Isle of Wight Marathon 2026

The Isle of Wight Marathon is a full marathon held in Cowes, starting at 11:00 am and scheduled for October. This long-established island race typically hosts about 200 runners, giving it the feel of a club-organized endurance event rather than a large city marathon. The course is a single lap around the west and north of the Isle of Wight, utilizing quieter roads. Participants depart Cowes, passing through Gurnard, Rew Street, Porchfield, Shalfleet, Yarmouth, Thorley, Chessell, Ningwood, and Northwood before returning to Cowes. The route features undulating terrain with both town and rural sections, presenting a challenge through its gradients and varied rhythm. The race has a significant history, having surpassed its 60th anniversary, with the men's marathon approaching its 70th running and the women's race around its 50th. Ryde Harriers are associated with the current event.