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.

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

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

1. 1. The transfer is like for like and can not be transferred to a different distance/event.

1. 1. You will need to log back into your registration and select 'TRANSFER REGISTRATION' to transfer your place to another runner.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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. Please see "My Rack Pack" FAQs for details.

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 for your guide.

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.
• Wednesday 17th April at 11:00 until Sunday 5th May at 16:00
• Up & Running, Central Retail Park, Patriot Drive, Milton Keynes MK13 8PU
• 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 29th April at 11:00 until Sunday 5th May at 16:00
• Central Retail Park, Patriot Drive, Milton Keynes MK13 8PU
• 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 2 May: 16:00 - 20:00
• Friday 3rd May: 16:00 - 20:00
• Central Retail Park, Patriot Drive, Milton Keynes MK13 8PU

COLLECTING DURING RACE WEEKEND

•  You will be able to collect your Rocket 5K running numbers from Up & Running until Saturday 4th May, other events until Sunday 5th May at 4pm. 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 race guides for more information.
• ROCKET 5K SUNDAY: 08:00 - 10:00
• OTHER EVENTS - 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.

Milton Keynes Central is the main railway station and the most likely one that you'll arrive at. It is however, approximately four miles away from the stadium and therefore a taxi ride from the rank directly outside the train station is a very likely bet. The nearest railway station station to MK Dons' Stadium:MK is Bletchley.

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 on the ground floor in the centre:mk Multi-Storey Car Park.

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

///hiring.shaves.from

We are extremely excited to announce that we are moving the event back to the Stadium MK, the premium event space in Milton Keynes from 2024.

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

The stadium will open at 08:00 on Bank Holiday Monday.

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

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. Details will be published in the race guide.

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.

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.

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. Details will be published in the Event Guide 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 in the team vehicle.

Relay changeover points will be located at approximately miles 6.5, 12.5, and 20. You can either nominate a team driver or take it in 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.

///crop.dress.dime

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. There is plenty of parking at the stadium area and CMK.

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, trophies: First 3 Men and First 3 Ladies

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.