Winchester Half Marathon 2026

Get ready to race through history as the iconic Winchester Half Marathon returns on Sunday 20th September 2026! Starting and finishing outside the grand surroundings of Winchester Guildhall, this popular 13.1-mile road race takes runners on a scenic journey through the historic city centre and into the surrounding Hampshire countryside. Passing famed landmarks such as Winchester Cathedral and the Statue of King Alfred the Great, the event boasts enthusiastic crowd support and seamless organisation. Families can also join in the excitement with the dedicated 1km Kids Fun Run taking place at 12:30 PM.

Winchester Half Marathon Schedule & Event Timings

Race morning schedule and key event timings outside Winchester Guildhall:

• Event Date: Sunday 20th September 2026.
• Race Village Opens: 7:30 AM BST (Guildhall Precinct).
• Half Marathon Start: 9:00 AM BST mass start.
• Kids Fun Run Start: 12:30 PM BST (1km youth race).
• Event Finish & Presentations: 2:00 PM BST.

Race Highlights & Scenic Route

Course landmarks, runner amenities, and race day features:

• Historic Closed-Road Route: A fully closed 13.1-mile course winding through Winchester’s ancient streets and picturesque Hampshire villages.
• Iconic Landmarks: Highlights include views of Winchester Cathedral, the Statue of King Alfred the Great, St Catherine’s Hill, and historic central precincts.
• 1km Kids Fun Run: A dedicated, safe 1km run at 12:30 PM for young runners and families.
• Finish Line Village: Medals, finish-line water, energy gels, spectator cheering zones, and event partner stalls surrounding the Guildhall.

Race Registration & Entry Information

Registration tiers and participant details for the Winchester Half Marathon:

• Half Marathon Entry: Advance online registration ranges from £46.90 to £50.09 per runner (with a no-medal option starting from £46.90). Note: Online registrations are now closed.
• Kids Fun Run Entry: £10.82 per child for the 1km youth race. Note: Online registrations are now closed.
• Spectator Access: Free public access across the start and finish village at Winchester Guildhall and along all cheering points on the route.

How to Get to Winchester Guildhall

Travel routes for participants and spectators reaching The Broadway, Winchester (SO23 9GH):

• By Train: Winchester Railway Station (SWR) is a 10 to 12-minute walk from the Guildhall via City Road and Jewry Street.
• By Bus: Winchester Bus Station is located directly behind the Guildhall along High Street/Friarsgate, with regular Stagecoach services running across Hampshire.
• By Car: Accessible via Junctions 9 or 10 of the M3 motorway. Follow signs toward Winchester City Centre and historic park & ride sites.

Winchester Half Marathon Parking Information

Parking options for race day in Winchester:

• Chesil Street Multi-Storey Car Park: Located a 5-minute walk from the Guildhall (SO23 0HU), offering free parking on Sundays.
• Middle Brook Street & Friarsgate Car Parks: Pay-and-display options near the city centre (SO23 8DQ).
• Park & Ride Schemes: Winchester Park & Ride lots (South Winchester, Pitt, St Catherine’s, and Barfield) provide quick bus links into the city centre to avoid road closures along The Broadway.

Winchester Half Marathon Road Closures & Travel Delays

Road closure details, operational timings, and residential access guidance for race day:

• Sarum Road: Closed from 08:30 – 10:00 approximately to facilitate the start of the race. Expect delays in this area around these times.
• A3090 Romsey Road: Closed northbound only between Sparsholt Road and Collins Lane from 09:00 – 11:30. Southbound traffic may be held for approximately 10 to 15 minutes between 10:20 – 10:35 and 11:20 – 11:35 to protect public transport services. Drivers should follow publicised diversions.
• Port Lane: Closed from 09:00 – 11:30, with the main volume of runners passing through between 09:30 – 11:00. Collins Lane and southern sections of Hursley will remain open as normal.
• Old Kennels Lane & Oliver’s Battery Road South: Heavy runner presence between 09:30 – 11:30 approximately. Delays are expected, though residents can exit properties under marshal direction. Runners will use the underpass to cross Badger Farm Road, leaving vehicular traffic on Badger Farm Road unaffected.
• Ridgeway, Rooks Down Road, Ashbarn Crescent & Ivy Close: Heavy runner presence between 09:45 – 11:45. Delays are expected; residents can exit properties safely under marshal guidance.
• Lower Stanmore Lane: Closed from 09:00 – 12:00. Marshals will permit residential access when safe to do so and provide advice on alternative routes.
• St Cross Road: Closed northbound between the A3090 Badger Farm Road junction and Lower Stanmore Lane from 09:30 – 13:00 while runners pass through.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Winchester Half Marathon take place?

The event takes place on Sunday 20th September 2026. Race village opens at 7:30 AM, the Half Marathon mass start begins at 9:00 AM BST, and the 1km Kids Fun Run takes place at 12:30 PM BST.

Where does the Winchester Half Marathon start and finish?

The race starts and finishes outside the Winchester Guildhall on The Broadway, Winchester, Hampshire (SO23 9GH).

How much is the entry fee for the half marathon?

Advance registration fees range from £36.00 to £50.09 depending on affiliation, entry options (such as no-medal options), and booking tiers. The 1km Kids Fun Run is £10.82.

What is the route like for the Winchester Half Marathon?

It is a scenic 13.1-mile closed-road course winding past landmarks like Winchester Cathedral, St Catherine’s Hill, and the Statue of King Alfred the Great before heading into the Hampshire countryside and Hursley village.

Where is the best place to park on race day?

Chesil Street Multi-Storey Car Park (SO23 0HU) offers free Sunday parking a short 5-minute walk away. Winchester Park & Ride lots are also recommended to avoid central road closures.