Queen Elizabeth Spring Marathon & Half

Is planned for 17th October with changes for Covid-19 risk mitigation

--- ENTRIES ARE CLOSED---

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, PO8 0QE  

 17 October 2020 

NO MASS START for 2020

Open start from 08:30 - 11:00 (faster runners start earlier; start time guidance will be given) 

• Fully marked, good quality trails with views and hills

• Chip-timed start and finish

• Water stations every 7k 

• Bespoke one-off event finisher's medal 

• Professional medics at base and out on course
• Results on Runbritain

Summary: Run entirely on a half-marathon course within the country park (and the adjacent, aptly named "Head Down" plantation) this is a trail run along well kept trails that even after the long winter should be nicely runnable.  There are some hilly challenges that will take you on journey of over 500 metres of elevation gain over that half-marathon loop.

Once away from the busy front part of the country park, you will find yourself in the quiet peaceful forest, often with glimpses of wildlife.  Later, as you are on the last high point before you drop down to the finish area, there are long views through the clearings to the Solent and Isle of Wight.

At the start (open from 08:30 - 11:00) faster runners start earlier; guidance on start times will be given.

There is no registration or bag drop although there will be portable toilets with hand sanitizer.

You can park very near the start & finish.

There are expected to be around 350 participants in total, so with a 2½ hours open start and wide trails, there will be other people around but plenty of space for everyone to maintain good social distance.

You are strongly advised to bring your own drink and nourishment (e.g. using backpack with bladder or hydration vest with bottles), but there are water stations placed every 7km with 500ml water bottles laid out on tables should you need a top-up.

Course: Both routes run on the same course, with the marathon being two loops.

The route is fully marked with signs and Hampshire Search & Rescue marshals to keep an eye on you.  You'll never be far from the next water station, placed along the way every 7kms or so.   

Mostly this is off-road, with short stretch of tarmac between the country park and "Head Down".  Please be aware that the quiet country lane roads are not closed to traffic.

We expect everyone to be be finished by 4:30PM, so a cutoff of 1PM will be applied for anyone setting out on the second lap.

Finishers will pick up their medal and be asked to keep moving to avoid groups congregating in the finish field.   

If you want to be properly familiar with the route beforehand, keep a look out for the dates we publish where we will be running recces to check the course in the weeks before race-day.  News of these will be on our Facebook page.

Terrain: The route has no particularly technical challenges. The first climb shortly after the start is short and steep, and often walked by those saving their energy for later. Given the time of year, there will likely be some slippery stretches from time to time. The entire route should be on runnable terrain, with plenty of room to overtake and without any stiles or gates to climb over. 

Gear: Take sufficient warm and waterproof clothing as the weather dictates. Footwear is advised to be trail shoes with medium tread - not suitable for running spikes. You may wish to carry your own water containers to top-up at the water stations, especially on the marathon. 

Bling: At the finish, you will receive the bespoke 2020 "QE Spring Marathon" or "QE Spring Half" medal.  

Each year is a new "Spring" theme, but expect that rabbit to feature in it somewhere..

Race reports: 

Kasia Lubo wrote a very nice race report: Kasia blog

Click here for an interesting blog from Jack Oates - marathon winner

Prizes in both races:

Trophies are awarded to 1st 2nd and 3rd Female and Male.

Medical cover provided by a third party specialist with a first aider at base plus a crew out on course in a 4x4 vehicle.

Races run under UK Athletics rules.  

A minimum age of 18 will be applied for both races. 

No dogs. 

TRA permits: TBA (marathon) and TBA (half)