Saxons, Vikings & Normans

Having completed lots of marathons and ultras we believe we know what it takes to put on an enjoyable event for the fit, the dedicated and the hardcore long distance runners. And for those, like myself, who fit none of those categories, we'll do our best to get you round!

Come and join us in December for a jaunt along the Saxon Shore Way where it winds its way up the coast at Deal. The Saxon Shore Marathon will be running for the 8th consecutive year along the sea front. The course is very flat, with a few tiny undulations, the surface is very good indeed, all hard surfaces and will be mud free and even the most navigationally challenged amongst us will be able to get around the course without getting lost. Promise!

A marathon at the lovely seaside town of Ramsgate
The coastal path known as the Viking Coastal Trail runs around Thanet and a section runs along the seafront at Ramsgate which forms part of a popular route that we have here.

The route is 4.37 miles and runs both along the top and bottom of the cliffs on gentle slopes, don't worry the cliff isn't too high! The upper and lower sections are joined by a little "grotto" which meanders through the cliff.

This will be a marathon only event for the lovely Viking Coastal Marathon medal. Six laps will make up the 26.2 mile course!

We're using, the very pleasant King's Wood which is in the heart of Kent between Ashford and Canterbury. It'll be a moderately challenging trail run as its not a flat place but there are some lovely downhills to make up for the ups. A marathon type distance would have around 1600' of climb. It's really very, very nice here, which is why we're holding a mid-week event in March here as its so popular its about the only time of year the Parks people are happy with us being here as otherwise its just too full of people! It's all lovely woodland, decent trails and hills which will make for a very pleasant trail run.

We're not hitting the Book Day day exactly, but we're close, as we're limited for dates but we're using this for a theme mainly as we had the concept for the medal and so created this challenge to tie in with this. I've always loved books and I know folk like a bit of fancy dress, so that is very much encouraged, though absolutely not compulsory, but if you're looking for an excuse to dress up as one of your favourite characters then here is a reason!

The event will be a six hour timed challenge event. Complete as many loops as you wish within the time limit. Run one lap, a half marathon, a marathon, an ultra!

On this special day we're going to have a marathon where we can show a bit of English pride! The theme will be red and white, with runners and supporters all encouraged to dress accordingly. For the 2018 event, as a one off move from the Kent Coast (we don't want to be on the coastal path on a Sunday during the Easter Holidays) we're going to hold the event at Samphire Hoe, within the shadows of the White Cliffs of Dover, about as English as you can get! 7 x 3.75 mile out and back loops.