Thousands set for 2024 New Forest Marathon

THOUSANDS of runners will descend on New Park, Brockenhurst, on Sunday for this year’s New Forest Marathon – recently named as the UK’s most popular.

The event will have six races throughout the day, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k, Woodland Walk and junior 1k and 400m races.

All routes wind through the heart of the New Forest, including the picturesque grounds at Rhinefield House.

This year, SportsShoes.com carried out a study that said that the New Forest Marathon topped the UK search list with 27 people per place vying for a spot, beating even the London Marathon and coming eighth in the world.

The day has been particularly warm in recent years, but this year’s race is expected to see showers, with temperatures ranging from 17-19 degrees.

Alongside the racing, the New Forest marathon village has a wide range of running-themed stands, traders featuring local New Forest produce, kids’ activities area, food outlets and more.

The New Forest Marathon routes start and end at New Park Showground in Brockenhurst, going through the heart of the New Forest National Park.

The full marathon will begin at 9.30am, followed by the half at 10.20am, 10k at 10.55am and the 5k at 11.15am. Junior races will take place from 3.30pm.

The multi-terrain courses offer scenic views and a blend of compact gravel, trail sections, and tarmac.

Organisers work annually with Natural England and Forestry England to preserve the local habitat.

The event was established in 1981 when the Lions Club of New Milton needed fundraising event ideas. Then-president Mick Manley proposed organising a marathon in the New Forest, and the first marathon took place two years later.

Full event details are available at newforest marathon.co.uk