The Full Marathon

26.2 Miles Through Outstanding Natural Beauty

 The New Forest Full Marathon 2026 is one of the most scenic 26.2 mile races in the UK.

Set entirely within New Forest National Park near Brockenhurst, Hampshire, the multi-terrain route winds through ancient woodland, across open heathland and along the spectacular Rhinefield Ornamental Drive — lined with towering 50-metre Coastal Redwood and Giant Sequoia trees.

Free-roaming New Forest ponies and deer may well join you along the way.

Fast, largely flat and stunningly beautiful, this is a marathon that stays with you long after you cross the finish line.

 

How do I enter the New Forest Marathon 2026?

Click below to enter now and secure your place!

 

What is the New Forest Full Marathon route like?

Use the Interactive Route Map below to view the Full Marathon route in detail.

NB: All routes may be subject to minor changes and are professionally measured

 

Is the New Forest Marathon a flat course? 

Elevation: Yes! the route is fast and largely flat ; perfect for a PB! See graphic above and below for details on the Full Marathon elevation.  Also, please view the footprints below for a chart comparing the course gradients of our different races.

Red = Full Marathon, Yellow = Half Marathon, 10K = Blue, 5K = Purple 

 

Are there other race distances at the New Forest Marathon 2026?

The Full Marathon is just one of seven incredible races on offer at the New Forest Marathon 2026.

Therefore, whether you are bringing the whole family or coming with a running club, there is a distance for everyone.

In addition to the Full Marathon, you might also be interested in:

 

Half Marathon — 13.1 miles of stunning New Forest scenery, including the iconic Rhinefield Ornamental Drive

 

10K — a challenging and rewarding multi-terrain 10K through the heart of the New Forest

 

5K — open to runners aged 8 and over, perfect for families

 

Junior Races — Junior 1 Mile and Junior 200m for younger runners

 

Woodland Walk — a beautiful led walk through New Forest National Park for supporters and non-runners

 

 

 

Download the Full Marathon GPX File

Plan your race day preparation by downloading the official Full Marathon GPX route file below — compatible with Garmin devices and all major GPS platforms.

 

 

How does the New Forest Marathon protect the environment?

The New Forest Marathon team is passionate about protecting this extraordinary landscape.

Each year, we work closely with both Natural England and Forestry England to ensure the event has zero impact on the local habitat.

This process takes several months and includes producing a full Habitat Risk Assessment and obtaining official Forestry England permissions. W

e are proud to have been granted permission to hold the event for the next five years — a testament to our commitment to responsible, sustainable event management.

To find out more about how we protect the New Forest, visit our Environmental page →

 

Looking for a Trail Marathon in Dorset?

The New Forest Full Marathon is organised by ORA Events — the same experienced team behind The Chase Trail Run, a spectacular trail marathon set on the Cranborne Chase AONB near Ringwood, Dorset.

So, if you are looking for a trail running challenge for 2027 that’s beyond the road, The Chase Full Marathon on 25th April 2027 could be your next race.