The Castle Howard Half Marathon will see competitors undertake 2 laps of a spectator friendly almost entirely off-road 10.5K circuit.
Starting on the North Lawn, a few yards from the main entrance to the castle, competitors initially head downhill towards the Boathouse and Lake before circumnavigating the enchanting woodland garden of Ray Wood. The next 5K is on a network of estate tracks and bridle paths that wind their way in a clockwise direction, always in sight of the impressive Mausoleum, passing through the ancient Bog Hall, Spring Wood, Alamo Trekking Centre and High Gaterley Farm.
At the 7K point and just after the well stocked Feed Station, competitors enter the aptly named Pretty Wood passing the Temple of the Four Faces and a couple of curious pyramids. The last 1.5K of the route builds through the formal gardens of the estate starting with New River Bridge and moving onto the South Lake, The Atlas Fountain and the South Lawn.
A final, cruel, climb to the top of Ray Wood is a precursor to a view of the Finish Line from the reservoir at the top of the hill. Lap 1 complete, runners then rejoin the same circuit for their second before entering the 500m long spectator lined finishing straight, crossing the finish line with the world famous castle backdrop, to receive their medal and classy finishing line banquet!