About the Abingdon Marathon
Everything you need to know about the race.
The Abingdon Marathon was first held in 1982 and will celebrate its 40th edition in 2024. The course is flat and fast, almost all on roads, and is a great race to go for a personal best time.
Although the race entry has grown over the years, we will always remain a small marathon.
Our focus remains on providing a great experience for our runners.
The 2024 Abingdon Marathon is again part of the Road Running County Championships.
New for 2024
We are now one of only seven UK qualifying races for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Rankings.
PBs and world records
Our race attracts runners from running clubs nationwide seeking personal best times and those wishing to complete their first marathon.
Over 300 UK running clubs were represented at the 2023 event, and the race is attracting a growing number of overseas runners.
Various world records were set at the event. We boast the fastest Father Christmas and records for running with a single and a double buggy (with children).
Organised by volunteers
The Abingdon Marathon is organised by an experienced race committee, most of whom are keen runners. This ensures the event focuses on the athletes, and the committee prides itself on the professional yet warm and welcoming feel of the event.
Organising a marathon is a considerable job, and, as always, the committee is very grateful for the support from Oxfordshire County Council, the Vale of White Horse District Council, Abingdon Town Council and local parish councils. On top are a large number of local clubs and voluntary organisations, without whose assistance the race could not take place.
The Abingdon Marathon core team.
Committee clubs
The marathon committee comprises members of three local running clubs.
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Abingdon AC
Abingdon AC is a diverse and friendly athletics club with various groups to suit our wide range of athletes.
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Harwell Harriers
Harwell Harriers are a friendly bunch of runners from various walks of life who love running in common based at Boundary Park, Great Western Park, and Didcot.
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Headington Road Runners
Headington RoadRunners is built firmly around its members, its motto being Running Together. The club aims to encourage and support its members with all their running aims.
Raising money for charity
The event needs many volunteers to allow it to run smoothly and safely. Each year, we need the support of voluntary organisations and individuals to help on the day. All surplus funds are donated to local charities and chosen organisations. In return for their time, volunteers can nominate a charity to receive a donation from us on their behalf.
Learn more information about the charities we support and how to volunteer.
The route
The route starts and finishes on the track at Tilsley Park Stadium. From there, it takes you through Abingdon town centre, along the Thames, through picturesque villages south of the town, and then back through Abingdon to the finish.
We are sorry that the course is unsuitable for unaccompanied wheelchair competitors.
A day to remember
Whether you are taking part as a runner, supporting your family or friends as they run the race, or just enjoying the event's spectacle and enthusiasm, we hope it will be a day to remember.
Sarah Dudgeon of Art of Your Success holds the medal she designed for the marathon. Sarah also provided the multi-functional head gear given out to runners.