Eden Marathon and Half-Marathon 2026

The Eden Marathon and Half-Marathon start and finish around the Eden Project in Cornwall, with hilly multi-terrain routes built around the site and the surrounding countryside. The event is run in partnership with St Austell Running Club and offers both a full marathon and a half marathon, so runners can choose between a longer off-road-heavy day or a shorter route with more public road running. The marathon is roughly 70% trails, paths, and private roads, while the half marathon is 60% on public roads and 40% on trails and paths. Water stations appear every three miles, isotonic drinks are available every seven miles, and chip timing is used, with online result analysis through RunPix. The route goes through countryside and areas tied to Cornwall’s mining heritage, and the full marathon can be muddy enough that trail shoes are recommended. The half marathon’s off-road sections are generally firm enough that specialist shoes are not needed. Finishers receive a themed medal, and runners also get a pasty and a beer, which gives the day a very Cornish finish. Runners, family, and supporters get free entry to Eden on race day, and participation supports wildflower habitat work at the Eden Project instead of automatically handing out race T-shirts. The marathon is also a World Championship qualifier, while club runners can enter in teams of four and category winners are eligible for prizes.