Junior Races
Junior 1 Mile & Junior 200m — New Forest Marathon 2026
The Junior 1 Mile and Junior 200m are two of the most joyful races of the whole New Forest Marathon weekend. Set within the same Race Village as our adult races, they give younger runners their own moment in the spotlight — with family and friends cheering every step of the way. The Junior Races take place in the afternoon, starting at 3:30pm. Entry is £15 per race, and includes a New Forest Marathon t-shirt, medal, finish line water and a banana — plus any extra goodies we can muster up!
Enter the Junior 1 Mile or Junior 200m →
What are the New Forest Junior Races like?
The Junior 200m is for our youngest runners, aged 0–5. The Junior 1 Mile welcomes runners aged 6–12. Both routes follow in the footsteps of every other New Forest Marathon runner that day, finishing over the same finish line in the iconic Race Village.
The Junior 1 Mile loops around the Race Village before joining up with the Junior 200m runners for a thrilling final sprint.
The Junior 200m takes place on the New Forest Marathon finish straight itself, finishing beneath the iconic finish arch — the very same spot where our Marathon and Half Marathon runners cross the line.
Then the sprint is on! Proud parents and supporters line the finish straight, cheering every runner home. It’s one of the most genuinely exciting atmospheres of the entire weekend.
Is the New Forest Marathon good for families and supporters?
Absolutely — and the Junior Races are where that family spirit shines brightest. While the main races take place in the morning, the afternoon belongs to your little ones, with proud parents and supporters lining the finish straight to cheer them home.
What else is there for families on the day?
The Race Village is the heart of it all — live music, food, drink, merchandise, and a genuine festival atmosphere for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re running or cheering.
View the Spectator Guide →
Can we make a full weekend of it?
Yes — many families do. A Weekend Camping Pass covers 3 nights (Friday to Sunday) for up to 4 people and 1 car. So you can turn race day into a full family weekend in the National Park.
Which other race distances can I run at the New Forest Marathon 2026?
The Junior Races are just two of seven fantastic races on offer at the New Forest Marathon 2026. Therefore, whether you’re bringing the whole family or running with friends, there’s a distance for everyone on the day.
Woodland Walk (5k)
Enter multiple distances in one single transaction.
Still not sure which race is best for you? Check out our All Routes page for more information and to download the route maps.
Looking for a family-friendly trail running experience in Dorset for 2027?
The New Forest Marathon is organised by ORA Events — the same experienced team behind The Chase Trail Run, a spectacular trail running festival set on the Cranborne Chase AONB near Ringwood, Dorset, with its own Junior Races too. So, if you’re looking for a family running adventure beyond the road, The Chase on 25th April 2027 could be your next race.
Discover The Chase Trail Run →
