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Before you contact us with your questions - check here first as we may have already been asked it before. If you still don't find the answer to your question our contact details are on the home page.

When are the two New Forest Marathon races held?

The races almost always take place in September of each year, often on the second weekend in the month, but are always held on a Sunday. The Half Marathon starts at 09:30am followed by the Full Marathon at 10:00am.

Where do I park my car when arriving on race day?

You can find the latest information and download a map here.

Can I enter if I am not a member of a team or club?

Yes. You don't need to be a member of a running club, or an official team, in order to participate in our races. You simply leave the 'Team/Club Name' blank on the entry form and would run as an unattached runner. If you are unattached or your club is not affiliated to UK Athletics you must pay a higher entry fee to be properly insured for this event.

How old do I have to be to compete?

On race day you must be 18 years or over to run the full marathon and 17 years or over to run the half marathon.

Will New Forest Marathon Limited accept any late entries on race day?

All entries must be received, by post or online and with payment in full, by the closing date stated on the entry form. We do not accept any late entries after the closing date and reserve the right to close entries if a race is full.

Where can I obtain entry forms for each race from?

Entry forms can now be downloaded from This website.

Will I receive confirmation of entry into the race?

You will only receive confirmation of entry in your chosen race if you have sent us a stamped self-addressed envelope with your form. Race packs containing all necessary information will be despatched from 25th August onwards. If you have not received your pack by September please write to us, Contact information is at the bottom of the home page on this website.

Why have I received my T-shirt but no race pack?

The T-shirts are sent out to order, however, we tend to send out the bulk of our runners packs at the same time.
These tend to be distributed from around June onwards.

Am I able to change the race in which I'm entered?

You can change your entry from Marathon to Half Marathon or vice versa before 13th September but no later! Download the form here (also located in the race pack sent to all entrants). The form should be returned with a £4.00 administration fee. You must also return the contents of your race pack to us in good condition.

Can someone else compete using my race number?

Entries should not be used by another runner without our knowledge. Our database holds the information of the original entrant and may be required in case of emergency on race day. We cannot allow runners to use another entrants competitors number for this reason.

Entry Transfer to Another Runner

If you have already entered either event but do not wish to run you can transfer your entry to another runner before 13th September but no later! Download the form here (also located in the race pack sent to all entrants). The form should be returned, with a £4.00 administration fee, attached to an official entry form completed by the substitute entrant. The transfer will not be made if the entry form is not completed correctly. If you have received your runners pack it must be passed to the substitute entrant.

Where do the New Forest races actually start from?

Both the Full and Half Marathons start from Station Road (South) in New Milton's town centre. Both races finish at the Recreation Centre, Gore Road, not far from the start.

What distance are the Full and Half Marathon races?

The races are of standard (and traditional) distances as recognised by the appropriate governing bodies. The half marathon measures 21.1 km (13 miles 192 yards) - whilst the full marathon length is 42.2 km (26 miles 385 yards).

Why is the Marathon classed as a 'Multi-Terrain' event? How much is off-road?

UK Athletics certification rules do not permit the New Forest Marathon to be called a 'Road Race' as The course includes two sections on a compacted gravel surface. These 'Off Road' sections total 3 miles (5 km). The rules state that a maximum of 2.6 km are permitted to be off road and if this is exceeded the race has to be classed as 'Multi-Terrain'. Our course has been reliably measured by a UK Athletics / RRC accredited measurer and is an accurate 26.2 / 13.1 miles. The Half Marathon is 100% on road and still a road race.

Are the races suitable for wheelchairs?

Regrettably, neither course is safe or suitable for wheelchairs.

Personal stereos including IPods & mp3 players

The use of personal stereos etc is prohibited. You will be running on the public highway during this race we want you to be alert and aware of everything that is going on around you. If you wear a personal stereo or similar during the race we will ask you to remove it in the interests of everyone’s safety.

Cyclists - Child buggies - Dogs.

Coaching or support by accompanying cyclists in the race will result in the runner being disqualified. Marshals will note a runners number if seen on the course accepting outside assistance. For safety reasons child buggies and dogs are not permitted to accompany runners.

Can I walk the event? - What time does the course close?

The full and half marathons are running events and both courses close promptly at 3.30pm. With the Marathon start time of 10.00am you have 5.5 hours to complete the course. The Half Marathon starts at 09:30am and since both courses share the same start and finish and all of the same route, you have 6.0 hours to complete the course before it closes.

Do I have to live in Hampshire or Dorset to run in the Marathon?

No, the Hampshire and Dorset Championships, like the Masters Championships are held as a race within the main marathon race. If you are not eligible or do not wish to enter those championships leave those boxes blank.

Can I run for a charity?

Yes you may run for any charity you like. Hand us your sponsorship forms at the Information Point before you run and we will certify them for you. Download Form

Where can I find accommodation for race weekend?

There are many places offering 'Bed & Breakfast' in the New Forest, as well as hotels, holiday parks and camp-sites.

We recommend you try visiting:

New Forest Visitor Information

Explore The New Forest

New Forest Bed and Breakfast

The Official Website of The New Forest