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A Marathon with a difference!

We're going to have a bit of a different marathon at at Betteshanger Country Park in February 2019. So what's so different?

Firstly, when you sign up, you choose if you are a Mod or a Rocker. Which one you choose will then dictate which finisher medal you'll earn (we'll have one for each group...)

Then before the start we'll divide you up into the two groups and there will be a dance off, ah, OK then a coin toss. The winning group chooses which way to run, either clockwise or anti-clockwise, then depending on which group you're in will decide exactly which route you take!

We're using a new "hybrid loop" at Betteshanger, partly on the trails, partly on the tarmac track, on the trails you'll all run the same way, but on the tarmac loop, one group run clockwise, and the other anti clockwise to generally taunt, abuse, cajole or support the runners going around the in opposite direction!


Artwork for the "Rocker" Medal


Artwork for the "Mod" Medal

We'll have our usual standard of goody bag that you expect from us, so there will be chocolate and some other decidedly non-healthly, high calorie, yummy things that you'll have earned the hard way and will fully deserve after running 26.2 miles not to mention the "picnic" aid station you'll get to visit every few miles!

We put on marathons run exactly the way we wish they were all run. Low key, friendly and with most of the entry fee being spent on the runners, in addition £5 will be donated to Betteshanger Country Park from each entry fee.

Course Information

The course runs around the leisure paths trails at Betteshanger and a loop of the tarmac cycle track in a 3.28 mile loop track.. The surface is a high quality gravel surface in the main with the odd patch of potentially muddy bits if they're wet but overall it's an excellent running surface, especually the tarmac part, and should produce some good times.

The route is viewable on MayMyRun here.

There are slopes rather than hills, so its not totally flat, each loop has maybe 60 feet of elevation rise, but there are some lovely woods to run by, ponds, grasslands, wet lands and some wild life to spot too! If its wet there might be a chance of some mud but the trails are high quality and drain well.

The route is suitable for either road or trail shoes.

Course Photos

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 with plenty of nibbles and refreshments for during and post race replenishment, including the legendary Rachel's Rocky Road!

Where is the event?
Betteshanger Country Park , A258, Deal, Kent CT14 0BF (Map). Please click here for our Betteshanger information. (Please note that the venue is also known as Fowlmead Country Park)

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

Are there time limits?
Yes, a soft six hour time limit.

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. You'll be able to park close to the start/finish don't forget.

Can I leave my own drinks/food at the aid station?
Yes no problem at all, we have a dedicated table for runners own supplies if they have anything special that they'd like to bring along..

Trail shoes? Road Shoes?
Either should be fine. The running surface is very good, if it's wet then maybe err towards trail, if its dry err towards road. The site drains very well being built on shale from the old mine.

Is the course closed to the public?
No. We are using the Betteshanger Country Park which is part of a network of local footpaths, cycle paths and trails and is shared with ramblers, dogwalkers, horseriders and cyclists. However the cyclists do have their own dedicated trails so shouldn't be too much of an issue. Runners do not have the right of way and need to be considerate of other users of the land. Please don't litter, we'll have a bin at the base camp and another on the far side of the course so please deposit any rubbish in these..

What on course facilities do you provide?
Water, squash, nibbles, goodies, starter, timekeeper and encouragement every lap! Base station will be well stocked for all runners. This is a typical example of the picnics, sorry aid station, we have...

Are there any facilities at the start/finish area?
There are toilets, a cafe and a kids playground.

Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course?
Yes. Though please be aware that you are running on public footpaths with the general public so make sure that you pay attention to cyclists, people, dogs, horseriders, wildlife and so on.

The entry fee is a little more than normal – why is that?
We are holding this event by kind permission of the Betteshanger Country Park. £5 of every entry fee will be donated to the Park to assist in the maintenance and development of Betteshanger Country Park.

Location Information

Please visit our Betteshanger information page for general parking, directions and local area information about public transport, hotels etc.

General SVN FAQ

Can be read here

 

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