Stratford-upon-Avon, England, United Kingdom
The Shakespeare Marathon draws approximately 1,153 finishers each April on a historic town and rural road in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom. Its literary branding gives it one of the clearest thematic identities in UK marathon running. The course passes the River Avon, Shakespeare-linked town landmarks, and Warwickshire village roads. The River Avon, Shakespeare-linked town landmarks, and Warwickshire village roads give April's literary marathon one of the clearest thematic identities in UK road running.
Shakespeare Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Shakespeare Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 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.
Starts and finishes in Stratford-upon-Avon. The course passes the River Avon, Shakespeare-linked town landmarks, and Warwickshire village roads. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Shakespeare 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.
The Shakespeare Marathon uses open online registration at shakespearemarathon.org.uk with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the April race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Stratford-upon-Avon.
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.
Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027
The Milton Keynes Marathon draws about 4,000 finishers each May through Britain's planned new-town city of redways and roundabouts. The course follows the linear park system, passes the Xscape dome, and uses the wide boulevards and traffic-free redways that define Milton Keynes. May spring weather and a flat, fast course make it popular with runners chasing personal bests in the Home Counties.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Newport Marathon Festival draws approximately 1,999 finishers each April on an urban road in Newport, United Kingdom. It is widely regarded as one of the fastest full marathons in Wales. The route passes the River Usk, city bridges, and wide roads used for one of Wales's faster marathon layouts. The River Usk, city bridges, and wide Welsh roads make April's Newport Marathon Festival one of the fastest full marathons in Wales.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Cardiff Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers on an urban road in Cardiff, United Kingdom. The course starts and finishes at Cardiff Castle. The route passes Cardiff Bay, the Millennium Stadium, and Bute Park. Mostly flat with minor rises around the bay.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
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