The Tissington Trail Marathon

Do you want to run a Marathon next year? Do you want a course that offers a potential PB on a fabulous countryside trail along a disused railway line with gorgeous views? Then book this Tissington Trail Marathon as quick as you can. This was my first Marathon event, so a PB! and an age category time. Nice Work if you can get it, they are amazingly friendly and supportive too.

Nicest marathon course I've done, and a lovely atmosphere. Organisation and communication from the organisers were great. Medal and tshirt were also among favourites I've picked up!

As with all Niceworks events, the Tissington trail marathon didn’t disappoint, excellent organisation, a wonderful course, fab Marshall’s and a lovely bespoke medal and T-shirt, definitely back next year

My first Marathon,11 days notice,loved it,great Coarse,will be back next year,with longer time to prepare

My wife Jilly and I completed a couch to 5K Beginners Course with Caistor Running Club in May 2018. As both of us are in our 60’s we decided early on that we weren’t really interested in the pursuit of personal bests so agreed to just try and run whatever distance the race or run was without stopping or walking till we finished. Gradually building up our distances we saw the Tissington Marathon just before Christmas and knowing the trail from cycling part of it 30 years ago decided it would be our best chance to run a marathon so entered it.
It was easy to register on the day and walk up to the start line. We were pleased that it wasn’t a huge field of runners for our first one and after an efficient briefing from the starter we set off. It was very good to know that we would be running all the way without having to worry about cars. As the field spread out there were many occasions where you could just hear woodpeckers and other birds.
The regularly placed and well stocked water stations were staffed by very friendly and encouraging volunteers. I particularly enjoyed the Jaffa cakes!
I reached the half way point before Jilly and passed her at Mile 12 for her and Mile 14 for me and she was going really strong.
On the return journey the mile markers were very easy to see and the water stations still had lots of goodies even by the time us slowies got to them.
I did finish without stopping in an admittedly slow time of 5hours 11minutes but there were still people to cheer me home. I was so thrilled to finish and receive the terrific ‘proper’ medal and tee shirt. That was until I turned round and say Jilly standing at the finish and for a moment couldn’t work out how she had got in front of me until I saw the bandage around her head and that she wasn’t wearing her glasses. She had unfortunately fallen over at mile 14 and her glasses had cut her head quite badly but she had been promptly attended to by the excellent first aiders on the course and fully checked out and taken to the finish. We can’t thank them enough for the help they gave Jilly who was also helped by a marshal who stayed with her till medical help arrived.
As the trail was open to the public there were many walkers and cyclists who gave all the runners encouragement to keep going and helped the friendly ethos of the event. The whole event was well managed but with the minimum disruption to other trail users and provided a safe environment for runners of all abilities even first timers like us.
We will be entering next years marathon and have places already booked on the half marathon in September. We can heartily recommend it to anyone and congratulate the organisers on doing such a marvellous job.
By the way Jilly managed to complete her first marathon three weeks later.
Thanks guys!
Derek and Jilly Commander

Such a well organised race in a beautiful location. All the marshals were fantastic too. I absolutely loved this race. It was definitely a challenge with the first half being up hill but totally worth it! Being a slower runner I was on my own a lot on the track towards the last couple of hours which is understandable as there were only 142 entrants! I think this event will be a lot bigger next year as word gets around and that will be better for the race atmosphere. The medal was fantastic and a great quality T-shirt that I wear lots so I can show off I’ve run a marathon!! Would love to do this event again but I am having a rest from marathon training next year! Have recommended it to lots of my running friends and running club!

My first marathon, spot on organisation, relaxed atmosphere, brilliant weather, superb course, great marshals, couldn’t be better for 1st time 😀👍

Great marathon - fun and fast. Out and back along an old railway track, cutting through rolling hills. The track is slightly uphill to the halfway point - and therefore a welcome downward incline on the way back. Through woods, old cuttings with plenty of water and jelly baby stops. Friendly encouragement all round - from spectators, walkers en route and fellow runners. Great race for first time trail runners and those chasing a time, and anyone who loves running away from roads. Would definitely do it again

Probably the best Marathon route and Event organisers in the UK,a privilege and delight to race on this beautiful disused railway line/trail in the Derbyshire countryside. All the Nice Work team excelled on the day and provided an unforgettable running experience. This was the first Marathon on the Tissington Trail and my first Marathon too, cant wait for the next one. I suggest they consider a different date so it doesnt clash with the London Marathon.

Great, yet challenging trail run in beautiful scenery. The 12.5miles of climb take their toll and you can clearly see the climb ahead of you... yet when you turn back you dont feel again of the gain from the descent, so its a deceptive route. Its a run Id recommend to anyone but not one Id enter for a second time.