he New Forest Marathon Festival is a multi‑distance trail running event set in the beautiful New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. Featuring a range of races from a full marathon and half marathon to 10 K, 5 K, junior runs and a woodland walk, this scenic event showcases the striking forest and heathland landscapes, blending compact gravel tracks, trail sections and some tarmac. It’s one of the UK’s most scenic multi‑terrain running festivals, attracting runners of all abilities and supporting local community causes.

Key Details

Event Name
New Forest Marathon Festival 

Event Type
Trail / multi‑terrain races

Distance(s)

• Full Marathon

• Half Marathon

• 10 K

• 5 K

• Woodland Walk

• Junior Run (200 m & 1 mile)

Event Date
Sunday, 13 September 2026 — multiple race start times throughout the morning.

Event Start Time
Approx. 09:30 AM onwards for main races (full details released pre‑event).

Is This a Recurring Event?
Yes — Annual race festival

Location

New Park Showground, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QH, England — start/finish and race village, with races winding through the New Forest National Park.

Event Description

The New Forest Marathon Festival offers runners a choice of distances to suit all levels — from dedicated marathoners to those looking for shorter trail runs or family‑friendly events. The courses are set across the stunning New Forest National Park, taking in forest tracks, compact gravel sections and quiet country roads, with dense woods, open heathland and views of ponies, deer and other local wildlife.

All races start and finish at the New Park Showground in Brockenhurst, where the race village provides facilities, refreshments and event support. The festival also includes junior runs and a woodland walk, making it accessible for families and runners of all abilities. A portion of entry fees goes to the New Forest Marathon Community Fund, supporting local community projects and initiatives.

What’s Included

• Chip‑timed results for all competitive distances

• Finisher’s medal and technical T‑shirt (varies by distance)

• Fully marked and marshalled course

• Aid stations and hydration on course

• Race village with food, drink and facilities

• Junior races and woodland walk options

• Community Fund support from part of entry fees

Additional Information

• Course Terrain: Multi‑terrain — forest tracks, compact gravel and some tarmac; mostly flat and scenic.

• Parking: On‑site at New Park Showground (usually with small parking fee), plus shuttle service from Brockenhurst Station in previous years.

• Entry Fees: See website for distance‑specific pricing (varies by affiliation and entry date).

• Minimum Ages (typical):

  • Full Marathon: 18 +

  • Half Marathon: 17 +

  • 10 K: 15 +

  • 5 K: 11 + (junior categories available)