Pilgrims Reckoning by Thunder Races

July Recce Weekend: Days 1 & 2

Join us this July for two guided days on the Pilgrim’s Reckoning route, exploring a brilliant stretch of the John Bunyan Way through Bedfordshire.

Day 1 starts in Bedford before heading south through Elstow, Haynes, Shefford and Meppershall, passing Shillington before finishing in Hexton. Expect quiet village lanes, open farmland, historic churches and steady, runnable countryside as the route begins to unfold.

Day 2 picks up from Hexton and heads through some of the most scenic ground on the course, passing near Galley Hill and Warden Hill before continuing towards Sharpenhoe, Harlington and Westoning. This section brings you into classic North Chilterns landscape, with chalk hills, beech woodland, open downland and big views from the escarpment around Sharpenhoe Clappers.

Across the weekend, you’ll get a real feel for the terrain, rhythm and character of Pilgrim’s Reckoning before race day.

Social pace. Great training miles. Proper route insight.

🏃 Approx. 20 miles per day
🗓️ 25-26th July
🎟 £20 per day / £30 full weekend
Enter: https://www.race-space.com/gb/thunder-races/pilgrim-s-reckoning-recce-run-1

3 months to go.
81 miles. One loop. 24 hours.
This September, Pilgrim’s Reckoning takes runners on a journey of endurance along the John Bunyan Trail through the Bedfordshire countryside.
📍 12–13 September
🎟 Enter now: https://www.pilgrimsreckoning.co.uk

Our Pilgrim’s Reckoning recce days are a great way to explore the route before race day.

Join us for a guided social run along sections of the John Bunyan Trail, get a feel for the terrain, meet fellow Pilgrims, and see whether the full 81-mile challenge is for you.
Each day covers around 20 miles at a relaxed, social pace, giving you the chance to enjoy the route without pressure.

Whether you’re already entered, thinking about signing up, or just fancy a proper day out on the trails, come and see what Pilgrim’s Reckoning is all about.

📍 July 25–26
📍 August 15–16
🎟 £20 per day / £30 per weekend
🏃 Social pace • Guided route • Good company

Enter July: https://www.race-space.com/gb/thunder-races/pilgrim-s-reckoning-recce-run-1
Enter August: https://www.race-space.com/gb/thunder-races/pilgrim-s-reckoning-recce-run-2

Take on the John Bunyan Trail this September and discover a challenging, beautiful 81 mile route through the Bedfordshire countryside.

📍Start/finish - Bedford Greenacre School
🗓️12th-13th September 2026
⏳ 24 hours to complete the route
🍰 7 aid stations with food & water
🔀 Live tracking
🏅 Bespoke finishers medal & Tshirt
🔗 www.pilgrimsreckoning.co.uk

Rolling Bedfordshire countryside, these are just some of the places you’ll pass through on Pilgrim’s Reckoning.

Following the John Bunyan Trail, the route links villages, trails and open landscapes into one continuous 81-mile journey.

A steady, fully runnable ultra built for strong pacing and uninterrupted progress.

🔗 https://www.pilgrimsreckoning.co.uk
🗓️ 12-13 September
📍 Bedford

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Pilgrim’s Reckoning by Thunder Races

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits along the John Bunyan Trail.

Quiet villages. Ancient churches. Open countryside. Long flowing trails that keep you moving mile after mile.

Pilgrim’s Reckoning isn’t just about the distance. It’s about the journey through one of England’s most underrated long-distance routes.

81 miles. One loop. 24 hours.
🔗 https://www.pilgrimsreckoning.co.uk
🗓️ 12-13 September
📍 Bedford