The PodPlus Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon
2 races scheduled · 1000 participants · Sun 11th Apr 2021 · Charing
COVID Plan
Safety measures in place ·
About this event
Whether you’re an experienced marathoner or a first-timer seeking your first marathon adventure, this race will have an option to suit your needs.
Raceday details
Your organiser
We are a specialist race management company, organising more than 140 races across the UK each year. We offer everything from small community events to larger races organised on behalf of running clubs, charities, local authorities and private companies.
How to enter
Tickets available until Sat Apr 10 2021
What's included:
- Finisher's medal
- Chip timing
- Cash prizes
- Refreshment stations
- Course marshalled
- First aid on-site
Marathon
8:00am Sun 11th Apr 2021
Run 26.2mi
Half Marathon
8:00am Sun 11th Apr 2021
Run 13.1mi
Benefits of booking with Let's Do This
Free injury protection - Refunds until 4 days before the event.
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What people think
4.745 reviews
Stunning scenery
Helpful volunteers
Friendly atmosphere
Thanks to all at Nice Work for organising this event - it was great to be back racing again !Special credit for the organisation. It is never easy arranging two concurrent races at the same time (Full and Half Marathon) and must be especially difficult at present. The race was slickly organised in a COVID secure way from beginning to end and many thanks to all the marshalls who stood in the pouring rain for hours and were always positive and encouraging. Great course too - challenging with plenty of variety.… read more
After such a long break, it was just great to be racing again. All credit to everyone from Nice Work in doing a superb job of organising two concurrent races (Half and Full Marathon) in a COVID secure way. Special thanks to all the marshalls who stood in the rain for four plus hours and were unfailingly encouraging and supportive. Sincere thanks to you all for a great event. The course is also a real test with plenty of variety … read more
Frequently asked questions
Will there be toilets?
Yes, there will be toilets at the start/finish area but it is asked that you take care washing your hands and sanitise regularly. … read moreWill my race number be sent to me or do I need to pick it up on race day?
If you have entered the race in good time then it will be sent to you in the post. If you entered close to race day then you will need to collect your race number on the day of the event. Entries are not available on the day.… read moreAre there on-site changing facilities or a bag drop?
No, due to the current situation there will be no baggage drop or changing facilities for use at the event.… read moreYou may also like
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Route description
Route description
This will be a looped course, with marathon runners completing it twice and half marathon runners once.
The event will take place around the quiet Kent country-roads, however, they will not be closed for the race so please remain vigilant of any vehicles on the course.
In parts, the route will be run on mixed-terrain tracks, with a small section joining the Pilgrims Way. The course is naturally undulating - get set for a fast finish with the last 1.5KM being downhill.
In 2019, this event was a Top 10 Finalist of the Best Marathon in the UK at the Let's Do This Challenge Awards.
Well organised and an predominately flat course so good for PBs. Despite covid-19 measures and staggered starts, still a good atmosphere and some very supportive and cheerful volunteers!
Thanks to all at Nice Work for organising this event - it was great to be back racing again !Special credit for the organisation. It is never easy arranging two concurrent races at the same time (Full and Half Marathon) and must be especially difficult at present. The race was slickly organised in a COVID secure way from beginning to end and many thanks to all the marshalls who stood in the pouring rain for hours and were always positive and encouraging. Great course too - challenging with plenty of variety.
After such a long break, it was just great to be racing again. All credit to everyone from Nice Work in doing a superb job of organising two concurrent races (Half and Full Marathon) in a COVID secure way. Special thanks to all the marshalls who stood in the rain for four plus hours and were unfailingly encouraging and supportive. Sincere thanks to you all for a great event. The course is also a real test with plenty of variety
Organisers were fantastic - a challenging hilly marathon not a PB course but Marshalls were great - I would do it again!!
Fantastically well organised. Amazing all the additional hard work that must have gone into making the race Covid compliant too. Marshals were awesome and just loved the whole atmosphere. Absolutely loved the race, course was challenging but not overly so!!
Very well organised and a nice course. The marshals were very helpful and encouraging. I would recommend the race to runners of all standards.
Well done to everyone who arranged this Covid Secure Marathon, it's my 2nd time taking part in this event, the course is very tough and the rained added to that challenge. well organised and safe event, well done to everyone involved in allowing to us to get racing again!
An undulating course with a small amount of trail thrown in for good measure makes this a challenging run, but one that takes in the lovely countryside scenery and makes for an enjoyable event. Such a well organised race HQ to maintain social distancing and provide a safe and supportive atmosphere. Tough but fun!
Very well organised marathon in a covid secure format by the Nice Work team. Lovely medal and optional reasonably priced technical t shirt, friendly smiling marshals. 2 lap course - undulating with a reasonable hill around mile 13, had me wondering if it would be a hard day at the office! Thankfully there are some cruisey downhills to balance out the slightly sapping climbs. Nice rural scenery, mainly on quiet lanes with a short section on trail.
Weather fantastic, course challenging and fun, competitors having fun and Marshalls top hat – great enthusiasm, energy and guidance. Kent Countryside views as well ... what more is needed!
This was by far the best organised event I have done under the current guidelines. <br />Great event, even the rain could not spoil it. <br />A massive thanks to the organisers and volunteers who made it all possible.
I have dune this race 3 time now and each time gets better my time is the same each year i do it for fun and raise money for hospice in the weald i like to run and help people who need it
Double loop marathon course with some deviation so you don't get bored with exact repetition. Well organized event with friendly and helpful marshals and well stocked aid stations. Hilly course through quiet lanes and a small amount of trail running.
This is a well organised event and deserves to have a larger entry. The route is really nice, well marshalled and signposted, and sufficient drinks stations. No complaints but I only gave 3-stars for atmosphere as it was a small field. I will definitely do this event again, the timing of the half marathon is perfect if you're doing the London Marathon.
Really nice course around some of the Kent countryside. Lovely community feeling. Good for an opening to half marathon running.
Well organised, information came swiftly. Course a great mix of road and woodland. Atmosphere superb. Would have liked to view an Ordnance Survey map showing the route (the basic map was quite confusing, especially as the route involves a loop); the organisers weren’t able to provide one but they did describe the course for me in detail so I could plot it on my OS mapping. That was very kind! This was my first half marathon and I really really enjoyed it (and surprised myself with my time!) Also loved the floral finisher’s medal and the copious Jaffa Cakes and squash at the end.
It can't be a five star rating for atmosphere because it is a quiet marathon but there was a lovely positive feeling amongst the competitors supporters and marshalls. There is a good level of challenge with the hill just as you turn for the second half (and away from the half's finish) being a particular test of will but has chances to relax like the long shallow downhill afterwards. Some.beuatiful views somewhat ruined by the misty day but apart from not arranging that right the organisation was smooth. Will run again
Loved exploring the country lanes very friendly accessible route, I ran with a friend it was fun and beautiful
Not easy route, a bit hiily but really well organized. Fantastic atmosphere. Beautiful views. Recommend ;)
Easy to book, lots of friendly supportive marshalls, varied route, really enjoyed this race and would do it again
RC
Robert C-W5.0
Did the Marathon in 2018Beautiful countryside, even in the bad weather, plenty of supporters about, and jelly babies. Finish line was a little confusing, but lovely race overall
Great run, quite hilly, staffing was great. Would have said it wasn’t a PB course but somehow I managed too and finished 3rd which made it even better
A challenging but lovely rural course, taking in the pretty village of Westwell. I particularly enjoyed the woodland section.<br />Great organisation, friendly supportive marshals and lots of prizes on offer.<br />A fairly small friendly event. Would definitely recommend!
Despite it being a cold, damp day this event was so much fun. For me, it was a trip from my home in Spain back to my home county to take part in an event that actually had some meaning rather than just "another race". Very well organised inside the school hall to collect our numbers, portaloos on site, and then off up a village street to the start line. A fantastic atmosphere despite a smaller group of runners than I'm used to! A lovely, rather undulating course, through the Kent countryside with lots of support along the route as well as ample water stations. A beautiful medal at the finish and in typically English style, a cup of tea and homemade cake available at the finish! My only disappointment, and my fault entirely, was that I left before the prizes! Coming home to Spain the next day and receiving an email advising me that I was first in my category was fantastic....yes, they posted the trophy to me the next day. A great, well organised, event and definitely one I will be returning to again.
One of my favourite marathons,will definitely be back again next year,great atmosphere 😎see you next year ✅
Really enjoyed exploring the countryside route a mix of on /off road through woodland and open fields, beautiful 👍❤️
Marshals were great, nice to have snack at the end. . Lovely location, would recommend this race.
Marshals were lovely and nice to have snacks at the end. A lovely location, would recommend this race.
Tough but enjoyable, great marshal support. No one to hand out medal at the end but otherwise well run
RM
Did the Marathon in 2019
Really enjoyable marathon. It is not the easiest course being quite undulating but it is in beautiful countryside. Part of the course is off road but it is on a track which is firm underfoot and is a very small stretch. The marshalls were some of the friendliest I have ever encountered. I don’t think I was on for a PB anyway but the lure of Jaffa cakes and fat coke at various points on the route definitely slowed me down! Would highly recommend. Really well organised.
My first half marathon! And a very last minute entry. But, what a lovely atmosphere. Parking is always a worry but easily signposted here. Buzzing atmosphere in the registration office, and the best thing at the start for so many of us was not to worry - we could begin when everyone had been to the portaloos - brilliant on such a chilly day!! All the way round the Marshall's were encouraging and all clearly signposted. Plenty of water and snack stops with lots more encouragement and fun! I got to the end in a much better time than expected - and was rewarded with the prettiest medal and lots of much needed snacks. I’ll be back next year - hopefully with more training - but with the comfort that I’ll have fun and feel like I’ve achieved something. Well done you guys!
Very enjoyable and well organised event. As ever a race organised by Nice Work is excellent value for money and I always feel valued as an individual.
The event was well organised from point of booking through to registration through to the finish line and beyond! It was a challenging course but well marked and with fantastic volunteers at the water stations. Thoroughly recommend it if you fancy a challenging course!
This was a well organised race, with good signage and some pretty scenery. Drink stations were well positioned on the course with lots of race marshals throughout. After the first few miles the runners spread out and it was as if I were having a solo run through the countryside. That being said, this was the lowest attended race I have ever run from a spectator perspective. There were less than 10 people cheering us on the actual course (the crowd was pretty much only at the finish). That being said, it was a great day for a run and a nice start to the racing season.If coming from London/do not have a car: I thought I would be able to take the train in in the morning but the earliest train arrives only 12 minutes before race start. I decided not to risk it and came the night before, but then had to walk to the hotel (just under 2 miles) as there were no cabs and then organise a cab from the next town over to get to the start line. Not a huge deal but added several steps (and cost).
My first time doing this event which was really well organised and extremely well marshalled by encouraging volunteers. Plenty of water stops and very easy parking nearby.
A well organised race around a lovely course. Plenty of water stations and nice medal. This was the second time I have completed this event and probably not my last!
Really enjoyable run. Course was well laid out with regular stations along the way. Nice meal in the Wagon and Horses in Charing afterwards.
This was my first Half Marathon and the atmosphere and stop stations were brilliant. It was well organised and not to big that it intimidated me.The course is however very hilly so suggest hill training. Even so I got to the finish line in a very decent time and enjoyed the feeling of getting up them hills still running.
A really nice, well organized event. Great route but quite undulating. The weather could have been kinder but we really enjoyed the event! Fab medal too. Nice touch with the hot drinks and cakes available afterwards. Many thanks.
A super little event in the Kent countryside. Well organised by a very friendly team and huge thanks to the marshalls who gave a lots of warm encouragement.
4.745 reviews
Stunning scenery
Helpful volunteers
Friendly atmosphere
Rate this event
Logistics and schedule
Schedule
08:00: Start Line Opens
10:00: Start Line Closes
Participants will be set off in 5-minute slots, beginning at 08:00 all the way up until 10:00. There will be a maximum of 12 people per time slot.
Spectators
Due to the current situation, spectators are encouraged not to attend. If they must, it is asked that they congregate at the start/finish area.
Volunteers
For more information about volunteering please contact: [email protected]
How to get there
School Rd, Charing, Ashford TN27, UK
Get directionsAddress: Charing School, School Road, Charing, Kent, TN27 0JN
The race headquarters are located at Charing School and there will be car parking available at the school on race day.
The closest railway station is Charing, which is served by trains from Ashford International. It is just a short half-mile walk from the station to the race HQ.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be toilets?
Yes, there will be toilets at the start/finish area but it is asked that you take care washing your hands and sanitise regularly. Will my race number be sent to me or do I need to pick it up on race day?
If you have entered the race in good time then it will be sent to you in the post. If you entered close to race day then you will need to collect your race number on the day of the event. Entries are not available on the day.Are there on-site changing facilities or a bag drop?
No, due to the current situation there will be no baggage drop or changing facilities for use at the event.Is there an age requirement to participate?
Participants must be 17 years of age and over to enter the Half Marathon and 18 years of age and over to enter the Marathon event.When will results be available?
Results and race awards will be available approximately 3 days after the event. Race medals will be available for pick-up upon finishing the race, and a small momento will be sent out in the post after the event for race winners.Booking related questionsDo you have a question about bookings, cancellations, or refunds?
Route description
Route description
This will be a looped course, with marathon runners completing it twice and half marathon runners once.
The event will take place around the quiet Kent country-roads, however, they will not be closed for the race so please remain vigilant of any vehicles on the course.
In parts, the route will be run on mixed-terrain tracks, with a small section joining the Pilgrims Way. The course is naturally undulating - get set for a fast finish with the last 1.5KM being downhill.
In 2019, this event was a Top 10 Finalist of the Best Marathon in the UK at the Let's Do This Challenge Awards.
Well organised and an predominately flat course so good for PBs. Despite covid-19 measures and staggered starts, still a good atmosphere and some very supportive and cheerful volunteers!
Thanks to all at Nice Work for organising this event - it was great to be back racing again !Special credit for the organisation. It is never easy arranging two concurrent races at the same time (Full and Half Marathon) and must be especially difficult at present. The race was slickly organised in a COVID secure way from beginning to end and many thanks to all the marshalls who stood in the pouring rain for hours and were always positive and encouraging. Great course too - challenging with plenty of variety.
After such a long break, it was just great to be racing again. All credit to everyone from Nice Work in doing a superb job of organising two concurrent races (Half and Full Marathon) in a COVID secure way. Special thanks to all the marshalls who stood in the rain for four plus hours and were unfailingly encouraging and supportive. Sincere thanks to you all for a great event. The course is also a real test with plenty of variety
Organisers were fantastic - a challenging hilly marathon not a PB course but Marshalls were great - I would do it again!!
Fantastically well organised. Amazing all the additional hard work that must have gone into making the race Covid compliant too. Marshals were awesome and just loved the whole atmosphere. Absolutely loved the race, course was challenging but not overly so!!
Very well organised and a nice course. The marshals were very helpful and encouraging. I would recommend the race to runners of all standards.
Well done to everyone who arranged this Covid Secure Marathon, it's my 2nd time taking part in this event, the course is very tough and the rained added to that challenge. well organised and safe event, well done to everyone involved in allowing to us to get racing again!
An undulating course with a small amount of trail thrown in for good measure makes this a challenging run, but one that takes in the lovely countryside scenery and makes for an enjoyable event. Such a well organised race HQ to maintain social distancing and provide a safe and supportive atmosphere. Tough but fun!
Very well organised marathon in a covid secure format by the Nice Work team. Lovely medal and optional reasonably priced technical t shirt, friendly smiling marshals. 2 lap course - undulating with a reasonable hill around mile 13, had me wondering if it would be a hard day at the office! Thankfully there are some cruisey downhills to balance out the slightly sapping climbs. Nice rural scenery, mainly on quiet lanes with a short section on trail.
Weather fantastic, course challenging and fun, competitors having fun and Marshalls top hat – great enthusiasm, energy and guidance. Kent Countryside views as well ... what more is needed!
This was by far the best organised event I have done under the current guidelines. <br />Great event, even the rain could not spoil it. <br />A massive thanks to the organisers and volunteers who made it all possible.
I have dune this race 3 time now and each time gets better my time is the same each year i do it for fun and raise money for hospice in the weald i like to run and help people who need it
Double loop marathon course with some deviation so you don't get bored with exact repetition. Well organized event with friendly and helpful marshals and well stocked aid stations. Hilly course through quiet lanes and a small amount of trail running.
This is a well organised event and deserves to have a larger entry. The route is really nice, well marshalled and signposted, and sufficient drinks stations. No complaints but I only gave 3-stars for atmosphere as it was a small field. I will definitely do this event again, the timing of the half marathon is perfect if you're doing the London Marathon.
Really nice course around some of the Kent countryside. Lovely community feeling. Good for an opening to half marathon running.
Well organised, information came swiftly. Course a great mix of road and woodland. Atmosphere superb. Would have liked to view an Ordnance Survey map showing the route (the basic map was quite confusing, especially as the route involves a loop); the organisers weren’t able to provide one but they did describe the course for me in detail so I could plot it on my OS mapping. That was very kind! This was my first half marathon and I really really enjoyed it (and surprised myself with my time!) Also loved the floral finisher’s medal and the copious Jaffa Cakes and squash at the end.
It can't be a five star rating for atmosphere because it is a quiet marathon but there was a lovely positive feeling amongst the competitors supporters and marshalls. There is a good level of challenge with the hill just as you turn for the second half (and away from the half's finish) being a particular test of will but has chances to relax like the long shallow downhill afterwards. Some.beuatiful views somewhat ruined by the misty day but apart from not arranging that right the organisation was smooth. Will run again
Loved exploring the country lanes very friendly accessible route, I ran with a friend it was fun and beautiful
Not easy route, a bit hiily but really well organized. Fantastic atmosphere. Beautiful views. Recommend ;)
Easy to book, lots of friendly supportive marshalls, varied route, really enjoyed this race and would do it again
RC
Robert C-W5.0
Did the Marathon in 2018Beautiful countryside, even in the bad weather, plenty of supporters about, and jelly babies. Finish line was a little confusing, but lovely race overall
Great run, quite hilly, staffing was great. Would have said it wasn’t a PB course but somehow I managed too and finished 3rd which made it even better
A challenging but lovely rural course, taking in the pretty village of Westwell. I particularly enjoyed the woodland section.<br />Great organisation, friendly supportive marshals and lots of prizes on offer.<br />A fairly small friendly event. Would definitely recommend!
Despite it being a cold, damp day this event was so much fun. For me, it was a trip from my home in Spain back to my home county to take part in an event that actually had some meaning rather than just "another race". Very well organised inside the school hall to collect our numbers, portaloos on site, and then off up a village street to the start line. A fantastic atmosphere despite a smaller group of runners than I'm used to! A lovely, rather undulating course, through the Kent countryside with lots of support along the route as well as ample water stations. A beautiful medal at the finish and in typically English style, a cup of tea and homemade cake available at the finish! My only disappointment, and my fault entirely, was that I left before the prizes! Coming home to Spain the next day and receiving an email advising me that I was first in my category was fantastic....yes, they posted the trophy to me the next day. A great, well organised, event and definitely one I will be returning to again.
One of my favourite marathons,will definitely be back again next year,great atmosphere 😎see you next year ✅
Really enjoyed exploring the countryside route a mix of on /off road through woodland and open fields, beautiful 👍❤️
Marshals were great, nice to have snack at the end. . Lovely location, would recommend this race.
Marshals were lovely and nice to have snacks at the end. A lovely location, would recommend this race.
Tough but enjoyable, great marshal support. No one to hand out medal at the end but otherwise well run
RM
Did the Marathon in 2019
Really enjoyable marathon. It is not the easiest course being quite undulating but it is in beautiful countryside. Part of the course is off road but it is on a track which is firm underfoot and is a very small stretch. The marshalls were some of the friendliest I have ever encountered. I don’t think I was on for a PB anyway but the lure of Jaffa cakes and fat coke at various points on the route definitely slowed me down! Would highly recommend. Really well organised.
My first half marathon! And a very last minute entry. But, what a lovely atmosphere. Parking is always a worry but easily signposted here. Buzzing atmosphere in the registration office, and the best thing at the start for so many of us was not to worry - we could begin when everyone had been to the portaloos - brilliant on such a chilly day!! All the way round the Marshall's were encouraging and all clearly signposted. Plenty of water and snack stops with lots more encouragement and fun! I got to the end in a much better time than expected - and was rewarded with the prettiest medal and lots of much needed snacks. I’ll be back next year - hopefully with more training - but with the comfort that I’ll have fun and feel like I’ve achieved something. Well done you guys!
Very enjoyable and well organised event. As ever a race organised by Nice Work is excellent value for money and I always feel valued as an individual.
The event was well organised from point of booking through to registration through to the finish line and beyond! It was a challenging course but well marked and with fantastic volunteers at the water stations. Thoroughly recommend it if you fancy a challenging course!
This was a well organised race, with good signage and some pretty scenery. Drink stations were well positioned on the course with lots of race marshals throughout. After the first few miles the runners spread out and it was as if I were having a solo run through the countryside. That being said, this was the lowest attended race I have ever run from a spectator perspective. There were less than 10 people cheering us on the actual course (the crowd was pretty much only at the finish). That being said, it was a great day for a run and a nice start to the racing season.If coming from London/do not have a car: I thought I would be able to take the train in in the morning but the earliest train arrives only 12 minutes before race start. I decided not to risk it and came the night before, but then had to walk to the hotel (just under 2 miles) as there were no cabs and then organise a cab from the next town over to get to the start line. Not a huge deal but added several steps (and cost).
My first time doing this event which was really well organised and extremely well marshalled by encouraging volunteers. Plenty of water stops and very easy parking nearby.
A well organised race around a lovely course. Plenty of water stations and nice medal. This was the second time I have completed this event and probably not my last!
Really enjoyable run. Course was well laid out with regular stations along the way. Nice meal in the Wagon and Horses in Charing afterwards.
This was my first Half Marathon and the atmosphere and stop stations were brilliant. It was well organised and not to big that it intimidated me.The course is however very hilly so suggest hill training. Even so I got to the finish line in a very decent time and enjoyed the feeling of getting up them hills still running.
A really nice, well organized event. Great route but quite undulating. The weather could have been kinder but we really enjoyed the event! Fab medal too. Nice touch with the hot drinks and cakes available afterwards. Many thanks.
A super little event in the Kent countryside. Well organised by a very friendly team and huge thanks to the marshalls who gave a lots of warm encouragement.
4.745 reviews
Stunning scenery
Helpful volunteers
Friendly atmosphere
Rate this event
Logistics and schedule
Schedule
08:00: Start Line Opens
10:00: Start Line Closes
Participants will be set off in 5-minute slots, beginning at 08:00 all the way up until 10:00. There will be a maximum of 12 people per time slot.
Spectators
Due to the current situation, spectators are encouraged not to attend. If they must, it is asked that they congregate at the start/finish area.
Volunteers
For more information about volunteering please contact: [email protected]
How to get there
School Rd, Charing, Ashford TN27, UK
Get directionsAddress: Charing School, School Road, Charing, Kent, TN27 0JN
The race headquarters are located at Charing School and there will be car parking available at the school on race day.
The closest railway station is Charing, which is served by trains from Ashford International. It is just a short half-mile walk from the station to the race HQ.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be toilets?
Yes, there will be toilets at the start/finish area but it is asked that you take care washing your hands and sanitise regularly. Will my race number be sent to me or do I need to pick it up on race day?
If you have entered the race in good time then it will be sent to you in the post. If you entered close to race day then you will need to collect your race number on the day of the event. Entries are not available on the day.Are there on-site changing facilities or a bag drop?
No, due to the current situation there will be no baggage drop or changing facilities for use at the event.Is there an age requirement to participate?
Participants must be 17 years of age and over to enter the Half Marathon and 18 years of age and over to enter the Marathon event.When will results be available?
Results and race awards will be available approximately 3 days after the event. Race medals will be available for pick-up upon finishing the race, and a small momento will be sent out in the post after the event for race winners.Booking related questionsDo you have a question about bookings, cancellations, or refunds?