must use your punch-card to confirm your arrival. Initial punch-cards must be handed over at Abberley, where a fresh punch-card will be issued for your return leg. On finishing, the second leg the punch-card should be handed over to a URL Marshall at the finish-line. Any competitor found to not follow the pre determined race route will be disqualified.

From the start of the MHU45 event you will reach both punch-points before CP1, as both on the Malvern Hills. For ease of finding these please use the following what3words:

Punch Point 1 - to the left of The Beacon Hill - resorting.drift.escaping
Punch Point 2 - to the right hand side of North Hill - somewhere.moats.icons

All race distances -  (MHU45, MHU37, MHU30, MHU22) will also reach these punch-points on the return leg.

Punch Point 3 - to the left hand side of North Hill - somewhere.moats.icons
Punch Point 4 - to the right of The Beacon Hill - resorting.drift.escaping

Toilets:

• At the Start and Finish (Sally's Place, WR13 6DW), there are public toilets available just around the corner, less than a minutes walk.
• At CP1 / CP5 (Suckley Post Office), there will be a Portaloo available.
• At CP2 / CP4 (The Admiral Rodney, WR6 6PL) we can use their entrance toilet, but please remove your shoes if they are muddy.
• At CP3 The turning point for the race, there will be a Portaloo.

Check Point Logistics:

• Sally’s Place (Start) to Suckley Post Office (CP1) is 8.8 miles
• Suckley Post Office (CP1) to The Admiral Rodney (CP2) is 7.2 miles
• The Admiral Rodney (CP2) to Abberley Hall (CP3) is 6.2 miles
• Abberley Hall (CP3) to The Admiral Rodney (CP4) is 6.2 miles
• The Admiral Rodney (CP4) to Suckley Post Office (CP5) is 7.2 miles
• Suckley Post Office (CP5) to Sally’s Place (Finish) is 8.8 miles
• Total Out and Back distance is just shy of 45 miles

Please treat all Checkpoint Stations with respect. If you have any rubbish please use the black bags at that location - always ask a marshalling if you can't find what you are looking for. Littering is an automatic disqualification anywhere on the course, including CP Station.

MHU Timelords:

In 2015 we introduced the timelords. These are entrants who try their best to run at specific times – 11, 12 and back of the pack 13 hours. Any novice ultra-runner or person concerned with navigation can simply join a timelord who runs at their own race pace.

It must be noted that the timelord’s principal role is to offer navigation assistance and endeavour to complete the race within their given time period of either 11, 12 or 13 hours.

A timelord has many considerations on the day including at least a 5 minutes stay at a CP for everyone to fuel and take a toilet break and ground conditions can play an impacting role also. A timelord may also choose to push harder at the start with a view to allowing a walk/run pace on the last leg – so there are many variables.

It may be that once a timelord has a formed group, the group unilaterally decides to increase pace and finish a bit earlier. On the flip side to this it may be that, during the later stages of the race (final leg), some members of a group require a slower pace which means the timelord arrival time may be delayed.

If you are considering following a timelord add an hour to your expected finish time. The Malvern Hills Ultra is notable as a tough, hilly course. If you choose either the 11 or 12 hour timelord, be prepared for a faster start than possibly you would have expected. This is due to initial bottlenecks which are likely with so many starters and the obvious issues caused if the faster timelords were caught at the back of a queue.

13 hr Timelord expected CP departure times will be inline with CP closure times:

A Timelord will try to run at a reasonably consistent pace. The below times are a rough guide of where they will be when, in order to achieve their target times. Based on a 07:00 race start:

Please remember – these guys are all experienced ultra runners and have exceptional knowledge of the course. They have a really difficult task trying to pace their run to their allotted times. At the start they may seem to go off a bit faster than they should – but this is purely to avoid bottle-necks at the early stages.

CP Closure Times:

• CP1 will close at 09:00
• CP2 will close at 11:30
• CP3 will close at 13:30
• CP4 will close at 16:00
• CP5 will close at 19:00

Any competitor arriving at a CP after the above advised times will not be allowed to continue.

Navigation

The course is self navigation and tough - although it is all on the 'Worcestershire Way' which does benefit from 'WW' signage along the route. With the use of the GPX files, or the maps and the written directions you can eliminate navigation issues. For those less confident with these navigation tools, but still wanting to take on the challenge, running with a timelord is the way to go.

Click HERE for MHU Maps 2024

Click HERE for MHU Route Directions 2024

MHU Finishers Medals & Trophies:

All finishers will receive an appropriate MHU race medal and a MHU Technical T-Shirt. (The size of the finishers medal will increase depending on the distance of the race you enter).

• Mens & Ladies individual trophy for the MHU 45 race.
• Mens & Ladies veteran trophy (over 55) for the MHU 45 race.
• Mens & Ladies individual trophy for the MHU 37, MHU 30, & MHU 22 mile races.

Mens & Ladies winners of the MHU 45 will receive free entry into next year’s event.

CUT-OFF Times & Time Lords:

These are non negotiable and already include an allowance.

The only exception to this is the 13 hour Timelord who is the official back-stop, shepherding home the ultimate group of runners. Anybody who is with the 13 hour Timelord doesn't need to worry about time as the timelord is technically "Mr Mop" at the back of the pack. If you find yourself at anytime behind the 13 hour Timelord then you are in serious trouble!

Please remember that the Time Lord role is to help you navigate the course in a particular time. In order to achieve the end-goal time, the Time Lord may choose to run the earlier stages slightly faster than the later stages, to compensate for tired legs later on!

CP Closure Times:

• CP1 will close at 09:00
• CP2 will close at 11:30
• CP3 will close at 13:30
• CP4 will close at 16:00
• CP5 will close at 19:00

Any competitor arriving at a CP after the above advised times will not be allowed to continue.

These times are not debateable.

MHU Photo coverage

Ultra Running Ltd. reserves all exclusive rights for photo coverage of the MHU. Participants agree that Ultra Running Limited may use exclusively their individual or collective names and pictures for anything related directly or indirectly to their participation in this event.

MHU Advised Kit List:

• Backpack or equivalent
• Head Torch with spare batteries
• Ordnance Survey Map 150 (Our downloadable maps are ok)
• Compass or GPS device
• Whistle
• Mobile phone
• Emergency food pack consisting of a two chocolate bars, Mars or similar
• Basic first Aid Kit

By signing up to one of Ultra Running Ltd events you agree to abide by our general race rules;

The following are the race rules that apply to all Ultra Running Ltd events and should be adhered to by all race participants.

Each participant will be given a race number which must be clearly attached by safety pins to the front chest. If this is not clearly visible you may be delayed at checkpoints.
Teams must have pre-registered before the day and consist of at least three competitors who will also count as individual competitors amongst the rankings. For a Team to successfully complete the race, a minimum of three members of that Team must finish.

Each participant must make sure he/she is carrying all items detailed in the mandatory kit list

You cannot change your race entry category or team once the race has started.

Relay team members: All originally designated members of a team must complete the leg they have chosen, and the following team member must not start the race until the person they are handing over from has arrived at that CP, otherwise automatic disqualification will apply. Changes to the team members and/or race order can only be made up until the team has signed in on the day of the race.

Competitors must go through all check points and it is their sole responsibility to ensure that the check point attendant has recorded their race number and entry/exit time along with any injuries; failure to do so at any check point will mean the competitor has failed to complete the race and will be disqualified.

All entrants must be 20 years or over on the start day of the race.

Mandatory Kit List

Competitors must carry the following items. Random bag checks will be made on registration. Anyone found not to have the correct kit will not be allowed to start the race

Backpack or equivalent
Head Torch with spare batteries
Ordnance Survey Map 150 (Our downloadable maps are ok)
Compass or GPS device
Whistle
Mobile phone
Emergency food pack consisting of a two chocolate bars,
Basic first Aid Kit

Competitor Retirement

If any competitor has to retire for whatever reason they must contact the race organisers immediately, either by advising a checkpoint attendant or by telephoning the emergency number which will be written on the race numbers of each competitor.

Time Constraints

The organisers want to give every competitor the opportunity of completing the race and will, where reasonable practicable, allow generous opening times of CP Stations; the allowance should be within an average of 4.0 miles per hour. If you fall below the 4.0 miles per hour you will be pulled from the race without concession.

Cancellation

In the event of Ultra Running Ltd. having to cancel the event, an alternative date will be provided. If re-scheduling of the event isn’t possible, or a competitor cannot make the revised date. URL undertakes to refund payments received, less any out of pocket expenses which are determined at 25%.

For all other circumstances, including Competitor cancellations due to personal reasons, refunds are not allowed. But at the discretion of the organisers an entry may be transferred to the following years race providing the request is within four weeks of the event date.

Any ‘transferred races’ or ‘reduced rate races’ are not refundable or transferable in any respect.

Race Photography

Ultra Running Ltd. reserve all exclusive rights relating to photographic coverage of their races. By entering an event, participants agree that Ultra Running Ltd may exclusively use any photographic or textual content captured during the event for advertisement purposes.

Upkeep of the Malvern Hills Paths:

Entry fees include a contribution to the Malvern Hills Trust, who look after the paths and hills that we use.
Contributions to date = £600

For more information on the Malvern Hills Trust click HERE.

Please visit our shop to see a wide range of race related products;

• Personalised Hoodies
• Personalised Shirts
• Personalised Caps
• Personalised Race mugs with your name and finishing time
• Reusable race Cups

You are now able to add a Personal Cancellation Insurance Policy at the time of your booking.

The policy is provided through Event Protect Limited.

Please review what is covered under the policy HERE.

If you choose not to take out the Personal Cancellation Insurance Policy:

You still have the option to defer your entry until the following year through the entry system for just £15.00. This option is available up to four weeks of the event date. After this time no transfers or deferrals are possible under any circumstances as URL commits financially to various race costs at this time.

Ultra Running Limited (URL) Terms & Conditions

The Agreement

This document constitutes an agreement between you (the Entrant) and URL (the Organiser). Entry into any of the URL races (the Events) is strictly conditional upon the entrant agreeing to all of the terms and conditions contained within this document (the Agreement). It is all entrants responsibility to have read and accepted this agreement before entering/registering for one or more of URL events. All entrants must be aged 18 and over.

Registration Process

Entrants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their personal records within the event database. Should any information change between registration and participation, it is the individual entrants’ responsibility to ensure that they contact URL to update their records accordingly.

Entry Fees must be paid in full before entry to the event will be confirmed.

All event fees are NON REFUNDABLE under any circumstance.

By entering one of URL events, all entrants have acknowledged that they have read and agree to the event terms and conditions prior to their entry in to the event being confirmed. By doing so, the entrant is unreservedly accepting all of the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Use of Personal Data

The organiser or their agents will maintain a registration database for all entrants and their chosen emergency contact. All information will be collected, stored and processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

The organiser may use the entrants contact information to keep them informed of the event or to notify them of other events organised or promoted by URL.

Entrants give permission for the organisers, their agents, or any other associated organisations to use any photographs, video tapes, motion pictures, website images, recordings, or any other record of the event. Such articles may be used or included on websites, social media publications, advertising, promotional information, or other publicly accessible sources.

Personal Ability to Participate

It is the entrants’ responsibility to ensure they train appropriately and have the requisite level of fitness to be able to complete safely.

Entrants must ensure their personal health is suitable for participating in the event. If in any doubt the entrant should consult their doctor.

It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure the organisers are informed at the point of entry of any medical conditions that could be relevant for any first-aid treatment.

If a participant believes that it is unsafe for them to continue in the event, it is their duty to notify an event official as soon as practicable.

Participants must be competent runners & confident in their ability to complete the course safely.

Participation in the Event

The event is a race. Athletes compete within their respective age and gender category. Relay Teams compete against each other as separate categories.

Prizes are awarded to podium finishers in all categories except where a low number of entrants means it is impractical to do so. This is down to the organisers discretion.

All finishers will receive the stated prize, as per each individual race.

Participants must act in accordance with the law and adhere to both the Highway Code and the Country Code, where applicable.

Participants are responsible for competing safely and with due respect for others.

Participants must comply with the instructions of the organisers and other course officials.

The majority of URL event routes are NOT signed, the onus of remaining on course rests with the athlete. Marshall’s are places in appropriate places, according to the individual event and are there for your safety.

Should circumstances dictate, or in the interest of safety, the organisers reserve the right to make such changes to the published event routes as may be deemed necessary at their absolute discretion. In the event of the landowner e.g. the Forestry Commission or National Trust deeming it necessary to close access to the public, we the organisers reserve the right to a) reschedule or if this is not possible b) cancel the event. This will, in all cases be a last resort.

The organiser reserves the right to require a participant to retire from the race where their conduct is considered to be inappropriate. If required to retire the participant must surrender their race number to an event official and take no further part in the event.

Participants have a duty to report to an event official as soon as practicable, anything that they see or hear which they reasonably believe may impact on the safety or welfare of themselves or others, connected to the event or otherwise.

Whilst appropriate risk assessments will be carried out before the event, competitors assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident which may occur whilst travelling to or from the event, during the event, or whilst on any premises related to the event.

Racing in public places can be dangerous, all participants in this event must agree to waive, release and forever discharge the event organisers, sponsors, promoters, and each of their agents, representatives, successors and assigns, and all other persons associated with the event, from any liabilities, claims, actions, or damages that they may have against them arising out of or in any way connected with participation in this event. This includes any claims, whether caused by negligence, the action or inaction of any of the above parties, or otherwise.

Cancellation & Refunds

Entry fees for all URL events are NON REFUNDABLE under any circumstance.

Should circumstances dictate, or in the interest of safety, the organisers reserve the right to make such changes to the published event routes as may be deemed necessary at their absolute discretion. In the event of a force majeure, we the organisers reserve the right to a) reschedule or if this is not possible b) cancel the event. This will, in all cases be a last resort.

Entry fees are only valid for the original event, for which they were purchased. Places can be deferred to the next edition of the event (an additional cost of £15 is charged), where the event is more than four weeks away. After this point, this option is no longer available. In special circumstances, the organisers may be able to transfer names of individuals to another events. This is at the organisers discretion. Transfers can be requested by email up to 4 weeks before the event in question. No runner is permitted to enter or participate using another persons details.

If, for any reason what so ever, an entrant finds themselves unable to participate, they should notify the organisers as soon as reasonably practicable of their intention to withdraw from the event. This will allow the vacancy to be reallocated to anyone who may be on the event’s reserve list.

Entrants must exercise their own experience and judgement regarding their ability, equipment and preparedness to cope with the prevailing elements before they commence.

General Provisions

This agreement constitutes the whole agreement between the parties and any prior agreement, oral or written, are excluded.

Any failure by any party to enforce or to exercise at any time any term or any right under this agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of that term or right and shall not affect that party’s right to later enforce or to exercise it.

If any term of this agreement is found to be illegal or unenforceable it shall be deemed to be omitted from the agreement and shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the agreement.

Nothing in this agreement confers any right on third parties to enforce the provisions of this agreement under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.