New Forest Marathon to be held in Wimborne again

Taking place September 25-26 this year, the New Forest Marathon will emanate from St. Giles House in Wimborne instead of Brockenhurst for the second year running, after Covid restrictions forced its relocation.

Last year, the New Forest Marathon was one of the UK’s only running events to meet Covid requirements and go ahead in physical form. This did, however, mean relocating approximately 25 miles to Dorset.

Organisers have vowed that the marathon will return home to the New Forest Park Showground in Brockenhurst next year.

ORA Events director Chris Farr said: “The pandemic has presented so many challenges across the forest with increased pressure from visitors on facilities, resources and the natural habitat. This forced Forestry England to take the national decision to not consider event applications before August this year at the earliest.

“With the event being staged in September, it wouldn't allow us enough time to organise and would have created a summer of continued uncertainty for all involved which we wanted to avoid.

"The decision to relocate for another year is the best solution in what are still very challenging times. It provides certainty to all our partners, runners and charities whilst protecting the very special environment that is the New Forest.

He added: “Forestry England have been fully supportive with the decision for the return of the event in 2022 when it is hoped the Covid situation will have eased along with the pressures they're currently facing."

Having been held annually nearly 40 years, the marathon has raised more than £1.3 million for local causes.

Running, camping and music: Offerings for the 2021 New Forest Marathon

A marathon spokesperson told the Daily Echo that the 2020 event was “extremely successful” and was conducted as a “totally Covid safe operation”. Approximately 2,500 runners took part, half the usual total of 5,000. There were also no spectators.

They said: “Last year’s event was widely praised. It demonstrated how events of this size can operate in a Covid safe manner by making the necessary changes and it created a national blueprint for other event organisers and governing bodies to follow.”

The run will feature four adult distances: 5km, 10km, a half-marathon and full marathon. The race village will also house food outlets, camping space as well as a host of activities including paddle boarding and yoga.

2021 entries are now open and to sign up, visit: www.newforestmarathon.co.uk