Overview
The Abingdon Marathon is a traditional multi-lap race in Oxfordshire, drawing about 1,000 finishers each October on a flat, fast course at the Abingdon Airfield. The four-lap format on closed airfield roads is popular with UK runners chasing personal bests. October cool English weather and the simple, traffic-free course make it one of Britain's fastest autumn marathons.
Abingdon Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Abingdon Marathon 2027 race day
The next Abingdon Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 18 April 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Abingdon Marathon course route
The Abingdon Marathon is a flat four-lap course on the closed Abingdon Airfield outside Abingdon, starting and finishing at the former RAF base; minimal turns and no meaningful climbs make it ideal for even pacing and PB attempts. Spectators get repeated views from the same vantage point, with the loudest support around the start/finish.
Abingdon Marathon elevation profile
The Abingdon Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Abingdon Marathon uses open online registration at abingdonmarathon.org.uk with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the October airfield race typically opens early in the year. The modest field of around 1,000 finishers on the closed RAF Abingdon loop means places usually remain available until closer to race day.
Abingdon Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Abingdon Marathon 2025: 3D Video Course Map | 42.2 km - Abingdon
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Abingdon Marathon elevation profile?
- The Abingdon Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Abingdon Marathon?
- The Abingdon Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Rural road four laps of a closed course on the Abingdon Airfield (RAF Abingdon former airfield) on the outskirts of Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
- What time does the Abingdon Marathon start?
- The 2027 Abingdon Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 18 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.abingdonmarathon.org.uk/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Why is the Abingdon Marathon run on an airfield?
- The closed airfield course eliminates traffic and elevation, making it one of the UK's fastest marathon courses.
- How many laps is the Abingdon Marathon?
- The race is four laps of approximately 10.5 km on the airfield loop.
- Is the Abingdon Marathon flat?
- Yes. The airfield is completely flat — ideal for personal-best attempts.
- How large is the Abingdon Marathon field?
- The race draws about 1,000 finishers, keeping a focused, club-runner atmosphere.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
