Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the The MK Marathon Weekend

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

Frequently Asked Questions

RACE ENTRY

1. How do I enter?

Entry will be online only via the safe Active Networks portal [ ENTER HERE ]. You cannot enter over the phone or through the post. Payment is by debit or credit card only.

2. How do I qualify for UKA Affiliated entry?

To qualify for UKA Affiliated entry, your running club must be recognised via the UKA Governing Body.

3. How do I know if my online entry worked?

Visit the My Events page on https://myevents.active.com/ to check your entry

4. When do entries close?

Entries will automatically close on 15th April 2020 @ midnight or sooner if sold out

5. Can you send me some entry forms?

Sorry we only accept online entries.

6. Can I enter over the phone?

No – please enter online.

7. I have moved house/changed address since entering; can I change my contact details?

Visit the My Events page on https://myevents.active.com/ to manage your event registration. You can change your details at any time until 31st March 2020 @ midnight.

8. Can we pay / enter as a group / company?

Yes, the person entering can add additional runners and pay with one credit/debit card.

9. Are there entries on the day of the race?

Sorry, no entries on the day. We may have some places to sell at the Mini Expo on April 30th and 1st May 3pm and 8pm.

10. What is the minimum age to enter the race?

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 13 years old on race day to run the MK Rocket 5K
No age restriction for the Superhero Fun Run

11. Am I able to have a refund or deferral if I am unable to run?

No, there will be no deferrals or refunds once you have entered the race and names cannot be changed after the 31st March transfer deadline.

You can purchase Registration Protection when you enter the event.

Free/competition/charity entries are non-deferrable. You can view the deadlines [ HERE ]

12. I am unable to run can I give my number to someone else?

You can transfer your place to another runner up until the March deadline. No transfers can be made after the deadline as your running number is unique to you and enable our safety team to access the personal details you have supplied to us quickly if needed on the day. UK Athletics rules state: Athletes who receive transferred numbers without permission will be disqualified from the race. You can view the Transfer Policy [ HERE ]

13. Are you offering concession prices for entries?

No. We are unable to offer discounted entries other than those listed on the entry page (Affiliated).

14. When will I receive the merchandise that I ordered with my race entry?

Merchandise orders will be posted within four weeks of order.

15. I didn’t order a Training Technical T-shirt when I entered the race, can I order one now?

Yes, click [ Here ] to pay for a T-shirt. T-shirts will be available on Race Day from the Merchandise Desk located in the stadium Arena, please use gate 6. All non-UK merchandise orders are to be collected from the Merchandise Desk.

16. I don’t live in the UK. Can I still enter?

Yes, we welcome entrants from overseas. You will need to collect your race pack from the Registration Desk on the morning of the race from 8 am. The Registration Desk will be located inside Gate 6 of the stadium.

17. Can I change events?

Yes, you can transfer between events up until the transfer deadline [ HERE ]. You will need to pay the difference between the events if you move up to the full marathon (there is no refund if you change from the marathon to the half marathon). No changes can take place after this date or if the event is full – no exceptions.

18. Do I have to pay a service fee on top of the entry price?

Yes, there is a service charge which goes directly to Active Networks to cover card processing for all entries.

MY RACE PACK

19. When do I receive my race number?

UK Residents:

Race packs, which include your race number/luggage tag/timing chip and final instructions will be sent to you at least two weeks before the race if you enter before 31st March @ 11:59 pm.

All entries after this date must be collected (collection option will be sent to you before the event).

Non-UK Residents:

Non-UK residents will receive an email before the race with final instructions. This email will advise you to collect your race pack on the morning of the race from the Registration Desk from 8 am. The Registration Desk will be located inside Gate 6 of the stadium..

20. What happens if my race pack doesn’t arrive on time?

You will be able to pick up a replacement on race day from the Registration Desk just inside Gate 6 of the Arena. The Registration Desk will be open from 08:00am.

21. What should I do if I lose my race number?

If you lose your race number please visit the Registration Desk on the morning of the race. The Registration Desk is located just inside Gate 6 at the south end of the stadium. The Registration Desk will be open from 08:00 am. To have another race number issued you must bring proof of entry, this can be a confirmation email or bank statement.

22. What happens if something is missing from my race pack?

You will be able to pick up a replacement pack on race day from the Registration Desk. The Registration Desk is located just inside Gate 6 at the south end of the stadium. The Registration Desk will be open from 08:00 am. Please bring your pack with you.

23. Will there be chip timing?

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 time.

TRAVEL AND PARKING

24. What is the nearest train station to the race?

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 mainline from London Euston, and is approximately 3 miles from stadium MK. Please check National Rail enquiries when planning your travel.

25. Free Shuttle Bus from Milton Keynes Station?

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.

26. Can I book a coach from London?

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.

27. When will parking be available to book?

Stadium and Park N Walk spaces will go on sale in January. Once Car Parking is available all registered runners will be emailed and given the opportunity to book car parking. Once you have booked parking you can come and go as you please.

28. Can non-runners book parking?

Yes

29. Where can I park on race day?

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

30. Is there disabled parking at the stadium?

There are about 40 disabled parking bays at the stadium, which will be allocated to blue badge holders on a 1st come basis and the MK Marathon have no control over these and spaces can not be booked.

31. When does the Stadium parking open?

The Stadium VIP car park opens at 07:00. The car park stewards use number plate recognition, so only attempt to enter if you have pre-booked parking.

STADIUM AREA

32. Where is Stadium MK?

Stadium MK is just off the A5, south of Centre Milton Keynes. The address is Stadium MK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST

33. Where is the Number Collection Desk situated?

The Number Collection Desk will be just inside Gate 6 at the south end of the stadium, StadiumMK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK1 1ST

34. What time does the stadium open?

The stadium will open at 8am

35. Will there be a designated area for runners to meet their friends and family afterward?

Yes, we suggest you arrange to meet your friends and family outside gate 5

36. Is there anywhere to leave my bags while I’m running?

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

37. Are there showers and changing facilities?

There are no showers but there are changing facilities.

38. What other facilities are at the stadium?

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.

39. Will I be able to buy event merchandise at the stadium?

Yes, you can buy event merchandise from the Merchandise Desk in the Arena, please use gate 6 before and after the race.

40. Will there be activities to entertain my family?

Yes, we will have bouncy castles, trampolines, face painting, and many more activities outside gate 5 in the Race Village

41. Is entry for spectators into the stadium free?

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

42. Are dogs allowed in the stadium?

43. Which charities does the Milton Keynes Marathon support?

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 COURSE

44. Where can I find advice on training?

You can get training support at the [ Training Zone section ] on runbritain.com

45. How long is the course?

The Rocket 5K course is 5K or 3.2miles.
The Half Marathon course is 21K or 13.1miles.
The Marathon/Relay course is 42K or 26.2miles.

46. Is the course distance accurate?

Yes, the Milton Keynes Marathon, Half Marathon, and Rocket 5K 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 and other Majors.

47. What time does the race start?

SATURDAY: The Rocket 5K is the day before the main events and starts at 9 am.
SUNDAY: The Marathon / Half / Relay all start at 10 am. The Superhero Fun Run starts at 10:30.

48. Is there a pre-race warm-up?

Yes, please go to your start zone and the warm-up will start at 09:40.

49. How does the race start work?

All competitors are issued with a colour-coded race number that reflects their estimated finish time. You should only start in the allocated colour zone. This will help prevent you from going too quickly or slowly at the start. Race results are done by gun time; however, your time starts when you pass under the gantry and over the chip mats so don’t worry if it takes a while to get through the start. Both your gun and chip time will appear in the results.

50. What refreshments are provided en-route?

MILTON KEYNES MARATHON

330ml sports top water bottles will be available at approximately mile: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 and the finish
Orange Isotonic sports drink in cups will be available at approximately mile: 9, 15 and 21
High5 energy gels (may contain caffeine) will be available at mile 12 and 18

MILTON KEYNES HALF MARATHON

330ml sports top water bottles will be available at approximately mile: 3, 6, 9, 12 and the finish
Orange Isotonic sports drink in cups will be available at approximately mile: 9

51. Will there be any refreshments available before or after the race?

There will be food and drink concessions inside the Stadium MK and outside in the Race Village where refreshments can be purchased before and after the race. All runners will receive a 500ml bottle of water at the finish and another bottle in their goody bag. There are several restaurants, fast food outlets outside the Stadium as well as food vendors and alcohol in the Race Village.

52. What is the running surface like?

The majority of the race is run on good tarmac roads or smooth Redway sections. Some sections will be on gravel paths. The finish around the football pitch is half Redway and half artificial grass which can be a little slippery if wet.

53. My training has been going better/worse than expected, should I start in a different zone?

Coloured start zones are to make the start more structured for everyone, however, we do allow runners to start in a different zone if necessary. Remember that your time doesn’t start until you cross the timing mat.

54. Are pacemakers available on course?

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

55. What medical coverage will be provided?

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.

56. Are there any first aid points on the course?

Marathon: Mile 7, 16, 21 and 24
Half: Mile 7 and 9

57. Are toilets available on the course?

Yes, at every water stop

58. Is the course fully marshaled?

Yes, there are marshals at every junction to ensure you go the right way and to cheer you on.

59. Is there entertainment around the course?

Yes, bands, choirs, DJ’s and cheering points

60. Is there a time limit on finishing the race?

Rocket 5K – 45 minutes.
Half Marathon time limit for the race is three and a quarter hours [ 3:15 ].
Marathon time limit for the race is six and a half hours [ 6:30 ].
We cannot guarantee that marshals, medical cover, drinks stations, and road closures will be in place after this.

MARATHON RUNNERS: If a marathon runner doesn’t reach the Mile 21 water stop by 15:30 they will be asked to withdraw from the race.

Stadium MK will close at 5 pm prompt.

61. Will I get a medal at the finish?

Yes, all those runners who complete the race will receive a quality commemorative medal. Get yours after you cross the finish line.

62. Will I get a T-Shirt at the finish?

Yes, marathon and half marathon finishers will receive a technical T-Shirt in the Arena after the race. Relay runners will receive theirs in the pre-function bar after the event.

63. Can I run in fancy dress?

Yes, we would love to see people in a 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.

64. Can I take part on a bike, stilts, roller skates, skateboards or pushing a buggy?

Participants are not permitted to use any of the above or similar in the event and those attempting to do so will be prohibited from starting and may be forcibly removed from the course mid-race where necessary. Likewise, anyone attempting to start or join the race in any outfit that we, in our absolute discretion, deem unsuitable and/or dangerous to other competitors or spectators, will not be allowed to start the event or if on the course, maybe forcibly removed from the event.

65. Can I take part in a wheelchair?

Sorry, the course is considered unsuitable for wheelchairs.

66. Can I wear earphones/listen to music during the race?

Rocket 5K…
Anyone who is not running for a prize can wear headphones at their own risk. If you do wear headphones PLEASE be considerate of your fellow runners. Wearing headphones DOES impair your hearing and there is every chance that you will not be able to hear important instructions, emergency services, or a fellow runner. If you must wear in-ear headphones, please leave one out!
Half / Marathon / Relay…
We hold this race under British / UK Athletics road race rules and regulations. From 1 April 2016, a new rule regarding the wearing of headphones in road races was introduced into the 2016-2018 edition of the UKA Rules of Competition. UKA has agreed that the use of bone conductor type headphones is acceptable, but NO OTHER types of headphones/earphones but these will be allowed. Anyone seen wearing headphones/earphones (excluding bone conductor headphones) will be asked to remove them and will be disqualified from the race. Sorry, we know it is not fun but your safety means more to us.

67. When and where will the results be published?

We offer runner tracking and results will be available immediately here: mkmarathon.com/results

68. Is there a sports massage available at the finish?

Yes, there will be sports massages at the finish in the Arena. Expect to pay a small charge for this service.

69. Will a ‘Good for Age’ time qualify me for another marathon?

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’.

SUPERHERO FUN RUN

70. What time does the Superhero Fun Run start?

The Superhero Fun Run starts at 10:30

71. Is there a pre-race warm-up for the Superhero Fun Run?

We get the Superheroes to do some Mexican waves but we do not have a warm-up as such

72. Can anyone take part in the Superhero Fun Run?

Yes, the Superhero Fun Run is open to anyone

73. How long is the Superhero Fun Run?

The Superhero Fun Run is approximately 1.5 miles long

74. What is the entry limit?

We have an entry limit of 1200 Superheroes. We sold out in 2016, so please enter on-line to avoid disappointment

75. Can I enter the Superhero Fun Run on the day?

Yes, if places are still available up to the entry of 1200 Superheroes

76. Are there prizes?

Trophies for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Superheroes home regardless of gender

77. Can I run in fancy dress?

Superhero costume essential!

MARATHON RELAY

78. How many people make up a team in the Marathon Relay?

You must have a team of 4 runners to take part

79. Can the team be made up of any gender?

Yes, you can have an all-male team, an all-female team or a mixed team. There will be awards for the 1st men, Ladies and Mixed teams

80. How old do you have to be to take part in the Marathon Relay?

Participants need to be 17 years of age on race day

81. Where’s the meeting point?

Relay teams should meet in the Pre-Function Bar of The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, MK1 1ST. This can be accessed via gate 5 or 7 of the stadium.

82. What time should we get there?

The meeting room will open at 8 am and all team members should be there for the team briefing at 9:15am

83. What will I be given on the day?

You will be given a running number, pins, and team relay baton. Water will be available on the course and at your relay change point

84. Where can we leave our kit bags?

You can leave your bag in the Pre-Function room at your risk, or take it with you in the team car

85. How do we get around the course?

Each team is expected to get around the course in their own vehicle. Maps of each change point will be sent to all team members at least 2 weeks before the event

86. Will we have to run with a baton?

Yes, each runner must pass the baton to the next runner. A team will face disqualification if they finish without the baton

87. Are there prizes?

Yes, prizes for the first three teams regardless of gender

ROCKET 5K

88. What day is the Rocket 5K?

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

89. Are numbers posted for the Rocket 5K?

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.

90. Where is the Race HQ?

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

91. Where does the Rocket 5K start?

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

92. Where does the Rocket 5K finish?

The finish area will be outside StadiumMK in the perimeter road

93. How do I get from the finish to the start?

We would suggest that the runner’s 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. There is plenty of parking in the stadium area and CMK.

94. Will I get a medal?

Yes, all finishers will receive a medal. In addition to the Rocket 5K finisher medals, runners who participating in both the Sunday 5K and the Marathon / Half / Relay will receive a third medal – the MK Challenge Medal.

95. Are there prizes for the Rocket 5K?

Yes, trophies: First 3 Men and First 3 Ladies

96. Where can we leave our kit bag?

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

97. What is the age limit?

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

ROAD CLOSURES

97. What time do the roads start closing and when do they re-open?

You can check the road closure details [ HERE ]

FAQs