At a glance
The toughest and most beautiful race in the UK
When
Start: Sunday, June 30, 2019
End: Sunday, June 30, 2019
Who
Runners looking for their next challenge
Fee
£37 (or £49 with an event T-shirt)
The North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon has quickly established itself as one of the most challenging and visually stunning events in the UK. Race HQ is in the surfing idyllic village of Woolacombe on Devon's north coast, overlooking one of the country's most popular beaches and right in the middle of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (where the race gets its 'AONB' name from).
MAKING IT HAPPEN
Event organisers
This event is organised by Simon Oliver, a local runner with many years of experience both participating in and organising races. All monies raised through your own personal sponsorship are donated to North Devon Hospice so they can continue to provide free care and support to families who are affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Throughout the event village and along the route, every person helping out is a friend or supporter of North Devon Hospice and someone who has volunteered to help make the event possible.
About the race
Runners sponsorship
Events, news and updates
Keep up with event updates, training runs and news via the North Devon Hospice Facebook and Twitter pages. Post-event photos and news reports will be added to this webpage for you to access (www.northdevonmarathon.co.uk).
Event T-shirts
Buy the 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 the sizes come up a little snug, so if in doubt go up a size.
Route maps
Half Marathon map
Can we help?
Jess Burford-Redgrove
Community & Events Fundraiser
FAQs
The Event Village is held on The Green at Woolacombe Esplanade, EX34 7DF.
All runners must report to the registration marquee at the Event Village by 9.30 to sign in and collect their chip, number and confirm they have arrived. Registration opens from 8.00am. You can also collect your pre-purchased event t-shirt. Remember, if you don't buy it when you register, we can't get a t-shirt for you. 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.
We have a van dedicated to storing your bags and belongings whilst you are running. The van is based at the race village and easily accessible. Please ensure these are clearly marked.
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?
Water stations are located approximately every two miles and offer water, bananas and jelly babies. Some also have water and sponges for a cool down. 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 is 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 is at the 6th toughest out of 10 in the UK! In 2019, to celebrate the race's 10th anniversary, we are also adding a 10km route, to open up the event to even more runners with a wide range of abilities. The 10km route map will be coming soon, but covers the same tough and beautiful scenery as the full and half marathon routes. 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
Every year, we have specially made techie T-shirts for the event. You can only buy these at the time of registration. They cost £12.
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. The North Devon Marathon is a charity fundraiser specifically for the sole beneficiary, North Devon Hospice. This is a fundraising event solely for North Devon Hospice Dogs strictly forbidden on the course with runners, no exceptions. No refunds. No transfers to 2019 and no substitutions. If you have any queries please contact Jess on 01271 347213.
All runners will be asked to sign the following event declaration statement before the run begins: I understand that this race is held in accordance with both the rules and safety requirements of the FRA (Fell Runners Association). I confirm that I am aware of the organiser's information and requirements in connection with this race. I accept the hazards involved in fell running and acknowledge that I am entering and running this race at my own risk. Other than the organiser's liability for causing death or personal injury by negligence, I confirm that I understand that the organiser accepts no liability to me for any loss or damage of any nature to myself or my property arising out of my participation in this race.
After the run, all runners are given their medal and are then welcome to go into the massage tent. A number of therapists from North Devon Hospice will be on hand to offer massages. There is a minimum donation of £5.00. All therapists have generously donated their time free of charge on the day to help ease the aches and pains and to help with fundraising for the hospice. We are also situated above a Blue Flag beach - so feel free to take a dip!
There aren't many marathons that great you with a complimentary Devonshire Cream Tea at the end. Well ours does! Please make your way to the Cream Tea tent for a little pick me up post run. The tea/coffee is kindly donated by Miles Tea company.
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
