Four championships to look forward to this year. Here is where things stand.
North Downs 30k — 28 June
Entries for this one have now closed. To everyone lining up at the North Downs 30k, organised by Istead & Ifield Harriers — good luck. It is the 42nd running of this 5-star rated event, and by all accounts one of the best trail races in the South. I look forward to hearing how you all get on.
Marathon Championships — 9 August, Ramsey, Isle of Man
The British Masters Marathon Championships take place at Ballacloan Stadium, Ramsey, organised by IOMVAC. Many competitors make a weekend or even a week of it, taking in what the Isle of Man has to offer alongside the race.
Entries are via OpenTrack, and the closing date is 31 July 2026.
Enter here: https://bmaf.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2026/GBR/bmaf-mar/
Half Marathon Championships — 20 September, Dumfries
Organised by Dumfries Running Club, this is a genuine club event at a competitive price — good value compared with many half marathons.
Entries are via OpenTrack, and the closing date is 19 September 2026.
Enter here: https://bmaf.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2026/GBR/bmaf-hm/
5k Championships — 29 November, Battersea Park, London
Organised by VAC, this is one of the fastest 5k courses in the UK, and the date suits a weekend in London — whether that means some early Christmas shopping or a visit to Battersea Power Station.
Entries open shortly via OpenTrack.
Details here: https://bmaf.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2026/GBR/bmaf-5k/
Full details of all four championships are on OpenTrack. My thanks, as ever, to Walter Hill, our Road and Trail Secretary, for putting this programme together.