Experience one of the South’s most scenic running events as the Garmin New Forest Marathon 2026 returns to the New Park Showground in Brockenhurst on Sunday 13th September 2026! Organized by ORA Events Limited, this major multi-distance festival offers a course for every ability—including a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, Junior races, and on-site camping—all set against the stunning forest scenery while supporting local charities.
Race Schedule & Timetable
Key timings for the Garmin New Forest Marathon 2026:
- 7:30 AM: Race Village Opens.
- 9:45 AM: Full Marathon Warm Up.
- 10:00 AM: Full Marathon Start.
- 10:35 AM: Half Marathon Warm Up.
- 10:50 AM: Half Marathon Start.
- 11:00 AM: 10K & Woodland Walk Warm Up.
- 11:15 AM: 10K Start.
- 11:30 AM: 5K Start & Warm Up.
- 3:30 PM: Junior 200m & 1 Mile Start.
- 5:00 PM: Race Village Closes.
Race Options & Pricing
Distances, entry fees, and start times for event day:
- Full Marathon (£69.00): Starts at 10:00 AM (Minimum age 17).
- Half Marathon (£54.00): Starts at 10:50 AM (Minimum age 17).
- 10K Race (£43.00): Starts at 11:15 AM (Minimum age 15).
- Junior 200m (0–5 yrs) (£15.00): Starts at 3:30 PM.
- Junior 1 Mile (6–12 yrs) (£15.00): Starts at 3:30 PM.
- 5K & Woodland Walk: SOLD OUT.
- On-Site Camping (£85.00): Pitch includes stay for up to 4 people.
Course Rules & Guidelines
Important regulations for all runners on course:
- Multi-Terrain Route: Features gravel tracks, forest trails, grass, tarmac, and farmland across the National Park.
- Overtaking Policy: Keep to the left at all times. Call out “track” before overtaking on the left to allow space.
- Headphone Policy: In-ear audio devices are discouraged for safety; Aftershokz bone-conduction headphones are recommended and permitted.
- Littering: Strict zero-tolerance policy—dropping litter outside designated zones will result in immediate disqualification.
- Buggies & Bicycles: Prams, child buggies, and accompanying bicycles are not permitted on the race course due to narrow trail sections.
Race Village Entertainment & Amenities
Attractions, food, and services available at New Park Showground:
- Live Stage Entertainment: Performances by Nia Nicholls (country singer-songwriter), Tamara Perks (musical theatre hits), Down With The DJ (pop-rock cover band), and Swan Samba drum troupe.
- Food & Beverage Court: Street food stalls including Pizzamo, Paella Espania, Churro Espania, Loaded Fries, Route 66 Burgers, Snow White Catering, and drinks at The Swan Inn bar.
- Family Activities: Kids Activity Area featuring Rascles Castles bouncy castles.
- Baggage & Facilities: Williams Shipping Baggage Area in the Warm-Up zone, male and female toilets, and South Coast RX Physio treatment stands.
Accessibility & Special Requirements
Access details for visitors and runners:
- Wheelchair Access: Due to off-road terrain, narrow forest paths, and uneven gravel, the race courses are not suitable for wheelchair participants.
- Spectators & Dogs: Spectators are welcome in the Race Village. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a short lead at all times.
How to Get to New Park Showground
Travel guidance for reaching the venue (SO42 7QH):
- Arrival Advice: Leave extra travel time and plan to arrive at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled start time.
- By Car: From the East (M27 J2), follow A326 to A35 towards Lyndhurst, then join A337 towards Brockenhurst. From the West (A31), take A336 via Cadnam/Totton to A326/A35.
- Shuttle Bus: Official shuttle bus operates continuously between Brockenhurst Railway Station and New Park (£6 single / £8.50 return, paid to driver).
- By Bicycle: On-site bike parking area available in the Race Village (bring your own lock).
Parking Information
Parking options at New Park Showground:
- On-Site Event Parking: £6 per vehicle for the duration of the event (open until 5:00 PM).
- Pre-Paid Windscreen Stickers: Pre-paid parking stickers are mailed in race packs; display clearly on windscreen upon arrival. Parking can also be paid on entry.
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Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest marathons, charity runs, outdoor festivals, and weekend family activities near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the New Forest Marathon 2026 taking place?
- The event takes place on Sunday 13th September 2026, with the Race Village opening at 7:30 AM and races kicking off from 10:00 AM BST.
- Where is the event located?
- The event HQ and Race Village are hosted at New Park Showground, Clay Hill, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Hampshire (SO42 7QH).
- What race distances are available?
- Available races include the Full Marathon (£69), Half Marathon (£54), 10K (£43), Junior 1 Mile (£15), and Junior 200m (£15). Note that the 5K and Woodland Walk options are sold out.
- How much does parking cost at the venue?
- On-site parking costs £6 per vehicle for the day. Pre-paid parking stickers are sent in race packs, or parking can be paid upon arrival.
- Is there public transport to the event?
- Yes, an official shuttle bus operates continuously between Brockenhurst Railway Station and New Park Showground, costing £6 for a single ticket or £8.50 for a return ticket.
- Are dogs allowed at the New Forest Marathon?
- Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the Race Village as long as they are kept strictly on a short lead at all times.