Marathon races near Midhurst

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.

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.

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.

Brighton Marathon Weekend takes runners through Brighton and Hove each April, featuring a marathon, 10K, and Mile race. The marathon, the primary event, is a road race beginning at Preston Park. It proceeds through central Brighton, heads east towards Rottingdean, curves west around Hove, and concludes on Madeira Drive, close to Brighton Pier. The race was established by former international athlete Tim Hutchings and local athlete Tom Naylor, and is now managed by London Marathon Events. The event attracted thousands from its inception, with 12,000 entries available for the first edition and 7,589 participants on race day. It rapidly became one of the UK's larger marathons outside London, reporting over 8,000 runners and approximately 120,000 spectators during its second year. Charity participation is significant, with over two hundred charities represented and charity places increasing from 3,000 to 5,000. The race also features a competitive elite field, holding marathon records of 2:09:25 for men and 2:28:50 for women. The men's elite record was broken in four consecutive editions during its initial growth phase.

The Not the London Marathon Run Again is a small Phoenix Running event in Walton on Thames, designed for runners seeking a marathon-style day without the trip into London. It begins at 08:30 on a flat off-road trail alongside the River Thames. The race offers chip timing, a seven-hour cut-off, and no on-the-day entries. With a limit of 150 runners, it resembles a low-key club challenge more than a large city event. The course consists of a 3.28-mile circuit along the riverside towpath; eight laps complete the marathon distance. As the event operates on a timed basis, participants can stop after any lap or continue for as many as they wish within the seven-hour window. This format accommodates those aiming for distances from a short trail run to a full marathon. The course has a total elevation gain of approximately 100 metres. Headphones are permitted, and race numbers are distributed on race morning. The event returns after a significant break since its last running, and local accommodation in Walton on Thames can be limited around race weekend.