Event day guide for participants in the Windermere Marathon
EVENT GUIDE 2026
SUNDAY 14 JUNE
IT’S ALMOST HERE!
The big day is nearly here and we want to help you with any event day questions so you can focus on the important things: soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying your run.
We’ve got all the info you need here, but you can also check out windermeremarathon.co.uk for any last-minute changes.
To follow all the action as it happens, join the conversation on social media!
#windermeremarathon
@windermeremrthn
WindermereMarathon
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CONTENTS
4 - 5 6 - 11 11 12 - 13 14 15 - 16 17 18 - 20 21 - 22 23 - 24
INTRODUCTION
PRE EVENT INFORMATION
START MAP
AT THE START
COURSE MAP
ON THE COURSE
FINISH MAP
AT THE FINISH
SPECTATOR GUIDANCE & WELFARE
SUSTAINABILITY AND LITTER
25 27 28
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEEKEND
TIPS & ADVICE
VOLUNTEERING
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HISTORY OF WINDERMERE MARATHON
In 1982, a passionate group of local runners and volunteers formed the Windermere Marathon committee and launched the first marathon around England’s largest lake – a tradition you’re about to continue! This group of enthusiasts included Alan Dodds from Windermere Rotary Club, John Nettleton from Kendal AC, and Pete Bland, Chairman of Kendal AC (whose wife Anne later claimed the Ladies’ title twice in 1984 and 1986). They were joined by none other than Chris Brasher and John Disley, co- founders of the iconic London Marathon. The inaugural Windermere Marathon attracted an impressive 2,600 entries, and now you’re set to tackle this breathtaking course! Widely celebrated as one of the UK’s most scenic road marathons, the route showcases the natural splendour of the Lake District in all its glory. After its successful launch, the Windermere Marathon was revived by Brathay Trust in 2007 and was then passed into the hands of the Great Run Company in 2025, ensuring this magnificent running tradition continues to inspire new generations of marathoners. The stunning Windermere Marathon route heads anticlockwise around Lake Windermere, passing through High Wray, Newby Bridge and Bowness-on- Windermere. The route starts on the lakeside at Waterhead and finishes in Brockhole.
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Windermere Marathon has won Boutique / Specialist Event of the Year at the Running Industry Alliance Awards 2025. This category celebrates events under 1,000 participants that champion accessibility, sustainability, local engagement and truly unique race experiences. We’re very proud to be recognised for it. A huge thank you to everyone who ran with us, cheered with us, and continues to support this special event.
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TRAVEL
We strongly advise that you plan your travel in advance, as many options are pre-bookable only and will sell out. You will find plenty of travel information, including parking, ferry shuttle, and bus services here on our website.
For anyone planning to cycle to the event, there will be some limited bike parking stands on-site at Brockhole: please don’t forget your lock!
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PARK & RIDE
The easiest and most convenient way to get to the start line is by using our Park & Ride service. This helps reduce congestion around Windermere and ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
SUNDAY 14 JUNE
Location: Rydal Farm, Ambleside, LA22 9PN (access via Rydal Road, (what3words: ///mysteries.restore.hazel).
Price: £17.50 per vehicle (free coach transfer to site for all passengers) Pre-booking required (spaces are limited)
Please note: the car park will be monitored with number recognition cameras .
Coaches run approximately every 20 minutes Direct drop-off close to the Start Line at Lake Road with return shuttles from the Finish line at Brockhole.
Dogs are welcome on the coaches.
Your ticket will be issued via email to show on arrival, at which point all passengers will receive a wristband for access to the coach. While you’ll be asked to select a time when booking, your ticket is valid on any coach. This just helps us manage capacity across the day.
Book your Park & Ride here
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ON-SITE PARKING
Limited parking is available at Brockhole on Windermere, where the finish line is located.
Price: £35 per vehicle Pre-booking required (very limited availability)
Please note: the car park will be monitored with number recognition cameras
Due to the nature of the location and local traffic, this option is expected to be busy. We recommend using Park & Ride where possible.
Book on-site parking here
PLEASE NOTE Parking on roadsides and verges is strictly forbidden. The police would like to remind participants that any cars parked in these areas may incur penalty charge notices or be towed away. Please be considerate to other participants, residents, and tourists and travel responsibly.
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ON THE DAY
The race begins at 8:30am. Please aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early and make your way to the start area at Waterhead Car Park, Ambleside. You will have received your race pack in advance, so there’s no need to register on the day.
Follow the signage to the assembly area adjacent to the carriageway. Runners will be moved onto the road shortly before the start.
An Information Point will be available at the start for any last-minute questions. A bag drop will also be in operation - your bag will be transported to the finish for you.
RACE PACK
If you entered before Wednesday 3rd June, your race pack will be sent to the address you provided. For entries after this date, you’ll need to collect your number from the Information Point. Further details about collecting your pack will be emailed to you ahead of the event. If you lose your race number or if it does not arrive before the event, you can collect a replacement race number on event day from the Information Point.
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WHAT DO YOU GET IN YOUR RACE PACK YOUR RUN NUMBER Once your run number arrives please make sure the first thing you do is fill in the emergency contact details on the back. Your timing chip is already attached to the run number and will activate automatically on the day of the event. Your run number is all you need for event day. You don’t need to register or visit customer services unless you have a last minute query, you need a couple of safety pins, or your run number hasn’t arrived. If there are any issues, please contact Customer Services.
As a polite reminder, please do not swap or give your run number to anyone else.
123 MELANIE
BAG TAG Your run number includes a tear-off strip for use at the bag drop. If possible, fill in the baggage label at home and attach it to your bag before arriving. Safety pins will be available at the Information Point on the day.
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START MAP
KEY
INFORMATION POINT
ASSEMBLY ZONE
BAGGAGE
START
PARK AND RIDE BUS STOP
THE WATERHEAD INN
FERRY BOARDING AMBLESIDE PIER
TOILETS
LAKE WINDERMERE
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AT THE START - WHAT TO EXPECT
INFO POINT The Information Point is there for last-minute queries, anyone who hasn’t received their race number, or race pack collection for anyone who entered after the cut-off date. Look out for the marquee located at the start area, which will be open from 7:00am.
(What3Words location: ///hockey.from.pirate)
BAG DROP A bag drop service will be available at the start line. All bags will be taken to the finish area at Brockhole, ready for you to pick up after the race. Bags will be kept in a marquee, but please still make sure your bag is weatherproof. We also suggest not packing any valuables, as we cannot guarantee their safety. Please ensure you fill in and attach your baggage label to your bag before dropping it off. This will be checked in correspondence with your race number when you collect your bag at the finish. TOILETS Public toilets are available at the start area within Waterhead Car Park – please note payment is not required for these prior to the start of the event – just push the turnstile to enter.
There will also be some temporary toilets available.
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AT THE START - WHAT TO EXPECT
PACERS We’ll have pacers on the course to help you hit your target time. They’ll be aiming to finish in the following times:
3 hours 30 minutes 4 hours 4 hours 30 minutes 5 hours 5 hours 30 minutes
Each pacer will be carrying a teardrop flag with their finish time, featuring VOOM Nutrition branding, so they’ll be easy to spot along the way.
You’ll also find VOOM products available on course to help keep you fuelled and hydrated as you take on the challenge.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply looking for a steady, supportive pace, our pacers are there to guide you every step of the way.
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RYDAL WATER COURSE MAP
AMBLESIDE
SALLOWS
SKELWITH BRIDGE
1
START
LITTLE LANGDALE
WATERHEAD
TROUTBECK
N
BRATHAY
2
BROCKHOLE
3
FINISH
TROUTBECK BRIDGE
25
DS 1
4
OUTGATE
KNIPE FOLD
HIGH WRAY
DS 7
HEANING
5
WINDERMERE TRAIN STATION
HAWKSHEAD HILL
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WINDERMERE
INGS
COLTHOUSE
HIGH WATER HEAD
HAWKSHEAD
6
BOWNESS- ON- WINDERMERE
ROGER GROUND
23
7
NEAR SAWREY
DS 6
22
DS 2
8
FAR SAWREY
MITCHELLAND
DS 1 DRINK STATIONS
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21
GRIZEDALE
Each Drink Station will have: Toilet VOOM Hydrate Cups of water Water refill for runners’ flasks Drink Station 5 will also have: Voom Pocket Rocket bars
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WINSTER
20
SATTERTHWAITE
11
CROSTHWAITE
19
MILE MARKERS
DS 5
1
GRAYTHWAITE
12
18
ELEVATION
BOWLAND BRIDGE
THWAITE HEAD
TOTAL ASCENT: 2090 FT
DS 3
13
146 FT
134 FT
126 FT
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RUSLAND
14
DS 4
CARTMEL FELL
BANDRAKE HEAD 402 FT
16
15
0.00 MI
13.14 MI
26.28 MI
NEWBY BRIDGE
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ON COURSE
NUTRITION / HYDRATION There will be 7 drinks stations along the course, each well-stocked to keep you hydrated. Water will be available in cups, as part of our efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability. If you prefer to drink on the go or need more fluids, we recommend bringing your own bottle, cup, or hydration vest - you’re welcome to refill these at any of the drink stations. Our hydration partner, Voom Nutrition, will be offering VOOM Hydrate at all 7 stations, with VOOM Pocket Rocket energy bars offered at the 5th drinks station (located around mile 18).
All drinks stations will also have a toilet available.
COURSE SAFETY
COURSE SAFETY Please pay attention to all signage as you make your way around the course - it is there for your safety. At various points, the route changes from closed roads to running lanes, footpaths, or open road. It is important you are aware and take responsibility for your safety. For this reason, non-bone- conducting headphones are not permitted on the day. COURSE CUT-OFF POINTS The cut-off time is 6 hours 30 minutes. This is based on a 15min mile and means the last runner needs to cross the finish line within 6 hours and 30 minutes. Finish line will close at 15:00. Anyone falling behind may be asked to withdraw. There will be a sweep vehicle to transport you to the finish should this happen.
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COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
The route starts at Waterhead on the shores of Windermere, heading north before crossing the River Rothay. From here the route takes you south, passing Brathay and High Wray Castle, bringing you to the east lakeside of Esthwaite Water and through Near and Far Sawrey to the southern tip of Windermere. Along the way you will be treated to different views of the lake. You’ll head past Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse retreat - the inspiration for her books) and past the quaint village of Lakeside, amongst many others. You will then cross Newby Bridge and head back north on the east side of Lake Windermere, passing Bowness-on-Windermere and Troutbeck Bridge before reaching the finish line at the Great North Swim site at Brockhole, where you can celebrate in the vibrant event village.
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FINISH MAP
MERCH
FERRY
KEY
WETLAND AREA
TOILETS
FINISH
FOOD & DRINK
BIG SCREEN
BEER TENT
WATER REFILL POINT
SWIM FEST STAGE
EXHIBITORS
QUIET TENT
THE QUIET TENT IS A TENT LOCATED IN A QUIETER AREA - IDEAL FOR ANYONE NEEDING A MOMENT OF PEACE, SOME SPACE FOR BABY CHANGING, OR A BIT OF PERSONAL SPACE.
FINISHER MEDAL & PRE ORDERED FINISHER TSHIRT COLLECTION
BAGGAGE
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AT THE FINISH
WHAT TO EXPECT We cannot wait to see you at the finish where your well-deserved medal will be waiting for you, along with a VOOM Nutrition Electro Energy bar, a final water refill opportunity, and a packed event village with lots for you and your spectators to enjoy. T-SHIRT PICK-UP For those who pre-ordered their event t-shirt, these can be collected from the finish. Your race number will symbolise to our team that you have pre- ordered a t-shirt and which size.
If you want to purchase a t-shirt on the day, you can head over to the Adventure Shop in the event village.
RESULTS You can find your results on our website at windermeremarathon.co.uk after the event. MARATHON PHOTOS Event photos will go live from the moment you pass a Marathon Photos Live photographer on the course. Check them out on the Marathon Photos Live website after you finish, and share your run number with friends and family so they can register to be notified as soon as your photos are available.
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AT THE FINISH
EVENT VILLAGE There will be lots to see and do for those who are running, as well as for anyone there to support. Windermere Marathon finishes, at the Coventry Building Society Great North Swim site. A weekend-long celebration of sport at Brockhole packed with entertainment, activities, and fun for everyone. Expect interactive quizzes, competitions, and more surprises throughout the weekend, and yes, by popular demand, the Waggiest Tail Competition returns for all our four-legged participants!
Come for the run, stay for the fun - it’s going to be a weekend to remember.
FOOD & DRINK There will be a wide range of independent local food producers on site throughout the weekend. We’re excited to welcome a selection of fantastic food stalls, including: Yardies Jamaican Street Food, Street Diner (loaded fries unit), North West Pizzas, The Street Diner and Red’s Mac n Cheese.
The ever-popular beer tent will be located near the big screen, serving a selection of local Lakes beers: perfect for a post-run celebration!
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MERCH Commemorate your achievement with official event merchandise. Our exclusive Finisher Tees will be available for purchase at the Adventure Shop throughout the event weekend, priced at £20.
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SPECTATOR GUIDANCE
SPECTATOR VIEWING There are plenty of opportunities for spectators to catch all the action, from the start line to the finish-line celebrations! Ferries and buses are available to take you between key locations, with prime viewing points as runners make their way through Bowness and cross the finish line at Brockhole. Be sure to plan your travel in advance - check the Windermere Lake Cruises and Stagecoach timetables for up-to-date travel information on the day. WINDERMERE LAKE CRUISES Windermere Lake Cruises have many more boats departing Brockhole for Ambleside (Waterhead) to pick up the Windermere Marathon runners and their supporters. Tickets can be purchased online. With a direct service between Ambleside (Waterhead) and Brockhole, runners and spectators can enjoy a hassle-free ferry service between the start and finish line. Beat the crowds and limited parking at Brockhole by using this special boat service.
Tickets can be purchased here .
Don’t miss out on our Event Village at the Coventry Building Society Great North Swim site, where you can enjoy live entertainment, food from local producers, and much more!
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EVENT WELFARE & SUPPORT
We want everyone to feel safe and supported throughout the day, whether you’re running or cheering someone on.
MEDICAL SUPPORT We’ll have medical teams around the course, some based at the drinks stations and others moving between points. There’ll also be a medical tent at the finish line, with extra support from the brilliant team who look after the Coventry Building Society Great North Swim. DRINKS & TOILETS There are 7 drinks stations on the course, each offering water and a hydration drink to help keep you going. At the finish line, you’ll also find a refill point if you want to top up your bottle. Toilets will be available at the start and finish areas, plus one at each drinks station along the way. QUIET TENT If you need a bit of space during the day, whether that’s for a breather, some quiet time, or baby changing, you can head to the Quiet Tent in the event village. It’s set in a calmer spot, away from the busy areas.
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SUSTAINABILITY & LITTER
We’re constantly reviewing our sustainability and recycling practices and are making a concerted effort to reduce the amount of waste from plastic and other materials across the entire event. We work with local partners to remove waste (plastic, cardboard, wooden pallets, medals and signage) from the run site. We reuse generic signage and keep using it for as long as we can, and our outdated signage is fully recycled.
However, we can’t do it alone - we need your help too!
Please bring your own reusable cups and bottles to use at our water refill points and help us reduce single-use plastic.
Make sure to dispose of your rubbish responsibly by using the correct recycling bins on-site and along the course.
All year round we’re working hard to make our events as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. From reducing and recycling single- use plastics, to working with local charities to collect clothing left at our start lines, to making sure our event branding and stock is reused or responsibly recycled - there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to lower our environmental impact.
But to make an even bigger difference, we need your help!
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Here are a few simple ways you can help make our events greener:
• We ask that you please use the recycling bins on site to discard any waste accordingly.
• As part of our sustainability drive, there will be no bottled water at the start/finish area or on course. Please arrive hydrated, or bring your own supply, which you may carry with you while you run.
• Water refill points will be located at the finish (check the maps for more details).
• If you opt to bring your own standard, single-use plastic water bottle, please make sure you dispose of it properly using recycling bins available in the start and finish area.
Together, small changes can make a big impact.
PRE-LOVED POP UP Find our ‘Pre-Loved Pop Up’ stand in the event village at Brockhole. In partnership with the Lake District Foundation, we will have a variety of second-hand outdoor clothing and items for sale at the stand. All proceeds will go towards the Lake District Foundation. But we need your help to make this pop up a success! If you have any gently used outdoor gear or swimwear, bring it along and donate it at our stand during the event weekend. Please remember: • All items must be washed before donation. • Donations should be clean and in good condition. Together, let’s give pre-loved gear a new life – and support a great cause in the process!
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HAWKSHEAD
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INTHE LAKE DISTRICT
Hawkshead
in the Heart of the Lakes
Grasmere
A591
Rydal
Grasmere
Rydal Water
Ambleside
A593
A591
B5285
Tarn Hows
Windermere
Hawkshead
A591
B5285
Coniston
Bowness
Near Sawrey B5285
A593
Grizedale
A5084
A592 ● 10 minutes from Ambleside via B5285 ● 10 minutes from Ambleside via B5285 ● 10 minutes from Coniston via B5285 ● 25 minutes from Windermere via A591
Artisan Food & Drink Dining Out & Accomodation Walking & Biking
Historic Buildings Clothing/Gift Shops St Michael’s & All Angels Church
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEEKEND HAWKSHEAD Hawkshead is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Cumbria. Standing just north of Esthwaite Water, it’s pretty collection of stone houses and cobblestone streets have enchanted figures like William Wordsworth (who went to school here) and later, Beatrix Potter, who lived at nearby Hill Top House. Today, a fantastic selection of shops, cafes and pubs awaits, with an abundance of culture and history to discover. Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Hawkshead is also a great base for outdoor enthusiasts, with an abundance of hiking trails, cycling routes and water activities in the nearby lakes. There’s something for all to enjoy, with family-friendly strolls and accessible paths as well as more challenging hikes in the local fells. Hawkshead is approximately 10 minutes from Ambleside via B5285, 10 minutes from Coniston via B5285, and 25 minutes from Windermere via A591.
See here for more information.
CONISTON WATER Coniston Water is about five miles long and half a mile wide. Above its western shore, the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston towers above the lake and the village. The lake is half a mile down from the village, where you can hire boats and bikes from Coniston Boating Centre. There are shops, pubs and places to eat in the village, a range of guest houses, B&Bs and holiday cottages in Coniston and nearby.
See here for more information.
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TIPS AND ADVICE
Whether you’re tackling your first marathon or you’re a seasoned runner, preparing well can make all the difference. Here are our top tips to help you have a safe, enjoyable, and successful race day: • Open roads - You will be running part of the course on open roads. Please always stick to the left and be aware of your surroundings, especially when joining or crossing live roads, and make sure you follow our signage. • Wear road running shoes - This event follows road surfaces, so trail shoes aren’t necessary. • Bring your own hydration - To support our sustainability efforts, we encourage all participants to bring a reusable water bottle, cup, or hydration pack to refill at stations along the route. If you’re unable to bring your own, cups will be available at water stations. Please note: bottled water will not be provided. • Test your nutrition in advance - If you’re planning to use energy gels or other supplements, make sure to practise with them during training. This helps avoid any stomach issues on race day. • It’s okay to walk! - Some of the hills are steep and walking them is often the smartest strategy. Many runners do it - pace yourself and enjoy the scenery!
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VOLUNTEERING
Why not join us as a Windermere Marathon volunteer? As a volunteer at one of our events, you will join an amazing team and play an influential part in making the Windermere Marathon extra special. We are always looking for new members to join our team - please get in touch!
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Groups If you are a member of a community group, charity, sports club or any other type of club that may like to get involved, we would love to hear from you! Please drop us an email at volunteers@greatrun.org and one of our team will be in contact. Individual Volunteers To register your interest in volunteering, please head to our Volunteer Portal at greatrun.org/volunteer. Once you have set up an account you will be able to see further details for all of our events and apply for those that interest you.
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GOOD LUCK & ENJOY YOUR DAY From the Windermere Marathon team at Great Run and our partners
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