Next race
Sunday, 4 April 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Historic town and rural road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Shakespeare Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 1,153 finishers
Course & terrain
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 rolling 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.
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 44 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
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.
Getting there
Birmingham, West Midlands (BHX)
Birmingham Airport
29 km / 18 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 18 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, 3 October 2027
The TCS London Marathon is one of the world's most popular races, famous for its incredible charity fundraising and electric atmosphere. The fast course passes Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, and finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. With gentle undulations and around 127 metres of total climbing, it consistently produces fast times — including Sabastian Sawe's 1:59:30 men's world record and Tigst Assefa's 2:15:41 women's-only world record, both set at the 2026 race.
Next race: Saturday, 24 April 2027
The Chester Marathon attracts about 5,000 finishers each October through England's Roman walled city. The course passes the Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Dee River on flat Cheshire terrain. October autumn weather and the historic Roman-heritage setting make it one of northwest England's most popular marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
