Marathon races near Havant

The Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon is a winter race weekend on England's south coast, centered on the Southsea seafront in Portsmouth. Participants can select from a marathon, half marathon, and shorter distances like 12K. Some editions of the series also feature a 50K ultra. The courses are flat, incorporating promenade, waterfront paths, coastal tracks, and multi-terrain sections, rather than being purely road races. The marathon begins seaside at Southsea, proceeding out and back towards Hayling Island. The route traces the edge of Langstone Harbour and other shoreline segments around Portsmouth. Runners will find expansive views across the Solent, extensive harbour running, well-supplied aid stations, and finish medals. The event embraces its winter timing with a festive atmosphere, and the broader Southsea event schedule includes fireworks over Southsea Common.

BigMud Trails begins and ends at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire. Runners immediately face a steep ascent up Butser Hill, the highest point in the South Downs. This is a winter trail event held in the Meon Valley, offering 50K, marathon, and 16-mile distances on single-lap courses within the South Downs National Park. The route includes undulating terrain, woodland paths, sharp ascents, fast-running stretches, and significant mud. Butser Hill is tackled twice before the finish line at its base. BigMud represents the Earth race in the Classic Element Trail Series, a quartet of events themed around Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. This event is now in its sixth year. The clearly marked course, provision of aid stations, and the start and finish being at the same location simplify logistics. However, the challenging terrain is the primary attraction for participants seeking a demanding race over a flat, quick course.

BigMud is the Earth race in the Classic Element Trail Series, a collection of four trail events themed around Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. It starts at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire, offering three single-lap options: a 50K ultramarathon, a marathon, and a 16-mile race. The event occurs early in the series, embracing muddy winter trail running over road speed or flat pacing. The routes venture into the Meon Valley and traverse the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. Every distance involves the 518ft ascent to Butser Hill, the highest point in the South Downs, which runners climb twice before returning to Queen Elizabeth Country Park at the hill's base. The race is in its sixth year, does not permit canicross entries, and requires each runner to carry a minimum of 500ml of fluid, with hydration vests frequently used and handheld soft flasks permitted.

This winter marathon takes place at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Runners complete 26.2 miles on the closed racing circuit typically used for motorsport. The course is flat, situated at the foot of the Sussex Downs. Its appeal lies in offering a measured marathon on smooth circuit roads, distinct from a point-to-point road race through town streets. The marathon is included in the Goodwood House Running Grand Prix series, which also features half marathon, 10k, and 5k races. This format benefits mixed groups, allowing marathon participants to run alongside friends completing shorter distances, all within the Goodwood venue.