The Hangman Ultra Returns in 2023
The next edition of the Hangman Ultra will take place in Longparish, Hampshire on Saturday August 19th 2023.
The race begins in the quiet, leafy village of Longparish, in Hampshire, and winds its way up the Test Way trail through St Mary Bourne before reaching the first checkpoint at Hurstbourne Tarrant. It continues along the Test Way to Linkenholt, through Combe Wood and out into the open fields surrounding Inkpen Hill, the Long Barrow and the gruesome Combe Gibbet. This is the second checkpoint of the race, where runners must circle the gibbet and then return back along the Test Way to Longparish and the finish line.
As in previous years the Hangman Ultra race 2023 will be low-key, with a great family atmosphere. The course is a beautiful out-and-back, 54km in total with generous cut-offs. We are, in short, excited, and we hope you are too.

Why Is It Called The Hangman Ultra?
The target of the race, marking the halfway point, is Combe Gibbet.
This historic structure was first erected in 1676 for the purpose of gibbeting the bodies of an adulterous couple, George Broomham and Dorothy Newman, who had been convicted of murder. It was placed in this prominent, open location, close to the highest point in south-east England, to help deter others from committing crimes.
Although the original was destroyed by fire, the current gibbet is a perfect replica and has stood for many years marking this beautiful part of the world.

• Distance: 54km (around 33 miles)
• 100 runner limit
• Race date: 19th August 2023
• Organiser: Ultra Evolution Ltd
• Website address: ultraevolution.com
• Race director: Andy Nuttall
• Race HQ location: Longparish Village Hall, Longparish, Andover, SP11 6PB
• Checkpoint locations: CP1/CP3: The George and Dragon, Hurstbourne Tarrant (map) / CP2: Combe Gibbet
• Route link: GPS track (right-click and select download file)
• Runner car parking location: Longparish Village Hall car park, opposite the village hall – signposted and marshalled prior to the race

The Route
The course follows The Test Way trail, which is marked with posts and signs. Fingerposts are often marked with the words ‘TEST WAY’, and you will often see the distinctive green arrow with the letters TW marked. Most of the signs are obvious and apparent; others are more obscured so you need to keep your wits about you and keep your eyes open. We will also be marking the course using red and white plastic tape and ULTRA-branded arrows, and any areas of ambiguity will be well-covered with our signage to make it as straightforward as possible to follow.

Ultra Evolution (the publisher of ULTRA magazine) is a responsible company, and we try to pay respect to the landscape on which we run, and the communities that live around it and use it. Local parishes and landowners have been informed that you are coming and will welcome you.

You can download the GPX here