The Abingdon Marathon

Question 1

Under what rules is the Abingdon Marathon run?

Accepted Answer

This race is run under UK Athletics Rules of Competition.

Question 2

What is the minimum age for marathon participants?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with UK Athletics rules the minimum age is 18 years of age on race day for marathon participants.

Question 3

I am quite a slow runner, what is the cut off time?

Accepted Answer

In order to meet the requirements for the race to go ahead, there is a 6–hour limit for this event. If it looks as though you will be unable to complete the course within the stipulated cut–off time, you will be advised to stop and withdraw from the race at the discretion of the Race Director. Should you wish to continue, you will be advised that all marshalling and support personnel will be stood down once the 6–hour time limit has been reached. If you decide you cannot complete the course the sweep vehicle will return you to Tilsley Park. Should you wish to continue you do so at entirely your own risk. No results will be provided for any runner whose finishing time exceeds the 15–minute tolerance over the stipulated time limit of 6 hours. In any such event the Race Director’s decision is final.

Question 4

Do any of the proceeds from the race go to charity?

Accepted Answer

Any surplus funds are donated to local charities with further donations being made to the local running clubs and organisations who support the event. In 2025 we donated over £20,000

Question 5

I will be staying in Abingdon area, where do you suggest?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to our Places to Stay page for some ideas of where to stay.

Question 6

I would like to volunteer on the day, how do I register?

Accepted Answer

Please visit the Volunteers page on the website, click on the Volunteer button and complete the contact form to register your interest. You will be contacted shortly.

Question 7

I didn’t receive an email confirming I have a place?

Accepted Answer

All entrants will receive a confirmation email upon completion of their online entry. If you didn't receive this confirmation email, you may have entered your email incorrectly. Please contact the entries secretary to remedy this.

Question 8

I can no longer run in the event, do you have a deferral policy?

Accepted Answer

It is not possible to defer your entry if you are injured or unable to take part but if you took out the Refundable insurance when you entered the race, you may be able to claim on this.

Question 9

What is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the standard race policy is that no refunds will be issued. However if you took out Refundable insurance, you may be able to using this link.

Question 10

Can I transfer my number to someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once the race is full but only up to a about one month before the race. To initiate a transfer either to someone on the waiting list or a friend, follow the link on your confirmation email..

Question 11

Can I make changes to details on my registration, if so, how?

Accepted Answer

If any of your registration details need changing, please follow the link in your entry confirmation email and update your details. Note that this function is blocked about one month before the race. You cannot change your name, so if it is mis-spelled please contact the entries secretary

Question 12

When do I receive my race pack and timing chip?

Accepted Answer

Race packs, including race day instructions and timing chips, will be sent out around the beginning of October and a notice placed on the website confirming the dispatch. If your race pack fails to arrive after 1 week, please contact the entries secretary.

Question 13

Is there a baggage store?

Accepted Answer

Bag storage is available

Question 14

Will there be post–race massage available?

Accepted Answer

There will be post–race massage offered for a small fee

Question 15

Where does the race start?

Accepted Answer

The race starts at 0900 on the athletics track at Tilsley Park, Dunmore Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1PU.

Question 16

What time does the race start?

Accepted Answer

The race will start promptly at 09:00hrs. Please try to arrive at least 45 minutes before this time.

Question 17

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

There are no parking facilities available at Tilsley Park on race day.

Parking facilities will be available from 07:00hrs at the Abingdon and Witney College, on the junction of Northcourt Road and Wootton Road, at Dunmore Court next to the Golf Store and Fit2Run, at The Manor School, at St. Helens and St. Catherines School and at Larkmead School. Please refer to the map on the Venue page or look in the race booklet. Please note some of the locations are 30 minutes walk to Tilsley Park.

Please do not park in the residential areas close to Tilsley Park.

Question 18

What drinks facilities are available on the course?

Accepted Answer

Drinks stations are provided every 3 miles and Active Root Sports Drink is available shortly after miles 14 and 23.

Question 19

Will there be mile or kilometre markers?

Accepted Answer

There will be mile markers to mark each mile point on the course.

Question 20

Are there road closures in force throughout the course?

Accepted Answer

No, road closures are only in force for the first two and a half miles, and the B4016 between Drayton and Sutton Courtenay (between the Drayton Road/Milton Road junction and the Brook Street/High Street/Church Street junction in Sutton Courtenay) but other than that all roads are open to traffic. However, stop/go boards with qualified staff will operate at all points where runners have to cross over busy roads.

Question 21

What toilet provision is available on the course

Accepted Answer

Toilets (in the sports centre) and portable toilets (in the car park) will be available at Tilsley Park before the race. There are toilets out on the course, please see map on Website for more details.

Question 22

Can I run in fancy dress?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is allowed, of course. However, please take into consideration the weather conditions on race day and make sure you take on the appropriate fluid to ensure you avoid de–hydration.

Question 23

What happens if I am unable to complete the course?

Accepted Answer

If you have to drop out, for whatever reason, please advise the nearest marshal and hand them your race number. The marshal will advise Race Control and if you are injured or unwell they will arrange for medical backup. Alternatively, the sweep vehicle will pick you up.

Question 24

Where is a good place to watch the race?

Accepted Answer

The best places to watch the runners on the course are approaching the 5–mile mark in by the Town Museum (– formerly the County Hall), and outside Café Metro in Milton Park by the roundabout where the runners turn north approaching the 10–mile mark. The course involves a 9–mile loop so watching from this position will give you two opportunities to see your family member or friend run past. You will still have plenty of time to drive back to Tilsley Park and watch them finish in front of the grandstand. There is also available to view and download a Spectator’s Map.

Question 25

Can I support my partner or friend on a bike?

Accepted Answer

Whilst there is nothing stopping supporters wishing to ride round in support of a family member or friend please bear in mind that the initial part of the course is closed to all traffic (including bikes) until the runners have passed.

The UK Athletics Rules of Competition also forbid any runner to be paced by a cyclist. Anyone who is deemed to be paced will be disqualified.

Cyclists should try to avoid getting in the way and obstructing runners and remember that they must obey all the normal rules of the road whilst following the race.

Question 26

What prizes are awarded?

Accepted Answer

Please note that no cash prizes are awarded. Trophies/medals are generally awarded as follows:

Men
- Overall Men (aged 18 upwards) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Veteran 40 Men (aged 40–49) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Veteran 50 Men (aged 50–59) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Veteran 60 Men (aged 60–69) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Veteran 70+ Men (aged 70 upwards) – 1st
Women
- Overall Women (aged 18 upwards) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Veteran 35 Women (aged 35–44) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Veteran 45 Women (aged 45–54) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Veteran 55 Women (aged 55–64) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Veteran 65+ Women (aged 65 upwards) – 1st
Teams
- Men (first 4 runners to score) – 1st
- Women (first 3 runners to score) – 1st

Non–binary Entrants: In accordance with the UKA Rules for Competition Appendix 4 for ranking purposes and for the awarding of prizes, only Male and Female gender categories are recognised. Please refer to UKA’s Non–binary Guidance for Road Race Organisers.

Oxfordshire Championships: Trophies/medals are awarded as above, with the addition that the 2nd and 3rd men’s and women’s teams also receive awards. Please note that the County prizes will not be presented on the day of the race in order to allow the County to double–check the results and ensure the prizes are awarded correctly .

Question 27

Are drinks on the course provided in cups or bottles

Accepted Answer

Both water and sports drink are provided in 16oz cups

Question 28

Will there be pacers

Accepted Answer

No we do not provide pacers

Question 29

Can Visually Impaired runners enter

Accepted Answer

Yes providing they are accompanied by an EA registered guide runner