The Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series heads to Marshbrook, Shropshire, this Sunday (July 3).

While MTB Marathon Series rounds traditionally have four routes on offer, there will be three courses in Marshbrook – the 25km Mini Marathon, 45km Half Marathon and 80km Full Marathon, all packing in 750m, 1,350m and 2,450m of climbing respectively.

Based at the new Shropshire Hills Mountain Bike and Outdoor Pursuits Centre, the route initially heads through a small area of forestry, then up onto the Long Mynd, or long mountain.

The long route immediately descends off the Long Mynd, making its west way to the Stiperstones where a series of single and twin tracks go up and over the hill.

After a short section of Tarmac to get your breath back, you reach the Forest of Eastridge, which has been used in the past for NPS races.

Following the technical single track descent, you return to the Longmynd, an area of outstanding natural beauty, where there is an endless amount of single track and bridleway, interspersed with short stretches on minor roads – and then, to top off a great day’s riding, the course finishes with the longest single track descent in Shropshire.

As at the last round in Llandovery, the CycleOps Power Road Sportive will takes place on the Saturday (July 2) of the weekend.

The sportive offers two routes (50 and 85 miles) around Marshbrook – and riders up to the challenge of tackling both days can purchase a discounted weekend ticket for £49.

For more information and to enter, head to the MTB Marathon website.