At a glance
The toughest and most beautiful race in the UK
When
25th June 2023Who
Runners looking for their next challenge
Fee
£37
YOU DID IT!
Congrats to all who completed the North Devon AONB Marathon. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for coverage of the event, and you can find race results here.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Are you ready to take on the UK's toughest and most beautiful marathon? Whether you are looking for your next running challenge or wanting to push yourself to try something totally new, the North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon is back and better than ever for its 15th year in 2024.
Each year, places in the North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon sell out in advance, with runners coming back each year to get a PB in this special race. The stunning route stretches across the South West Coast Path and the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (where the race gets its name). This multi-terrain race certainly lives up to its reputation of being as beautiful as it is tough.
Race-day atmosphere is like no other. Imagine arriving to race HQ in the idyllic surfing village of Woolacombe. It's gorgeous sunny day as you line up at the start with hundreds of other runners and supporters, ready to take in beautiful coastal views and tackle an amazing challenge to make a real difference to the lives of local people. It’s also the only marathon where you’re treated to a delicious Devon cream tea at the finish line!
Sign up to the North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon today and make 2024 your year and take on this amazing challenge. Registering with Eventbrite is fast and safe, and you'll receive regular fundraising tips and support from the Fundraising Team right up until race day. Your registration fee makes it possible for us to stage this awesome event and your generous sponsorship is vital. You can ensure that hospice nurses are there to help families facing an incurable illness, every step of the way. When you fundraise for North Devon Hospice, you're making sure that no one in North Devon faces their symptoms and fears alone.
Important Race Information
|
In our efforts to reduce waste, we will not have disposable cups at water stations. This simply means that if you are not carrying a water bottle etc, you will need to bring some form of cup. Thanks to Lyon Outdoors we have subsidised Hydrapak Speedcups available to buy at registration. These are small enough to fold up and put in your pocket. You can buy this when you register for just £1.00. Thank you so much for your support in making this event as waste-free as possible.
|
 |
This is a serious challenge so please do take the opportunity to raise vital funds for North Devon Hospice care. It's easy to set up a Justgiving page and gain sponsorship.
Please respect the efforts we put into making this event possible every year by only raising money for North Devon Hospice.
If you have a personal reason for running the North Devon Marathon or Half Marathon, and you aim to raise over £500 for North Devon Hospice, then you could apply for one of our Gold Bond Places - this entitles you to a free place, a personalised race t-shirt in the race and support from our team with your fundraising efforts. To find out more about applying for a Gold Bond Place, please get in touch by emailing lisamackenzie@northdevonhospice.org.uk. (Please email and wait to hear from us - do not sign up online)
Buy the bespoke technical T-shirt when you register! Remember, we don't sell these on the day, only the odd one or two that we might have spare.
Please note: if you are training on the route then please don't run on private farmland or approach landowners regarding running over their land. Please use alternative footpaths and lanes instead. Thank you
Second Half Map (for those running the full marathon)
Last year's event
The 2022 North Devon AONB Marathon & Half Marathon was a great day. Thank you all who supported.
Sponsors
This event would not be possible without Race Director, Simon Oliver. Simon founded the event to raise money for North Devon Hospice. An inspirational Race Director and fundraiser, Simon has grown the event from year one and now raises over £30,000 for North Devon Hospice each year.
FAQs
The Event Village is held on Woolacombe Meadow Pavilion and Playing Fields, South Street, EX34 7BB
Registered runners will be given a start time in advance of the event. This time will be between 10am - 10.40am and we ask that runners arrive ready to run so that we don't have too many people queuing or in race village at once.
Runners will be posted race packs (including race number and chip) and t-shirts before the day. Remember to bring your number on the day.
Unfortunately, we can not accept entries on the day. No switches if another runner can't run. Absolutely no dogs on the course with runners.
What are the race operating times?
The race operates from 10.00-17.30. Full Marathon participants that have not passed the midway point (race village at 13.1miles by 13.15pm will be asked to stop as they will be unlikely to complete the race in the time allowed and it is therefore for their own safety. Marshals will be stood down from 17.30 and withdrawn from the route.
Water stations and prepared drinks?
In line with UK Athletics guidelines for operating events under Covid-19 restrictions we advise that you bring your own water and nutrition. Please be as self-sufficient as possible. Thank you.
Water stations are located approximately every two miles, you must bring your own cup or bottle. No cup, no drink. Prepared drinks (must be labelled clearly before you arrive) can be left in the designated buckets for miles 13 and 18.
The North Devon Marathon is a demanding yet beautiful course. With Woolacombe Bay as the centre point, runners follow a figure of eight around stunning coastal scenery, inland trails and will take in the scenery of some of North Devon's most beautiful beaches and coastal villages. The first 'loop' of the figure of eight course runs in a southerly direction and makes up the half marathon route. Those continuing on to the full marathon will then complete the northerly 'loop' of the figure of eight course. The steep inclines and variety of terrain are enough to test any experienced runner. There is 1,300ft of ascent for the half marathon and 3,300ft for the full marathon. Many runners have described it as the toughest run they have ever done. In fact, Merrell UK described it as the 6th toughest out of 10 in the UK!
You can download route maps below. Please note that part of the course is on private land so please do not train on these areas or you will be trespassing. HALF MARATHON MAP. SECOND HALF MAP (making it the full marathon)
Senior Male, VM40, VM45, VM50, VM55, VM60 and VM70. Senior Female, VF40, VF45, VF50, VF55, VF60 and VF70
What are the rules and regulations?
The race is conducted under FRA rules. No entrants under 18 years of age (on the day of the race) will be admitted, and strictly no dogs are allowed on the course. Runners with dogs will be automatically disqualified. This is a fundraising event solely for North Devon Hospice.
Strictly no number swapping or giving your place to another participant. Please note we cannot process refunds or deferrals. If you have any queries please contact Lisa on 01271 347213.
Please read the participant code of conduct before the event.
HALF MARATHON: Ronnie Richmond (Bideford AAC) 01:21:16 in 2015 and Justine Anthony (Bury St Edmunds) 01:36:38 in 2016. MARATHON: John Ward (Bideford AAC) 03:03:51 in 2012 and Mary Menon (unaffilliated) 03:38:27 in 2016
