FAQs

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

Affiliation means a member of a club affiliated to a National Association (e.g. England Athletics, Scottish Athletics, etc.)

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

Visit the My Events page on https://myevents.active.com/ 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.

Yes, subject to availability

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 15 years old on race day to run the Turing 10K
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

Plan ahead with confidence, knowing that if your plans do change then you can transfer your place to a friend or family member.

1. The transfer is like for like and can not be transferred to a different distance/event.
2. You will need to log back into your registration and select 'TRANSFER REGISTRATION' to transfer your place to another runner.
3. 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.
4. No transfers can take place after 31st March – no exceptions.

Merchandise orders will be posted within four weeks of order.

Yes, we welcome entrants from overseas. You will need to collect your race pack from the Information Desk on the morning of the race.

Yes, you can transfer between events up until 31 March at midnight [ 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.

Yes, there is an Active booking fee of 4.68% which goes directly to Active Networks to cover card processing for all entries.

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

Yes, you can make your registration refundable by adding ACTIVE REFUND at checkout. Receive a refund if you are unwilling or unable to attend the event for any reason. Submit a refund request 48 hours prior to the start of the event. You will see the option to purchase ACTIVE REFUND during registration checkout. Visit refund.active.com/event to submit a Refund Request and view the Terms & Conditions.

Entries before 31st March

Running numbers are not posted.

• Collect your running number from Up & Running.
• Monday 17th April at 11:00 until Saturday 29th April at 17:00
• Up & Running, Elder Gate, Portway, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EN
• You can also collect Friends & Family running numbers. You will just need to confirm their full name and postcode.

April Entries

Running numbers are not posted.

• Later entries will close on 16th April at midnight.
• As soon as we close registration, we will prepare your number and get it to Up & Running for collection between;
• Monday 24th April at 11:00 until Saturday 29th April at 17:00
• Elder Gate, Portway, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EN
• You can also collect Friends & Family running numbers. You will just need to confirm their full name and postcode.

If you are not sure when you entered, then you can check your Active account here: myevents.active.com

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 27th April: 16:00 - 20:00
• Friday 28th April: 16:00 - 20:00
• Elder Gate, Portway, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EN

COLLECTING DURING RACE WEEKEND

• If you are unable to collect your Running Number from Up & Running then you will be able to collect it from the Info Point on event days.
• See the Event Village map for the location.
• SUNDAY: 08:00 - 20:00
  
• MONDAY: 08:00 - 10:00
  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. There will be NO entries on race day.
2. Safety pins can be found on a table near the Info Point. Please do not get in the Info Point queue to get pins.
3. Attach your number to the front of your running top where marshals can see it and complete any medical details on the back.
4. 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.
5. We do not offer refunds for this event. If you purchased ACTIVE REFUND during registration checkout, then please visit refund.active.com/event to submit a Refund Request and view their Terms & Conditions.

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.

The nearest railway station is Milton Keynes Central which is 1.6 miles from the event village. The station is served by trains from London Euston & Birmingham New Street.

Skyline 01908 222111 is a local taxi firm.

For train timetable information and to plan a journey contact National Rail inquiries on 08457 484950.
www.nationalrail.co.uk

There is plenty of accessible parking in the centre:mk Multi-Storey Car Park.

If you're getting dropped off or picked up, we recommend using the area near Xscape.

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We are extremely excited to announce that we are moving the event to Campbell Park, the premium event space in Milton Keynes from 2023.

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The event village will open at 08:00 on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

Yes, there will be baggage areas on the Campbell Park event plateau next to the start zones

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Yes, you can buy event merchandise from the Info Point on the event plateau.

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Dogs are welcome in the event village and the meadow finish area, however, they are not allowed to run with you.

We love seeing all of your furry friends, bringing so much joy to our amazing runners. We just ask that they are kept on a lead at all times. Keeping off the course and ensuring they do not interfere with the runners.

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.

Turing 10K: Water will be available at Mile 3 and at the finish.

Half Marathon: Water will be available at approx miles 3, 6, 9, 10.5, and 12.5. Orange Boost sports drink will be at approx mile 10.5. High5 gels will be available at approx mile 9. Water will be available at the finish.

Marathon/Relay: Water will be available at approx miles 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 23.5, and 25.5. Orange Boost sports drink will be available at approx miles 12, and 23. High5 gels will be available at approx miles 9 and 20.5. Water will be available at the finish.

Water will be handed to runners in compostable and recyclable paper cups *.

If you would like to bring your own refillable bottle, there will be refill points near the start, and at water stations 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 or smooth redway sections. Some sections will be on gravel paths. 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 – 1 Hour
• Turing 10K – 2 Hours
• Half Marathon – 7 hours
• Marathon & Relay – 7 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 the Mile 21 water stop by 15:30 they will be asked to withdraw from the race.

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

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, there will be sports massages 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.

Half Marathon: Approx miles 2.6, 6.2, and 13.1

Marathon/Relay: Approx miles 2.6, 6.2, 10, 14, 17.5, 20, 21, and 26.2

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

Details of the Relay HQ will be published closer to the event.

The Team Captain must attend a race briefing at 09:00 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.

Relay changeover points will be located at mile 6.2, 13.1 and 20. You can either nominate a team driver or take it in turns to drive 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 1st male, 1st female, and 1st Mixed team (at least one lady). Prizes will be presented on the main stage at 14:00

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

Please see the event schedule

Runner numbers are not posted.

You will be able to collect your runner number from Up & Running in the weeks leading up to the event.

If you were unable to collect your runner number from Up & Running, then you will be able to collect it from the Race HQ in Campbell Park before the race. The HQ will be open from 08:00

Details will be published in the race guide.

The Rocket 5k will start on the event plateau in Campbell Park.

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The Rocket 5K will finish in the meadow below the Light Pyramid

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

Yes see prizes

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

The minimum age for participants is 12 on race day. Under 18’s must be entered by an adult.

Please see the event schedule

Runner numbers are not posted.

You will be able to collect your runner number from Up & Running in the weeks leading up to the event.

If you were unable to collect your runner number from Up & Running, then you will be able to collect it from the Race HQ in Campbell Park before the race. The HQ will be open from 15:30

Details will be published in the race guide.

The Turing 10K will start next to the amphitheatre.

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The Turing 10K will finish in the meadow below the Light Pyramid

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

Yes see prizes

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.

Yes, there will be a water stop at the halfway point. Water will be given to runners in recyclable paper cups.

Water will also be available at the finish.

You are very welcome to bring your own water bottle and this can be refilled at the water stop if required.

Sorry no, we only give finisher t-shirts for the Monday events (half/relay/full marathon).