Hopefully our philosophy is straightforward and our aims are clear. Below, we should be able to answer any questions you have about our event. However, if you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Ready to enter?
2024’s event is open now.

When is this happening?
There are full marathons on two days, the 23rd and 24th November 2024, both days will have a massed start at 9am, but there will be the possibility of starting early each day.

On Saturday, marathon runners are joined by relay teams from as far afield as Derbyshire and Leicestershire, either running a competitive race or just for the fun of it, and on Sunday there is a multi-terrain half marathon running at the same time.

What’s in it for me?
Apart from the joy of completing a marathon, you mean? You will receive each day…

1. A flat course, with very little traffic;
2. a custom designed finisher’s medal unique to this event;
3. chip timing, with live results;
4. a feeding station every 3.7 miles, approximately, with water and nibbles, cola, crisps, nuts, cake and more – including Darren’s wife’s now-famous brownie, much of which will be vegan, for all our plant-based friends. All served with a smile by the wonderful Norma;
5. A goody bag full of crisps, chocolate and drinks, rather than energy bars and adverts;
6. Flexible start times and generous cut-offs;
7. Beer!

How do I get there?
Thorpe Park is situated in Humberston, at the eastern end of Cleethorpes. Brown signs bring you into Cleethorpes from elsewhere.  There is plenty of free parking on the caravan park.

Cleethorpes has a railway station, although no trains will arrive in time for the race start on Sunday. From near the station, buses numbers 5 and 9 run to North Sea Lane, close to the race start.

Can I stay on the park?
Sadly not. The reason that we have access to the whole site at this time of year is because holiday lets are no longer permitted, and the touring site is closed. You may be lucky and find someone who owns a caravan and has not yet got it ready for the winter who might be able to rent it to you, but we don’t know of any.

Many people stay at the Premier Inn in Cleethorpes which is the closest hotel to the park, although by its nature the area is awash with hotel options to suit most budgets.

When do I get my race number?
You’ll pick this up on race day morning from the race HQ by the touring site reception, or possibly from the Brewer’s Fayre down the road the night before if you fancy stopping by.

Are there time limits?
Time is restricted by the hours of daylight. It is not a hard cut-off, but we don’t want you having to do laps in the dark. Sunset in 2019 was 3:57, and by 4:30 it was starting to get too dark to see properly. If you’re likely to be out on your last lap beyond 4pm, speak to us the night before the event and we can make arrangements. Although the massed race starts at 9am, it is possible if you wish, to start early. Chip timing will be available from about 7.30 am. Water will also be available on the course from this time, and medical support will be booked for 9am-4pm

Do you have secure baggage facilities?
No. However, the start/finish area will be manned permanently from the start of the race to the arrival of the final runner. Car parks are also very close to the course, so you might prefer to keep your kit there, especially if it is wet.

What’s the running surface like?
The course is run around a large holiday park. The largest in Europe, so I believe. It’s paved throughout. The route sticks to the access roads for the statics and the touring park. There are a couple of sections of off-road, no more than a couple of hundred metres per lap.

Is the course traffic-free?
No. However, a private campsite in late November does not have much traffic, and that traffic that is out is slow moving. Just a few hardy caravan owners. There are a couple of minor road crossings which you will need to watch out for – they will be marshalled at all times.

Will there be feeding stations?
Once every lap you will return to base, where there will be water, cola, squash and other goodies – including my wife’s brownie – for all runners. Hot drinks are also usually available.

Are there any facilities at the start/finish area?
There’s somewhere to store your bags, and usually a gazebo for a brew if you need one. There’s a shop just yards away for breakfast or anything you may have forgotten, and there’ll be toilets.

Are there any toilet or drink facilities on the route?
Toilets will be available at the start/finish area, and therefore every 6km or so. Please don’t irrigate the grass or bushes on the course, or they won’t invite me back.

Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course?
Yes. Though please be aware that the park is not fully closed for the winter, so there is the possibility of the very occasional car, child on a bike, family group walking a dog etc and we’d ask you to pay attention to hazards.

Are these events official?
Yes. They are held under ARC Rules. Permits from the Association of Running Clubs will be available for inspection if required. Full third party insurance is provide by the ARC, and full professional medical cover is provided by Singleton Event Services of Lincoln. Most importantly the Maravan is recognised as an eligible event by the 100 Marathon Club.

Can I run with my dog?
Yes the course is open to dogs. There will be other dog walkers out. Please clean up after your pet. The ARC permit requests that we see evidence of third party insurance for the dog.

Is this a commercial marathon?
No. We’re putting this event on out of the kindness of our hearts. Any surplus after costs will go into upgrading the medal, the refeshment station, and if there’s anything left, extra mementoes. If there should still be anything left, the few pennies will go to good causes. Leftover food and drink are donated to the local foodbank the day after the event, except for leftover squash which goes to the oncology unit at Castle Hill.

Ready to enter?

 

Day 1 – Saturday 23rd Nov 2024		Day 2 – Sunday 24th Nov 2024
Solo Marathon		Solo Marathon
Team Relay		Half Marathon