FAQs

If you have any questions then check out these handy Frequently Asked Questions where we list answers to the majority of emails we receive.



RACE ENTRY

Entry will be online only via the safe Eventrac portal by clicking the ENTER NOW tab on the website. You cannot enter over the phone or through the post. Payment is by debit or credit card only.

You just need to add your affiliation number when you enter to gain £2 discount.

Visit mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk to manage your event registration. You can change your details at any time until 31 March @ midnight.

Yes, the person entering can add additional runners and pay with one credit/debit card. Alternatively, the business can pay for multiple entries by bacs. Send us an email for details.

Subject to availability. Please check social media before the event for details.

You must be at least 18 years old on race day to run the MK Marathon.
You must be at least 17 years old on race day to run the MK Half Marathon
You must be at least 17 years old on race day to run the MK Marathon Relay
You must be at least 12 years old on race day to run the MK Rocket 5K
No age restriction for the Superhero Fun Run

You have the flexibility to change your booking to another distance, subject to availability, until 31st March. Log into your Eventrac account mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/users/profile and select ‘change race’.

You can transfer your place to another runner up until 31st March. Log into your Eventrac account mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/users/profile and click ‘transfer to someone else’. Once the new runner has registered, signed the waiver, and paid the CURRENT entry price the original entrant will receive a refund of the original entry fee minus the booking fee.

Transfers can not take place after 31st March – no exceptions.

Plan with confidence, knowing that if your plans do change then you can defer your place to the following year by selecting ‘change race’ here mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/users/profile

You can only defer between 1st March and 14th April – no exceptions.

There will be a £10 deferral fee.

Merchandise orders will be posted within four weeks of order.

Yes, we welcome entrants from overseas. You will need to collect your race pack. Please see "My Rack Pack" FAQs for details.

Yes, there is a booking fee of 6.56% + 25p which goes directly to Eventrac to cover servicing the entry.

If running with a guide/assistant, please let us know and we can issue you with one free place for your guide.

Yes, we highly recommend that you take out Insurance when you enter.

  • Covid-19 infection, see details
  • Sickness, Accident, Injury
  • Public transport failure
  • Private vehicle failure
  • Emergency services recall
  • Home emergency
  • Immediate relative sickness
  • Pre-existing medical conditions

And many more…

Upgrade your booking and receive a 100% refund if you cannot attend and can evidence one of the many reasons in our Terms and Conditions, which you accept when you select a Refundable Booking.

This insurance is offered through Refundable Booking and you must contact them directly in the case of a claim and not the MK Marathon team.


MY RACE PACK

Entries on or before 31st March

Running numbers are not posted.

  • Collect your running number from the Up & Running store.
  • Between Monday 22nd April at 11:00 and Sunday 5th May at 16:00 (5k bibs up until Saturday 4th May @ 16:00)
  • Up & Running, Inside Go Outdoors, Central Retail Park, Patriot Drive, Milton Keynes MK13 8PU
  • You can also collect Friends and family running numbers. You will just need to confirm their full name and postcode.
  • See below if you need to collect on race day.

Entries on or before 15th April

Running numbers are not posted.

  • Collect your running number from the Up & Running store.
  • Between Monday 29th April at 11:00 and Sunday 5th May at 16:00 (5k bibs up until Saturday 4th May @ 16:00)
  • Up & Running, Inside Go Outdoors, Central Retail Park, Patriot Drive, Milton Keynes MK13 8PU
  • You can also collect Friends and family running numbers. You will just need to confirm their full name and postcode.
  • See below if you need to collect on race day.

If you are not sure when you entered, then you can check your account here: mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/users/profile

LATE ENTRIES AT THE MINI EXPO

  • You will be able to grab a late entry place (subject to availability) and sort out any issues only at the Mini Expo, which will be held at Up & Running.
  • Thursday 2 May: 16:00 - 20:00
  • Friday 3rd May: 16:00 - 20:00
  • Up & Running, Inside Go Outdoors, Central Retail Park, Patriot Drive, Milton Keynes MK13 8PU

COLLECTING ON RACE DAY

  • If you are unable to collect your running number from the Up & Running store then as a last resort, you will be able to collect it on Race Day.
  • ROCKET 5K - SUNDAY 5th May from Weatherspoon, Midsummer Boulevard: 07:00 - 08:30
  • HALF/MARATHON - MONDAY 6th May from just inside Gate 6 of the Arena: 07:00 - 08:30
  • MARATHON RELAY - MONDAY 6th May from Bar 3, near Gate 7 of StadiuymMK: 07:00 - 08:30
  • SUPERHERO FUN RUN - MONDAY 6th May from the Cow Shed Balcony, just off the Stadium Concourse: 08:00 - 9:00

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  1. Up & Running, Inside Go Outdoors, Central Retail Park, Patriot Dr, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes MK13 8PU.
  2. You can also collect Friends and family running numbers. You will just need to confirm their full name and postcode.
  3. If you are not sure when you entered, then you can check your account here: mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/users/profile
  4. There will be NO entries on race day.
  5. Safety pins can be found on a table near the Info Desk. Please do not get in the Info Desk queue to get pins.
  6. Attach your number to the front of your running top where marshals can see it and complete any medical details on the back.
  7. Any runner found running with a number in another runner’s name or without a valid entry will be disqualified and may be banned from future events. This is in accordance with UKA guidelines.
  8. We do not offer refunds for this event.
  9. When you receive your Running Number you are ready to run! Just pin on your number and you're ready to go.

Yes, the timing chip is inside the foam strips on the back of your runner number. You must not damage these or try to remove them from the back of the number otherwise you will not get a finish time. Your time will start when you cross the start line. The timing chip is disposable.


TRAVEL AND PARKING

We're located in the heart of Milton Keynes, at the centre point between London, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge. Getting here is easy, with excellent transport links by road, train, and bus. If you're coming from London, we're just a 35-minute train journey from central London. Whether you're driving or using public transport, you'll find us easily accessible and well-connected.

Stadium MK, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST

Getting to stadium MK

 

The three nearest train stations are Fenny Stratford, Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central.

You can walk from Fenny Stratford or Bletchley, however Milton Keynes Central is the largest station and is on the main line from London Euston, and is approximately 3 miles from stadium MK.

Please check National Rail enquiries when planning your travel.

 

Sorry, we do not currently offer a free shuttle bus from the station. We suggest you share a taxi with other runners at the station.

Sorry we do not offer coach transfers from London. We have offered this in the past and did not get the numbers required to make this a viable service.

You can now pre-book event parking at the stadium using the RingGo App, or by calling RingGo on 02030 460 010 and quoting the code below. https://ringgo.co.uk/

Please ignore the blue box warning as this parking can be booked by anyone.

Use RingGo code: 63467

The cost is £8.00 for up to 12 hours.

You will only be able to access the stadium site from Grafton Street, and only if you have pre-booked parking via RingGo. Your receipt will be checked on entry.

Please car share if possible.

Pay for event parking at Stadium MK

Stadium MK has 200 accessible parking spaces for guests who require them.

Parking tariffs apply and are paid via RingGo and a blue badge must be displayed

StadiumMK Parking Charges

We suggest you try and book a space via Your Parking Space.

If you have not pre-booked a car parking space close to the stadium we suggest you head for a local industrial area. Use postcode: MK1 1LG, MK1 1NL or MK1 1DH

Allego’s new Ultra-Fast EV charging hub, located on the West side of the Stadium, adjacent to Fitness First, will allow visitors to Stadium MK, as well as residents and passing traffic, to charge their electric vehicle whenever they need, and in no more than 10-15 minutes.

MK1 is accessible by bus from Milton Keynes Town Centre in between 20-30 minutes. Either via 6 Sapphire / 150 MAX to Stadium MK (Stop A) or via Sapphire 5 to Bond Avenue.

For the latest bus times see:  https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/our-services/sapphire-services

Hackney Carriages charge approximately £10 from Central Milton Keynes Station to the stadium. Licensed private hire companies vary, but will be less than this.

The three big licensed minicab companies in Milton Keynes are:
Eezy: 01908 218218
Raffles: 01908 222222
Skyline: 01908 222111

These are fully licensed and will show Milton Keynes minicab 'BLUE' plates to the rear of the vehicle. To use the services of a minicab a person MUST FIRST pre-book with the operator (company).

To safeguard our participants, some roads will be closed or have restrictions on the day of the event. The latest road closure details can be found here: mkmarathon.com/road-closures/

If you are cycling to the event, then you can leave your bike with the Trek team in the bike park close to stadium gate 5 (southeastern corner).
///expect.vets.takes

No, you do not need to pay for parking for your team vehicle. All relay teams will receive a parking permit for one vehicle a week before the event.

Relay team parking will be at the stadium site.

There will be a designated drop-off point on the west side of the stadium outside the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel. Access this via Grafton Street which is just off the A5 or use postcode MK1 1ST


THE VENUE

Stadium MK is just off the A5, south of Centre Milton Keynes.

Stadium MK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST

Getting to stadium MK

The stadium will open at 07:00 on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Bank Holiday Monday race day Number Collection desk will be just inside Gate 6 at the south end of the stadium, StadiumMK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK1 1ST

MK Marathon race day registration, information and merchandise desk.

Yes, we offer a secure baggage area in the stadium arena. Please use gate 6. Securely attach the baggage label to your bag.

Yes, we suggest you arrange to meet your friends and family outside gate 6

Yes, they can come and go as they please and do not need to book

Yes, you can buy event merchandise from the Info Point after your race.

MK Marathon race day registration, information and merchandise desk.

There are no showers but there are changing facilities.

Yes, the stadium has plenty of toilets for tens of thousands of participants.

 

You’ll find lots of activities and services at the stadium including our charity and retail partners, First Aid, food and drink, massage and physio, toilets, a help desk and a wide range of entertainment.

Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the stadium.

We are working hard to raise as much money as possible for the charities listed on our Run For Charity page. However you can raise money for any charity you like.

The entire Stadium is fully accessible with step-free access. Stadium MK, home of MK Dons, has always worked to enhance and develop facilities to make improvements for disabled visitor's experiences.

Since the building of the Stadium, the Club has looked to provide suitable seating at ground level, overlooking the pitch, for supporters all around the ground.

 In 2022, Stadium MK was known as a ‘flagship for disability provision’ Stadium MK was awarded Level Playing Fields Best Away Fan experience across the Premier League, EFL, and the National League. 

 In 2018, Stadium MK became the first football stadium to provide fully equipped specialist disabled changing facilities, supported in conjunction with the MK Dons Supporters Association (MKDSA).

 Stadium MK is proud to have the third most accessible toilets in England, which include some Stoma-friendly facilities around the concourse. 

Further information: https://www.stadiummk.com/accessibility


THE COURSE

Yes, all of the Milton Keynes Marathon routes have all been officially measured as accurate by the Association of UK Course Measurers to the AIMS worldwide standard. MK is a qualifying event for Boston, London, and other Majors.

Please see the Event Schedule for race dates/times.

Rocket 5K: Water will be available at the finish.

Half Marathon:

  1. Mile 3 - Water in bottles
  2. Mile 5 - Water in bottles
  3. Mile 8 - Water in cups & High5 Gels
  4. Mile 11 - Water in cups & Boost Orange sport in cups
  5. Water will be available at the finish

Marathon/Relay:

  1. Mile 3 - Water in bottles
  2. Mile 5 - Water in bottles
  3. Mile 8 - Water in cups & High5 Gels
  4. Mile 11 - Water in cups & Boost Orange sport in cups
  5. Mile 12.5 - Water in cups
  6. Mile 15 - Water in bottles
  7. Mile 18 - Water in bottles & Boost Orange sport in cups
  8. Mile 21 - Water in cups & High5 Gels
  9. Mile 24 - Water in cups & Boost Orange sport in cups
  10. Water will be available at the finish

If you would like to bring your own refillable bottle, there will be refill points at the water stations offering cups only where you can refill your bottle.

Please discard your cup/bottle in the bags provided at the side of the path. These will be collected for recycling. Do not drop bottles on the path for participants behind to trip over!

* Our recyclable paper cups look and feel exactly the same as conventional plastic-coated or PLA-coated cups. The key difference is that these cups are actually optimised to be recycled back into high-grade paper using conventional paper recycling equipment [Paper mills do not need to change or invest in new machinery].

  • Inner Cup lining is 100% Recyclable and 100% compostable.
  • A sustainable recycling message is printed on the side of the cup.
  • Materials are Certified suitable by the WMU for mainstream recycling.
  • Materials are Certified compostable to standard EN 13432.
  • Complies with EU food contact regulations.
  • Manufactured to ISO and BRC standards.

The majority of the race is run on good tarmac roads and wide redways. The finish around the football pitch is half tarmac and half artificial grass which can be a little slippery if wet.

Half Marathon every 5 minutes from 1:30 to 2:15 plus 2:30 and 2:45
Full Marathon every 15 minutes from 3:00 to 5:15 plus 5:30

You can also purchase a Pace Pocket when you enter, or before 31 March. Pace Pocket is fabric wristbands with a storage pocket for keys, etc, and printed with your choice of split times.

Comprehensive medical cover will be provided in accordance with England Athletics guidelines. However, if you feel unwell on the day or you’ve been ill during the previous week, we recommend that you don’t participate in the run.

Yes, portable toilets will be available at every water stop

There will be a mile marker at every mile, located on the nearest lamp post to the mile point.

There will be a km marker every km for the Rocket 5k, located on the nearest lamp post to the mile point.

  • Rocket 5K – 45 Minutes
  • Half Marathon – 3.5 hours
  • Marathon & Relay – 6.5 hours

We cannot guarantee that marshals, medical cover, drinks stations, and road closures will be in place after the cut-off.

MARATHON RUNNERS: If a marathon runner doesn’t reach Mile 16.5 (split point) by 14:20 they will be directed along the bottom of Willen Lake south to pick up the route at mile 20.5 to continue on the route to the finish.

Yes, marathon, half marathon and marathon relay finishers will receive a technical T-Shirt after the race.

You will be given the size you ordered when you entered the event. This can be changed up until 31st March.

You must collect your t-shirt at the event as these will not be posted out afterward.

Yes, we would love to see people in a sensible fancy dress out on the course, but do practice in your costume before race day, you may find it hot or uncomfortable to run in.

Participants are not permitted to use any of the above or similar in the event.

Unfortunately, no racing wheelchairs or any motorised wheelchairs are permitted however, you can take part in a rigid manual powered day chair. For your health and safety, we strongly advise that you start at the back of the field and a support runner accompanies you around the course. We highly recommend viewing the site and route first to assess suitability.

The use of bone conductor headphones is allowed, but NO OTHER types of headphones/earphones will be allowed at this event.
Anyone seen wearing headphones/earphones (excluding bone conductor headphones) will be disqualified from the race.
We know this isn’t fun, but your safety is our priority.
This is following England Athletics’ guidelines.

Results will be available as soon as you cross the finish line here: mkmarathon.com/results

We will also send you a text message with your results if you give us a valid mobile number when you enter.

Yes, all those runners who complete the race will receive a quality commemorative medal.

Yes, Body Limits will be offering sports massages in the Arena after the finish. Expect to pay a small charge for this service.

Yes, the MK Marathon is licensed by UKA and a member of AIMS, and your time will be eligible as a qualification time for other marathons such as Boston and London ‘good for age’.

Please do not drop any litter on the course after the 'NO LITTER' signs located 300m after each water stop.
Anyone seen dropping litter will be disqualified from the race.
Bins will be available at each water station.
Please leave Milton Keynes as you found it.

Yes, we will have regular timing points on the course.


MARATHON RELAY

You must have a team of 4 runners to take part.

Yes, you can have an all-male team, an all-female team, or a mixed team (at least one lady). There will be awards for the fastest team in each category.

You must select which category you want when you enter and this can not be changed. So if you enter a lady's team and a team member drops out, then you must substitute another lady.

Participants need to be 17 years of age on race day

The Relay HQ will be in a bar at Stadium MK near gate 7 in the southwest corner.

MK Marathon relay team meeting point at StadiumMK, Milton Keynes

 

The Team Captain must attend a race briefing at 08:00 and will be responsible for collecting the team running numbers and relay baton. Any team changes can also be reported when you collect your numbers.

There will be a baggage area for relay runners, or you can take your bag with you in the team vehicle.

Relay changeover points will be located at approximately miles 6.2, 13.1, and 20. You can either nominate a team driver or take turns driving your vehicle around the course. We will provide maps and detailed instructions to get you to each changeover point.

Yes, the timing chip will be in the baton and your team must finish with the baton in order to get a team time.

There will be prizes for the...

  1. 1st male
  2. 1st female
  3. 1st Mixed team (at least one lady).
  4. Prizes will be presented at the finish area

No, team members can run in any order you like, but the team bibs must be used in sequences A, B, C then D.

If your team would like to finish together, then meet your last runner in Saxon Street and then you can all run over the finish line together. Please be considerate to other finishers and do not block the path.

///crop.dress.dime

Relay teams will receive a parking permit for one vehicle a week before the event.

Relay team parking will be at the stadium site.

Mk Marathon Relay team parking at Stadium MK


ROCKET 5K

The Rocket 5K will take place the day before the marathon / half / relay / fun run events

Please see the event schedule for more information

Runner numbers are not posted.

Runner Numbers will NOT be posted for the Rocket 5K. You will be able to collect your number before the event – details will be emailed to all entries 2 weeks before the event.

Details will be published in the race guide.

Race HQ inside Wetherspoons Pub, 201 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EA from 08:00 on race day

The Rocket 5K start will be on Midsummer Boulevard outside Wetherspoons Pub @ 09:00 prompt

The finish area will be outside Stadium MK in the perimeter road Stadium Way, Milton Keynes MK1 1ST

We would suggest that runners car share and leave a car at the stadium area and then drive to the CMK start. If this isn’t possible then you will be able to book a return journey seat on a bus.

PARKING AT THE START (CMK)
Pay by phone using RingGo, location code 8694. This can be pre-booked to set the parking to start at 08.30.
myRingGo.co.uk

PARKING AT THE STADIUM
Please note that you need to pay for parking at the stadium site this year. Pay by phone using the RingGo app, location code 63452. This will need to start from the time you park.
myRingGo.co.uk

Yes, all finishers will receive a medal. In addition to the Rocket 5K finisher medals, runners who participate in both the Rocket 5K and either the Marathon, Half Marathon or Marathon Relay will receive a third medal – the MK Challenge Medal after they finish the main event.

Yes, trophies: First 3 Men and First 3 Ladies.

The presentation will take place at the finish area.

No baggage facilities will be available for this event and runners should turn up ready to run.

The minimum age for participants is 13 on race day. Under 18’s must be entered by an adult.

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