The Abingdon Marathon

The Abingdon Marathon is a road marathon held in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, each October, starting at Tilsley Park. Established in 1982, it ranks among the UK's longer-standing marathons. It attracts two distinct runner profiles: club athletes aiming for personal bests and novice marathoners seeking an organized, accessible event. The course is flat, fast, and predominantly on roads, utilizing chip timing for official results. The route winds through Abingdon town centre before heading out via Drayton, Milton, and Sutton Courtenay, including a stretch within the Milton Park business estate. The race is managed by runners, with the organizing committee contributing over 125 years of collective experience. It operates strictly on a not-for-profit basis, directing all profits to local charities and designated organizations. The marathon also hosts the Oxfordshire County Marathon Championships, offering a dual focus as both a local championship event and a competitive target for club runners nationwide.