Run your first ultra marathon

Ever thought an ultra was out of reach? Think again.

The charity Into Ultra, believes anyone can take on an ultra when surrounded with the right support, and at RunTheShire I know this to be true. That’s why I’ve joined forces with Into Ultra to help guide a group of beginner, or improver, ultra runners on their journey to a 2026 finish line at The Malvern Ultra. I’m really excited to be a part of the Stronger Together project, and I can’t wait to start working with my group of runners, which I hope you’ll be a part of.

As part of this group training course with RunTheShire and Into Ultra you’ll get:

• 18 week training plan written by a qualified and experienced running coach to take on the Malvern Ultra (starting w/c 29th December)
• Strength training sessions included as part of your plan to help build endurance, reduce risk of injury and aid with recovery
• In-person course recces to help feel confident on the hills as well as navigating the route (24th Jan, 21st Feb & 14th March 2026)
• Online meet-ups covering topics such as kit, nutrition and mindset
• Supportive WhatsApp community with your fellow runners to motivate, share wins and wobbles and ask questions
• Exclusive access to Into Ultra webinars, featuring respected and trusted experts like Renee McGregor, Claire Maxted and Damian Hall
• On-the-day support and encouragement at your event from your coach

• Up to 15 spots available, with training beginning Monday 29th December
• Your training commitment should be running 3-4 times a week with one strength session per week to give you the best possible chance of completion.
• Before course start date you should be able to comfortably jog/fast hike for, or close to, two hours
• Willing and keen to be part of the community, there is a strong emphasis on group coaching and support so you should be available for the recce’s and zoom calls (don’t worry, we understand sometimes life doesn’t allow, but as long as you can make the majority that’s ok)
• Upfront payment of £190 for your group training course with RunTheShire. The equivalent of £1.54 a day investment in yourself 
• Into Ultra funded places available for those who need financial support – including help with kit and race entry fees
• Sign up to the race The Malvern Ultra, 2nd May 2026 – please note, race entry fees not included in the course cost. 
• Three other courses available in The Peak District, The Lakes and South East Wales from three amazing coaches Jenny Bushell Adventures, RunVive Coaching and Running Summits Coaching. If none of these are close enough to you please still register with Into Ultra as they will look to find other coaches who can run other Stronger Together courses in other areas

Ready to Start?

In less than six months, you could be calling yourself an Ultra Runner. Hit the button below to find out more, apply and join your team.

Running in the Malvern Hills and along the Worcestershire Way offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the West Midlands region. The rolling ridge lines of the Malvern’s provide views across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and the Severn Valley, with a mix of steep climbs, flowing downhill trails and open grassy summits. Dropping onto the Worcestershire Way, the route shifts into quieter woodland paths, farmland tracks and historic villages, giving runners a varied landscape to explore. The race itself starts in the village of Suckley and heads out along the Worcestershire Way and across the ridge line of Malvern, up to the Beacon (picture here), before turning back on itself at Sally’s Place (a most excellent sandwich stop) located at the famous fort of British Camp. Runners will then head back along the same track (so navigation is fairly simple), past Suckley and home to the village of Abberley. It’s a route that combines some challenging hills, beautiful trails and showcases the best of the local countryside. A really runnable course, and one you will remember for a long time.

In 2025 Into Ultra set up a pilot scheme to find out if a group of ultra curios runners could be coached together to realise their ultra dreams. Well, not only did the participants achieve their goals,  they also built a community with their fellow runners: “There were occasional setbacks of course, but with the incredible support of our coach and the group we got there in the end – an amazing experience” Because when you train, struggle and celebrate as a team, you can achieve more than you ever imagined. We are Stronger Together.

Hi, I’m Carly Barnes and I am an experienced ultra runner, England Athletics qualified running coach, trail run leader and personal trainer specialising in strength for runners. I’m also an outdoor first aider and I hold CISMPA certifications in Movement in Menopause and The Female Body in Training.

I set up a local women’s-only run club for road runners and also for women who wanted to explore trails around Worcestershire. I wanted to create a safe space where women could run together without feeling any pressure, and over the last three years I’ve had the privilege of watching this amazing community grow. From women who had never run before becoming regular runners, to many forming lasting friendships and even taking part in local road and trail races. I now have the pleasure of coaching many of them to take on personal challenges such as 10ks, half, full and ultra marathons.

Although my main focus is supporting women through both group and individual coaching, I have also worked one-to-one with men on a range of running goals — from building consistency and accountability to preparing for endurance events. I welcome all runners who would like support on their running journey,  I love running and want to help and encourage as many people as I can to find that joy too.

I live in Worcestershire with my husband, children, our dog and two cats. I have run in short, medium and long distance races including the London Marathon and several ultra marathons. My favourite place to run is the Malvern Hills and I’m very lucky to have them so close to home enjoying nothing more than running along that ridge line – so much so, I even got a tattoo of it. That’s why I’ve chosen The Malvern Hills Ultra (31 mile option) as the West Midlands Into Ultra Stronger Together event.