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
How do I enter?
Entry will be online only via the safe Eventrac portal, which can be accessed 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.
How do I qualify for UKA Affiliated entry?
You just need to add your affiliation number when you enter to gain £2 discount.
I have moved house/changed address since entering; can I change my contact details?
Visit mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk to manage your event registration. You can change your details at any time until 31 March @ midnight.
Can we pay / enter as a group / company?
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.
Will there be entries on the day of the race?
Subject to availability. Please check social media before the event for details.
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 12 years old on race day to run the MK Rocket 5K
No age restriction for the Superhero Fun Run
Can I change my registration to a different distance?
You can change your booking to another distance, subject to availability, until 31st March.
Changes can not take place after 31st March – no exceptions.
Go to mkmarathon.com/registration-info for details.
If I am unable to run can I transfer my number to someone else?
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.
Can I defer my place to the following year?
You can defer your entry to the following year until 31 March. Log into your Eventrac account at mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/users/profile and click ‘amend my details.’ Please note that there is a £10.00 transfer/deferral fee (plus booking fee).
You can only defer up to 31st March at midnight.
When will I receive the merchandise that I ordered with my race entry?
Merchandise orders will be posted within four weeks of order.
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. Please see "My Rack Pack" FAQs for details.
Do I have to pay a service fee on top of the entry price?
Yes, there is a booking fee of 6.56% + 25p which goes directly to Eventrac to cover servicing the entry.
How do I know if my online entry worked?
Visit mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk to check your entry
Assistant/Guides
If you are running with a guide or assistant, please let us know, and we can assign you one free place for your guide.
Please note that we will ONLY issue free places for a guide runner until midnight on 31 March.
Can I take out insurance when I enter?
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.
Why am I unable to log back into my account?
You can enter the event without creating an account on Eventrac, which may be why your details are not recognised. If you feel this may be the case, please follow the link on your confirmation email where you will have the option to create an account.
MY RACE PACK
Will my race number be posted?
Running numbers are not posted
ENTRIES BEFORE 31 MARCH
- Running numbers are not posted.
- Collect your running number from the Up & Running store in Milton Keynes.
- Between the 21st of April and the day before the event at 16:00.
ENTRIES BEFORE 17 APRIL
- Running numbers are not posted.
- Collect your running number from the Up & Running store.
- Between the 28th of April and the day before the event at 16:00.
LATE ENTRIES
- Running numbers are not posted.
- Collect your running number from the Info Desk (see below).
AT THE MINI EXPO
- You can grab a late entry place only at the Mini Expo, subject to availability.
- The Mini-Expo will be held at the Up & Running store.
- Thursday before the event: 16:00 - 20:00
- Friday before the event: 16:00 - 20:00
- See Registration Info for pricing.
COLLECTING ON RACE DAY - INFO DESK
- If you cannot collect your running number from the Up & Running store, you can, as a last resort, collect it from the Info Desk on Race Day.
- ROCKET 5K - RACE DAY from Weatherspoon, Midsummer Boulevard: 07:15 - 08:30
- HALF/MARATHON - RACE DAY from inside the Arena (via gate 6): 07:00 - 08:30
- MARATHON RELAY - RACE DAY from Bar 3, near Gate 7 of StadiumMK: 07:00 - 08:30
- SUPERHERO FUN RUN - RACE DAY from inside the Arena (via gate 6): 08:00 - 9:00
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Up & Running, Inside Go Outdoors, Central Retail Park, Patriot Dr, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes MK13 8PU.
- You can also collect the running numbers of friends and family. You will need to confirm their full name and postcode.
- If you are not sure when you entered, then you can check your account here: mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk/users/profile
- There will be NO entries on race day.
- Safety pins are on a table near the Info Desk. Please do not go to the Info Desk queue to get pins.
- Attach your number to the front of your running top where marshals can see it and complete any medical details on the back.
- 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 following UKA guidelines.
- We do not offer refunds for this event.
- When you receive your Running Number, you will be ready to run! Just pin on your number, and you're ready to go.
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 finish time. Your time will start when you cross the start line. The timing chip is disposable.
Can I get a replacement bib?
It is important that you do not let anyone else use your bib number to prevent misidentification in an emergency. If you have misplaced your bib number, replacement bis can be arranged at the info desk - these will be charged at £7.50
TRAVEL AND PARKING
Getting to the Stadium
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
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 main line from London Euston, and is approximately 3 miles from stadium MK.
Please check National Rail enquiries when planning your travel.
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.
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.
How do I book stadium parking?
Stadium parking will be available to book starting in January. You can pre-book event parking using the RingGo App or by calling RingGo on 02030 460 010 and quoting the code below. https://ringgo.co.uk/
Use RingGo code: TBC
You can only access the stadium site from Grafton Street if you have pre-booked parking via RingGo. Your receipt will be checked on entry.
Please car share if possible.
Can I book accessible Parking?
Accessible stadium parking will be available to book starting in January. You can pre-book accessible parking using the RingGo App or by calling RingGo on 02030 460 010 and quoting the code below. https://ringgo.co.uk/
Use RingGo code: TBC
You can only access the stadium site from Grafton Street if you have pre-booked parking via RingGo. Your receipt will be checked on entry.
Please car share if possible.
Alternative parking on race day?
We suggest you try to book a space via Your Parking Space.
If you have not pre-booked a parking space close to the stadium, we suggest you head for a local industrial area. Use postcode: MK1 1LG, MK1 1NL or MK1 1DH
Is there electric Charging at the stadium?
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.
Arriving by Bus
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
Can I get a taxi from the station to the stadium?
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).
What roads will be closed?
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/
Is there somewhere to leave my bicycle?
If you are cycling to the event, you can leave your bike with the Trek team in the bike park near stadium gate 5 (southeastern corner). This is a free service.
Do we need to pay for parking if we're taking part in the relay?
Relay teams will receive a parking permit for one vehicle a week before the event.
Relay team parking will be close to the stadium site.
Is there a drop off location?
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
Where is Stadium MK?
Stadium MK is just off the A5, south of Centre Milton Keynes.
Stadium MK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST
What time does the event venue open?
The stadium will open at 07:00 on Bank Holiday Monday.
Where is the race day Number Collection desk situated?
The Bank Holiday Monday race day Number Collection desk will be just inside Gate 6 in the Arena at the south end of the stadium, StadiumMK, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK1 1ST
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.
Probably the best baggage facilities of any race!
Will there be a designated area for runners to meet their friends and family afterwards?
Yes, we suggest you arrange to meet your friends and family outside Gate 6 where there will be a DJ, street food and a bar.
Will I be able to buy event merchandise at the event?
Yes, you can buy event merchandise from the Info Desk after your race.
Are there showers and changing facilities?
There are no showers. However, there are large toilets in the Arean which you can change in.
Will there be toilets in the stadium?
Yes, the stadium has plenty of toilets for tens of thousands of participants.
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.
Are dogs allowed in stadium?
Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the stadium.
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.
Accessibility
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
Is the course distance accurate?
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.
What time does the race start?
Please see the Event Schedule for race dates/times.
Can my family track me on the course?
Yes, they can track your timing chip as you cross timing mats on the course, however, your real-time location on the map might not be accurate if you speed up or slow down between mats. The tracking will capture your time at 1 Mile, 10KM, 13.1 Miles, Mile 20, and when they cross the finish line.
mkmarathon.com/results
What is the running surface like?
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.
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
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.
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.
Are toilets available on the course?
Yes, portable toilets will be available at every water stop
Will there be mile markers?
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.
Is there a time limit on finishing the race?
- 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.
Will I get a T-Shirt after I 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.
Can I run in fancy dress?
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.
What refreshments are provided?
Rocket 5K: Water will be available at the finish.
Half Marathon:
- Mile 3 - Water in bottles
- Mile 5 - Water in bottles & cups
- Mile 8 - Water in bottles & cups plus High5 Gels
- Mile 11 - Water in bottles & cups plus Boost Orange sport in cups
- Water will be available at the finish
Marathon/Relay:
- Mile 3 - Water in bottles
- Mile 5 - Water in bottles & cups
- Mile 8 - Water in bottles & cups plus High5 Gels
- Mile 11 - Water in bottles & cups plus Boost Orange sport in cups
- Mile 12.5 - Water in bottles
- Mile 15 - Water in bottles & cups
- Mile 18 - Water in bottles & cups plus Boost Orange sport in cups
- Mile 21 - Water in cups & High5 Gels
- Mile 24 - Water in bottles & cups plus Boost Orange sport in cups
- 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 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.
Can I take part on a bike, roller skates, skateboards or pushing a buggy?
Participants are not permitted to use any of the above or similar in the event.
I am a wheelchair user. Can I take part?
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.
Can I wear earphones/listen to music during the race?
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.
When and where will the results be published?
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.
Will I get a medal at the finish?
Yes, all those runners who complete the race will receive a quality commemorative medal.
Is there a sports massage available at the finish?
Yes, Body Limits will be offering sports massages in the Arena after the finish. Expect to pay a small charge for this service.
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’.
Littering
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.
Are there timing mats on the course
Yes, we will have regular timing points on the course.
MARATHON RELAY
How many people make up a team in the Marathon Relay?
You must have a team of 4 runners to take part.
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 (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.
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
Where’s the meeting point?
The Relay Team room will be in a bar at Stadium MK near gate 7 in the southwest corner.
What time should we get there?
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.
Where can we leave our kit bags?
We suggest you take your bag with you in the team vehicle so that you have it when you finish your leg.
How do we get around the course?
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.
Will we have to run with a baton?
Yes, the timing chip will be in the baton, and your team must finish with the baton to get your team time. Your team must return your baton to the Relay Team room at the end of the event, where you will be able to collect your medals.
Are there prizes?
There will be prizes for the...
- 1st male
- 1st female
- 1st Mixed team (at least one lady).
- Prizes will be presented at the finish area
Prizes will consist of a team award, plus a memento to each team member.
Do we have to run in a particular order?
No, team members can run in any order you like, but the team bibs must be used in sequences A, B, C then D.
Can our team finish in the stadium together?
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.
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Relay team parking at the stadium
Relay teams will receive a parking permit for one vehicle a week before the event.
The stadium now use RingGo, so you will need to provide your team car registration by 15th April at the latest. We need to register it so that you don't get a parking fine. If we do not receive your team car registration by 15th April then you will need to find alternative parking close to the stadium.
Relay team parking will be at the stadium site.
ROCKET 5K
What day is the 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
Will my race number be posted?
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.
Where is the Race HQ?
Race HQ inside Wetherspoons Pub, 201 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EA from 08:00 on race day
Where does the Rocket 5K start?
The Rocket 5K start will be on Midsummer Boulevard outside Wetherspoons Pub @ 09:00 prompt
Where does the Rocket 5K finish?
The finish area will be outside Stadium MK in the perimeter road Stadium Way, Milton Keynes MK1 1ST
How do I get from the finish to the start?
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
Will I get a medal?
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.
Are there prizes for the Rocket 5K?
Yes, trophies: First 3 Men and First 3 Ladies.
The presentation will take place at the finish area.
Where can we leave our kit bag?
No baggage facilities will be available for this event and runners should turn up ready to run.
What is the age limit?
The minimum age for participants is 13 on race day. Under 18’s must be entered by an adult.