A Ghost Marathon on the traffic free Cyclopark track!

There has been a marathon on the tarmac track at Cyclopark Gravesend every year since 2012, firstly by the wonderful TZ Runs events and then latterly Inspire Races, unfortunately these events have now ended and it seems such a shame to let the venue be marathon free for a year! Whilst we appreciate that 17 laps around a cycle track in the DMZ between the old A2 and the new M2 isn't the world's most exciting run there are lots of logistical advantages, its a lovely venue and a cracking facility and once a year it isn't too bad!

The main advantages from a running perspective are...

1) No traffic. No cycles. No pedestrians or dog walkers as we'll have the track to ourselves for the day.

2) Wide tarmac road, navigation free & perfect running surface.

3) Accurately measured course.

4) A hill of doom to walk up and a brilliant hill of lesser doom to run down if you're so inclined!

5) An 8 hour time limit.

6) Really nice facility, tons of parking, on site cafe, changing rooms & showers.

Now TZ Runs and Inspire Races not only put on a brilliant event, they also produced brilliant medals.... and this is why this event is a "Ghost Marathon " as you'll have the opportunity to earn the previous events medals, which SVN have secured from TZ Runs and Inspire, which does mean that they have old dates on them, hence the lower than usual entry fee... but enables folk to get ahold of these wonderful designs. Medals need to be earned and its just so sad to have them sitting in boxes unhappily unearned!

You'll be able to choose from a variety of the Inspire Races, Kent Roadrunner and Kent Coyote medals from 2013-2017 on a first come first served basis and we'll have little badges made up for the ribbons to indicate a Ghost run and the year.

There are three hotels within walking distance and a new one being built right now which will be within crawling distance by the time the event is on! So things should be as simple as possible, aside from the running of course, and that is up to you!

Usual standard of SVN goody bags, usual standard of SVN aid station, welcome, support and friendliness!

Course Information

Cyclopark - 2.5km Loop

It's 17 x 2.5km laps with a slightly short first one, you cannot possibly go wrong or get lost. Basically the Cyclopark "A" route, otherwise known as the longest possible loop!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get?
You will receive
1) A really special finishers medal, custom made and designed, not a generic one.
2) A goody bag at the finish, which has goodies in, not a bunch of adverts. There will be nothing healthy in our goody bags, things they contain for example, chocolate, crisps.
3) A well stocked base camp/aid stations with plenty of nibbles and refreshments for during and post race replenishment, including the legendary Rachel's Rocky Road!

Where do I park? How do I get there?
Please refer to our Cyclopark information page.

When do I get my race number?
You'll pick this up on race day morning from the race base camp.

Are there time limits?
You have eight hours to run the 17 laps. Any runner completing the 26.2 miles will have completed marathon distance and will count as a marathon finish for the purposes of the 100 Marathon Club, Mega Marathoners, Marathon Maniacs etc.

How are the laps counted?
At registration we'll provide you with a little punch card, as you go around each lap this will be punched and on the 17th time... you're done!

Do you have secure baggage facilities
No. But you're free to leave bags at the start/finish. There will always be someone around but we can't guarantee their security, in the event of rain we can't guarantee things won't get wet.

Trail shoes? Road Shoes?
Road shoes, its 100% on decent surfaces.

Is the course closed to the public?
Yes. We're hiring the track for the day.

What on course facilities do you provide?
Water, squash, nibbles, starter, timekeeper and encouragement every lap! Base station will be well stocked for all runners.

Can I leave personal drinks at the drinks station?
Yes, you may want to label it and we will not be responsible for folks drinking the wrong drinks!

Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course?
Yes. Though please be aware of your environment and other runners that are about.