Event day guide for participants in the Windermere Marathon
Event Guide 2025
Sunday 15 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 - just make sure you use #windermeremarathon
@windermeremrthn
WindermereMarathon
@windermeremrthn
CONTENTS
4 - 5
Introduction
6 - 8
Pre event Information
9
Start Map
10
At the Start
11
Course Map
12 - 13
On the Course
14
Finish Map
15 - 16
At the Finish
17 - 18
Spectator Guidance & Welfare
19
Sustainability and Litter
21
Make the most of your weekend
4
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 has now passed into the hands of the Great Run company – 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.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
5
A new chapter
The Great Run Company are delighted to have inherited the Windermere Marathon from Brathay Trust.
The Trust will continue their connection with the event through places for runners to fundraise for their great cause.
Brathay is a youth-development charity that provides vital support for around 7000 children and young people facing inequality and adversity every year.
Their work in the community and at their HQ in the Lake District, using a mixture of outdoor learning and community support, helps 10-25 year-olds overcome hardship and feel better about themselves.
Find out more about their work here
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
6
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, but please don’t forget your lock!
Park & Ride
There is a Park & Ride option to make your journey to the start line easier. The Park & Ride is located on Rydal Showground, Ambleside, LA22 9PN. Access to Rydal Showground is via Rydal Road what3words///mysteries.restore.hazel.
Sunday 15 June: 07:30 -16:00 (Car Park opens 07:00)
The car park opens 30 minutes before the first coach. We suggest that you book the first coach at 07:30 – this will drop you off at the bus stop on Lake Road, near the start line. Park & Ride tickets cost £16. This will be a digital ticket (PDF) sent to you by email that you must show on event day. Return coaches from the finish at Brockhole to Rydal Showground will also run every 20 minutes – pick up location is at the top of Brockhole Car Park, what3words///noting.awkward.paddocks.
Book park & ride here
Parking on roadsides and verges is strictly forbidden, and the police would like to remind participants that any cars that are 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.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
7
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 Friday 6th 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.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
8
What do you get in your race pack
YOUR RUN NUMBER This number must only be worn by you on race day. If there’s any issues, please contact Customer Services . Please do not swap, copy, or alter your number. Passing it to someone else can be dangerous if they are unprepared for the event. If your run number hasn’t arrived, visit the Information Point for a replacement. TIMING Your timing chip is attached to the back of your run number. Please don’t remove the chip – it will affect the accuracy of your time. The chip will automatically record your time for you, and you don’t need to do anything else. Your chip doesn’t need to be returned at the end of the run. 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.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
9
Start Map
KEY
ASSEMBLY ZONE
INFORMATION POINT
START
THE WATERHEAD INN
BAGGAGE
PARK AND RIDE BUS STOP
LAKE WINDERMERE
FERRY BOARDING AMBLESIDE PIER
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
10
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 enters after the cut-off date. Look out for the marquee located at the start area, which will be open from 7.30am. 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 outside, so please make sure yours is weatherproof. We also suggest not packing any valuables, as we can’t guarantee their safety. Please ensure you fill in and attach your baggage label to your bag before dropping this off. This will be checked in correspondence with your race number when you are collecting your bag from the finish.
TOILETS Public toilets are available at the start area within Waterhead Car Park.
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, so they’ll be easy to spot along the way.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
11
RYDAL WATER Course Map
AMBLESIDE
SALLOWS
SKELWITH BRIDGE
1
START
LITTLE LANGDALE
WATERHEAD
TROUTBECK
N
BRATHAY
2
BROCKHOLE
3
FINISH
TROUTBECK BRIDGE
DS 1
4
OUTGATE
25
KNIPE FOLD
HIGH WRAY
HEANING
5
HAWKSHEAD HILL
WINDERMERE TRAIN STATION
INGS
COLTHOUSE
HIGH WATER HEAD
24
WINDERMERE
DS 7
6
HAWKSHEAD
BOWNESS- ON- WINDERMERE
ROGER GROUND
23
7
NEAR SAWREY
8
22
DS 2
FAR SAWREY
MITCHELLAND
DS 6
9
GRIZEDALE
21
10
WINSTER
DS 1 DRINK STATIONS
20
SATTERTHWAITE
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
11
CROSTHWAITE
12
GRAYTHWAITE
19
DS 5
BOWLAND BRIDGE
13
THWAITE HEAD
MILE MARKERS
18
1
DS 3
RUSLAND
14
17
CARTMEL FELL
BANDRAKE HEAD
DS 4
15
16
NEWBY BRIDGE
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
12
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
SAFETY ON COURSE (SIGNAGE) Please pay attention to all signage as your make your way around the course, it is there for your safety. At various times the route changes from closed roads, to running lanes, footpaths or at times 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 There is a cut off time to ensure we can deliver a safe event for all participants, while minimising the disruption to the local area. The cut off time is 6 hours and 30 minutes, and if you drop behind our sweep vehicle, which will be moving at this pace, we will ask you to withdraw from the event. If you are unable to make your way back after dropping out, the sweep vehicle will transport you to the finish.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
13
Course Highlights
The route starts at Waterhead on the shores of Windermere, heading North and then crosses the River Rothay. From here the route will take you South passing Brathay and High Wray Castle and then bringing you to the east lakeside of Esthwaite Water, heading 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 will head past Hilltop (Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse retreat: the inspiration for her little books) and past the quaint village of Lakeside amongst many others. You will then cross Newby Bridge and head back up 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 on Windermere where you can celebrate in the vibrant event village.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
14
Finish Map
MERCH
FERRY
KEY
WETLAND AREA
QUIET TENT
TOILETS
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.
BIG SCREEN LIVE COVERAGE
FOOD & DRINK
Head to the Arla Protein power ground to play to your strengths.
BEER TENT
WATER REFILL POINT
Grab wonderful moments of delight with Arla skyr.
FINISH
SWIM FEST STAGE
Visit Arla Cravendale for family fun with a personalised craft station
EXHIBITORS Zone 3 Solgar Andrea Hall Barracuda Bay CANS Swimbler Dip & Dales Co Warmcor Wild Moose Voom Nutrition Lake District Foundation RLSS
Step inside the Arla LactoFREE relaxation area and share your gratitude on our Thankful Tree.
CARPARK & BUS STOP *PARK & RIDE*
ARLA GREAT NORTH SWIM EVENT START AND FINISH AREA
PETER BLAND SPORTS
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
15
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 that pre-ordered their event t-shirt these can be collected from the merchandise stand in the event village.
RESULTS You can find your results on our website after the event.
MARATHON PHOTOS Event photos will be going live from the moment you pass a Marathon Photos Live photographer on the course. Don’t forget to check them out here when you finish and share your run number with your friends and family, and they can register to be notified as soon as your photos are available. EVENT VILLAGE There will be lots to see and do for those who are running as well as anyone who is there to support. For the first time ever, we’re thrilled to team up with the Arla Great North Swim as part of SwimFest – a weekend-long celebration of sport at Brockhole packed with entertainment, activities, and fun for everyone. See the finish map for full details on what’s available in the event village. We’re excited to welcome some incredible special guests over the course of the event weekend, including non-other than Clinical Director and Sports Dietitian Renee McGregor, and British sports reporter and presenter Vassos Alexander. Look out for our festival timetable on our social channels. 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.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
16
At the Finish
FOOD AND 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 this year, including: Yardies Jamaican Street Food, Joeys Café doing their amazing Hash Browns, sandwiches, coffees and bar, Fire and Dough Pizzas, Fish and Chips, Herdwick Burgers and Doughnuts.
We will also have our ever popular beer tent, this will be located near the big screen, serving a selection of local Lakes beers - perfect for a post-run celebration!
MERCH Commemorate your achievement with official event merchandise. Our exclusive Finisher Tees will be available for purchase at the Merchandise Point throughout the event weekend, priced at £20.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
17
Spectator Guidance
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 This year, 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) to Brockhole, runners and spectators can enjoy a hassle-free ferry service between the start and finish line of the Windermere Marathon. Beat the crowds and limited parking at Brockhole by using this special boat service.
Link to purchase tickets can be found here
Don’t miss out on our Event Village at the Great North Swim, where you can enjoy live entertainment, food from local producers, and much more! For a full list of what’s on, see page 14.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
18
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 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.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
19
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.
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 (See examples of recently funded projects here). 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!
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
HAWKSHEAD
20
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
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS www.hawkshead-village.co.uk
21
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 like Windermere and Coniston. There’s something for all to enjoy, with family friendly strolls and accessible paths as well as more challenging hikes in the local fells.
See here for more info.
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 info.
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
22
Tips and Advice
TOP TIPS 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 practice 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!
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
We’ve all heard about rainy days, but are you saving for your sunny ones too? Just like building stamina for your next big run, setting money aside regularly will help you enjoy more of the moments that make life truly memorable. Run steady, save savvy
Save for your sunny days with Coventry Building Society
thecoventry.co.uk
Coventry Building Society. Principal Office: Coventry House, Harry Weston Road, Binley, Coventry, West Midlands CV3 2TQ.
25
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 Windermere Marathon extra special. We are always looking for new members to join our team so 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 contact you. Individual Volunteers To register your interest in volunteering, please head to our Volunteer Portal using the button below.
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.
Visit volunteer portal
RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS
Good Luck & Enjoy your day From the Windermere Marathon team at Great Run and our partners
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease