MK Marathon Weekend

Question 1

Can I make changes to my booking? E.g. New Address

Accepted Answer

You can change your details at any time until 31 March @ midnight.

Question 2

Can I change my registration to a different distance?

Accepted Answer

You can change your booking to another distance, subject to availability, until 31st March. Changes can not take place after 31st March – no exceptions. Go to mkmarathon.com/registration-info for details.

Question 3

Can I defer my place to the following year?

Accepted Answer

As stated in our Terms and Conditions of Entry, we do not operate a deferment system, so we regret that you cannot defer your entry to another year. Go to mkmarathon.com/registration-info for details.

Question 4

Can I take out insurance when i enter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we highly recommend that you take out Refundable Booking Insurance when you enter. Upgrade your booking and receive a 100% refund if you cannot attend. This insurance is offered through Refundable Booking and you must contact them directly in the case of a claim and not the MK Marathon team.

Question 5

What is the minimum age to enter the race?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 18 years old on race day to run the MK Marathon. You must be at least 17 years old on race day to run the MK Half Marathon You must be at least 17 years old on race day to run the MK Marathon Relay You must be at least 12 years old on race day to run the MK Rocket 5K No age restriction for the Superhero Fun Run

Question 6

Will my race number be posted?

Accepted Answer

RUNNING NUMBERS ARE NOT POSTED Running numbers will be available to Collect from the Up & Running store in Milton Keynes prior to the event or from the Info Desk on race day Further information dates and times will be emailed to participants closer to the event.

Question 7

How do I qualify for UKA Affiliated entry?

Accepted Answer

You just need to add your affiliation number when you enter to gain £2 discount.

Question 8

Will there be entries on the day of the event?

Accepted Answer

Subject to availability. Please check social media before the event for details.

Question 9

If I am unable to run can I transfer my number to someone else?

Accepted Answer

You can transfer your place to another runner up until 31st March. Log into your Eventrac account mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/users/profile and click ‘transfer to someone else’. Once the new runner has registered, signed the waiver, and paid the CURRENT entry price the original entrant will receive a refund of the original entry fee minus the booking fee.

Question 10

When will I receive the merchandise I ordered with my entry?

Accepted Answer

Merchandise orders will be posted within four weeks of order.

Question 11

I don't live in the UK. Can I still enter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome entrants from overseas. You will need to collect your race pack. Please see "My Rack Pack" FAQs for details.

Question 12

Assistants/Guides

Accepted Answer

If you are running with a guide or assistant, please let us know, and we can assign you one free place for your guide. Please note that we will ONLY issue free places for a guide runner until midnight on 31 March.

Question 13

How do I get to the Stadium?

Accepted Answer

We're located in the heart of Milton Keynes. Getting here is easy, with excellent transport links by road, train, and bus. If you're coming from London, we're just a 35-minute train journey from central London. Stadium MK, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST

Question 14

Do i have to pay a service fee on top of my entry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a booking fee of 6.56% + 25p which goes directly to Eventrac to cover servicing the entry.

Question 15

Can I get a replacement bib?

Accepted Answer

It is important that you do not let anyone else use your bib number to prevent misidentification in an emergency. If you have misplaced your bib number, replacement bis can be arranged at the info desk - these will be charged at £7.50

Question 16

What is the nearest train station to the race?

Accepted Answer

The three nearest train stations are Fenny Stratford, Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central. You can walk from Fenny Stratford or Bletchley, however Milton Keynes Central is the largest station and is on the main line from London Euston, and is approximately 3 miles from stadium MK. Please check National Rail enquiries when planning your travel.

Question 17

Is there a free shuttle bus from Milton Keynes Station?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, we do not currently offer a free shuttle bus from the station. We suggest you share a taxi with other runners at the station.

Question 18

How do I book stadium parking?

Accepted Answer

Stadium parking will be available for booking in late January. You will be able to pre-book via the RingGo App, https://ringgo.co.uk/. The RingGo code will be published on the website when available: https://mkmarathon.com/travel-parking/ You can only access the stadium site from Grafton Street if you have pre-booked parking via RingGo. Please car share if possible.

Question 19

Can I book assessable parking?

Accepted Answer

Stadium MK has 200 accessible parking spaces for guests who require them.

Parking tariffs apply and are paid via RingGo and a blue badge must be displayed

Question 20

Alternative Parking on the day of the race

Accepted Answer

We suggest you try and book a space via Your Parking Space. We will also offer Park & Walk closer to the event. If you have not pre-booked a parking space close to the stadium, we suggest you head for a local industrial area. Use postcode: MK1 1LG, MK1 1NL or MK1 1DH

Question 21

Is there electric charging at the stadium?

Accepted Answer

Allego’s new Ultra-Fast EV charging hub, located on the West side of the Stadium, adjacent to Fitness First, will allow visitors to Stadium MK, as well as residents and passing traffic, to charge their electric vehicle whenever they need, and in no more than 10-15 minutes.

Question 22

What roads will be closed?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard our participants, some roads will be closed or have restrictions on the day of the event. The latest road closure details can be found here: mkmarathon.com/road-closures/

Question 23

Is there somewhere I can leave my bicycle?

Accepted Answer

If you are cycling to the event, you can leave your bike with the Trek team in the bike park near stadium gate 5 (southeastern corner). This is a free service. What3words: ///stable.book.riding

Question 24

Do we need to pay for parking if we're taking part in the Relay?

Accepted Answer

Relay teams will receive a parking permit for one vehicle a week before the event. The stadium now uses RingGo, so you will need to provide your team car registration by 15th April at the latest. We need to register it so you don't get a parking fine. If we do not receive your team car registration by 15th April then you will need to find alternative parking close to the stadium. Relay team parking will be at the stadium site.

Question 25

Is there a drop off location?

Accepted Answer

There will be a designated drop-off point on the west side of the stadium outside the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel. Access this via Grafton Street which is just off the A5 or use postcode MK1 1ST

Question 26

What time does the event venue open?

Accepted Answer

The stadium will open at 07:00 on Bank Holiday Monday.

Question 27

Where is the race day Number Collection desk situated?

Accepted Answer

The Bank Holiday Monday race day Number Collection desk will be just inside Gate 6 in the Arena at the south end of the stadium, StadiumMK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK1 1ST What3words: ///owner.studio.ports

Question 28

Is there anywhere I can leave my bag whilst I'm running?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a secure baggage area in the Stadium Arena. Please use gate 6. Securely attach the baggage label to your bag. Probably the best baggage facilities of any race! What3words///heads.movie.type

Question 29

Will there be a dedicated area for runners to meet friends and families afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we suggest you arrange to meet your friends and family outside Gate 6 where there will be a DJ, street food and a bar.
What3words///gladiators.local.vibes

Question 30

Is entry into the stadium free for spectators?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can come and go as they please and do not need to book.

Question 31

Will I be able to purchase event merchandise at the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can buy event merchandise from the Info Desk after your race. What3words///owner.studio.ports

Question 32

Are there showers and changing facilities in the stadium?

Accepted Answer

There are no showers. However, there are large toilets in the Arena which you can change in.

Question 33

Will there be toilets in the stadium?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the stadium has plenty of toilets for tens of thousands of participants.

Question 34

What other facilities are at the stadium?

Accepted Answer

You’ll find lots of activities and services at the stadium including our charity and retail partners, First Aid, food and drink, massage and physio, toilets, a help desk and a wide range of entertainment.

Question 35

Are dogs allowed in the Stadium?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the stadium.

Question 36

Which charities does the Milton Keynes Marathon support?

Accepted Answer

We are working hard to raise as much money as possible for the charities listed on our Run For Charity page. However you can raise money for any charity you like.

Question 37

Accessibility

Accepted Answer

The Stadium is fully accessible with step-free access. Further information: https://www.stadiummk.com/accessibility

Question 38

Is the course distance accurate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of the Milton Keynes Marathon routes have all been officially measured as accurate by the Association of UK Course Measurers to the AIMS worldwide standard. MK is a qualifying event for Boston, London, and other Majors.

Question 39

Can my family track me on the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can track your timing chip as you cross timing mats on the course, however, your real-time location on the map might not be accurate if you speed up or slow down between mats. The tracking will capture your time at 1 Mile, 10KM, 13.1 Miles, Mile 20, and when they cross the finish line. mkmarathon.com/results

Question 40

What is the running surface like?

Accepted Answer

The majority of the race is run on good tarmac roads and wide redways. The finish around the football pitch is half tarmac and half artificial grass which can be a little slippery if wet.

Question 41

Are pacemakers available on course?

Accepted Answer

Half Marathon every 5 minutes from 1:30 to 2:15 plus 2:30 and 2:45 Full Marathon every 15 minutes from 3:00 to 5:15 plus 5:30 You can also purchase a Pace Pocket when you enter, or before 31 March. Pace Pocket is fabric wristbands with a storage pocket for keys, etc, and printed with your choice of split times.

Question 42

What medical coverage will be provided?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive medical cover will be provided in accordance with England Athletics guidelines. However, if you feel unwell on the day or you’ve been ill during the previous week, we recommend that you don’t participate in the run.

Question 43

Will there be toilets on the course  on Monday?

Accepted Answer

Yes, portable toilets will be available at every water stop

Question 44

Will there be Mile Markers on route?

Accepted Answer

There will be a mile marker at every mile, located on the nearest lamp post to the mile point.

There will be a km marker every km for the Rocket 5k, located on the nearest lamp post to the mile point.

Question 45

Will there be Mile Markers on route?

Accepted Answer

There will be a mile marker at every mile, located on the nearest lamp post to the mile point.

There will be a km marker every km for the Rocket 5k, located on the nearest lamp post to the mile point.

Question 46

Is there a time limit  on finishing the race?

Accepted Answer

Rocket 5K – 45 Minutes
Half Marathon – 3.5 hours
Marathon & Relay – 6.5 hours
We cannot guarantee that marshals, medical cover, drinks stations, and road closures will be in place after the cut-off.

MARATHON RUNNERS: If a marathon runner doesn’t reach Mile 16.5 (split point) by 14:20 they will be directed along the bottom of Willen Lake south to pick up the route at mile 20.5 to continue on the route to the finish.

Question 47

Can I run in fancy dress?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we would love to see people in a sensible fancy dress out on the course, but do practice in your costume before race day, you may find it hot or uncomfortable to run in.

Question 48

What refreshments are provided?

Accepted Answer

Rocket 5K: Water will be available at the finish.

Half Marathon: Mile 3, 5, 8, 11 and at the Finish

Marathon/Relay: Mile 3, 5, 8, 11, 12.5, 15, 18, 21, 24 and at the finish
If you would like to bring your own refillable bottle, there will be refill points at the water stations where you can refill your bottle.

Please discard your cup/bottle in the bags provided at the side of the path. These will be collected for recycling. Do not drop bottles on the path for participants behind to trip over!

Question 49

I am a Wheelchair user. Can I take part?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no racing wheelchairs or any motorised wheelchairs are permitted however, you can take part in a rigid manual powered day chair. For your health and safety, we strongly advise that you start at the back of the field and a support runner accompanies you around the course. We highly recommend viewing the site and route first to assess suitability.

Question 50

Can I wear earphones/listen to music during the race?

Accepted Answer

The use of bone conductor headphones is allowed, but NO OTHER types of headphones/earphones will be allowed at this event.
This is following England Athletics’ guidelines.

Question 51

When and where will the results be published?

Accepted Answer

Results will be available as soon as you cross the finish line here: mkmarathon.com/results

We will also send you a text message with your results if you give us a valid mobile number when you enter.

Question 52

Will I get a medal at the finish?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all those runners who complete the race will receive a quality commemorative medal.

Question 53

Is there a sports massage available at the finish?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Body Limits will be offering sports massages in the Arena after the finish. Expect to pay a small charge for this service.

Question 54

Will a 'Good for Age' time qualify me for another marathon?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the MK Marathon is licensed by UKA and a member of AIMS, and your time will be eligible as a qualification time for other marathons such as Boston and London ‘good for age’.

Question 55

Littering

Accepted Answer

Please do not drop any litter on the course after the 'NO LITTER' signs located 300m after each water stop. Anyone seen dropping litter will be disqualified from the race. Bins will be available at each water station. Please leave Milton Keynes as you found it.

Question 56

Are there timing mats on course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will have regular timing points on the course.

Question 57

How many people make up a Marathon Relay team?

Accepted Answer

You must have a team of 4 runners to take part.

Question 58

Can a Relay Team be made up of any gender?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have an all-male team, all-female team, or mixed (at least one lady). There will be awards for the fastest team in each category.
You must select which category you want when you enter and this can not be changed.

Question 59

How old do you have to be to take part in the Marathon Relay?

Accepted Answer

Participants need to be 17 years of age on race day

Question 60

Where is the Relay Meeting point?

Accepted Answer

The Relay Team room will be in a bar at Stadium MK near gate 7 in the southwest corner.
What3words///number.answer.calls

Question 61

How does the relay team get around the course?

Accepted Answer

Relay changeover points will be located at approximately miles 6.2, 13.1, and 20. You can either nominate a team driver or take turns driving your vehicle around the course. We will provide maps and detailed instructions to get you to each changeover point.

Question 62

Does the Relay team have to run with a baton?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the timing chip will be in the baton, and your team must finish with the baton to get your team time. Your team must return your baton to the Relay Team room at the end of the event, where you will be able to collect your medals.

Question 63

Are there prizes for the Relay?

Accepted Answer

There will be prizes for the...

1st male
1st female
1st Mixed team (at least one lady).
Prizes will be presented at the finish area
Prizes will consist of a team award, plus a memento to each team member.

Question 64

Does the Relay Teams have to run in a particular order?

Accepted Answer

No, team members can run in any order you like, but the team bibs must be used in sequences A, B, C then D.