Race information

Abingdon Marathon runner booklet

The booklet includes the route map, but you can also download the map separately below.

• View the information booklet for runners (3.4 MB, pdf)

• Spectator’s route map (pdf)

The 2024 Abingdon Marathon is again part of the Oxfordshire 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.

Entries, deferrals and refunds

Take a look at our entry page for details of our entries and other policies.

Date and start time

The date for the 2024 Abingdon Marathon is Sunday, 20 October. The race is scheduled to start at 9 am.

The course

The course is being reviewed to see if improvements can be made, but it will be a very similar course as previously. We’ll notify you of any changes in advance. Check out the route page to see the course.

Road closures

Road closures are only in force for:

• the first two-and-a-half miles

• 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)

• the last mile to Tilsley Park.

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. View the road closure information.

Finish time cut-off

There is a six hour time 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. If you decide you cannot complete the course, the sweep vehicle will return you to Tilsley Park.

Should you wish to continue, you will be advised that all marshalling and support personnel will be stood down once the six hour time limit has been reached, and if you continue, you do so entirely at your own risk.

The Race Director has the discretion to increase the cut-off time by a maximum of 15 minutes.

Course mile marking

The course is marked at every mile.

Drinks on the course

We provide drink stations every three miles, with Active Root sports drinks available shortly after miles 11, 14, 20, and 23. Active products will also be at the finish.

Toilets on the course

At the venue (Tilsley Park), there are toilets in the main building and portable toilets in the car park. We are reviewing the need for additional facilities on the course. The 2024 course map will show the locations of facilities and will be updated with any changes.

Supporters cycling on the course

We have published some information for supporters on the route page.

Whilst there is nothing stopping supporters from cycling around to support you, please bear in mind that the initial part of the course is closed to all traffic - including bikes - until the runners have passed. View the rules about cycle pacing.

Dropping out of the race

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

Post-race massage

Sportspecifc - Sports Massage Specialists offer post-race massage for £15. The team are located in the Energy Lounge within the main Tilsley Park building.

Prizes awarded

There are no cash prizes awarded.

All finishers will receive a medal

Trophies 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 four runners to score) – 1st

• Women (first three runners to score) – 1st

Non–binary entrants

In accordance with the UKA Rules for Competition 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

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.

Fancy dress

You may choose to run in fancy dress. This is fine, but please consider the weather conditions on race day! Make sure you take on the appropriate fluid to avoid dehydration.