Blackpool Festival of Running

There are TWO starting lanes. Marathon runners line up facing South looking towards Blackpool Tower. Half Marathon runners line up facing North with their backs to Blackpool Tower. You must ensure you are in the correct lane, this is your responsibility.

​Marathon & Half Marathon Split Point - Just after the 13 Mile point in the marathon, the two events split. You need to be in the correct coned lane (marathon to the left for lap 2, and half marathon and finish to the right). It will all be clearly signed and marshalled, but please be aware it is ultimately up to you to go the correct way. ​

The marathon and half marathon are marked out with mile markers. The 10k and 5k are marked out with KM markers.

When you book a place on the Blackpool Festival of Running, you can expect a comprehensive and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Prior to the event, participants will receive a detailed race emai containing essential information, including the race route, event schedule, and tips for race day preparation.

On the day of the event, you can anticipate a well-organised and welcoming atmosphere.

Runners will be provided with a high-quality race bib, personalised with their name and pre-attached chip timing tag. There will be ample parking and clear signage to guide you to the start line. Participants will have access to baggage storage transport tomthe finish too. Throughout the race, there will be strategically placed aid stations, as well as enthusiastic volunteers offering support and encouragement. After crossing the finish line, runners will receive a commemorative blingtastic medal.

• Blingtastic Bespoke Medals
• Choice of distances over 2 days
• Certified Accurate Routes
• Chip Timing
• Free Photography

Bib Numbers & Registration
All registered entrants must wear a unique 'bib number' during the event. This is personalised to you with your all important chip timing tag which is pre-attached. LOOK AFTER YOUR BIB - You won’t be able to take part without it. We’re unable to issue duplicates, and there won’t be any spare bibs available at the Start, so please keep it safe. Make sure to complete the medical information on the back of your bib too – it’s quick to do and could be vital in the event of an emergency. When you're ready it needs to be pinned to the FRONT of your running top. Don't bend, remove, break or stick any pins through your tag as it won't work!

Event weekend collection from RACE HQ (Venue Information below)
SATURDAY COLLECTION FROM 9.00am - 2.00pm
SUNDAY COLLECTION FROM 7.00am - 8.45am

Pre-Collection
Bib numbers will be available to collect from the events office from Tuesday 20th - Thursday 22nd.
We are open 10am-4pm.
DO NOT COME TO THE OFFICE ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY AS WE'RE NOT THERE!

If you have entered multiple events over the weekend, all your bib numbers (one for each distance) will be in one envelope for easy collection.

The race headquarters is located on the Middle Walkway on North Promenade. This is north of Blackpool North Pier opposite the Grand and Imperial Hotels. Look over the first sea wall and you will see the HQ area. The nearest postcode is FY1 1SA. What3Words: ///stuck.owner.closet
Here you will find all the facilities for the event including;
Bib Number collection points
Race Start & Finish
Toilets
Baggage Storage
​Secure Key Storage
Medical Facilities

Event Enquiry Point​
The event venue facilities are open from 9.00am Saturday and 7.30am on Sunday. They will be open throughout each day until everyone has finished. Remember, we don't have time limits (7hr Marathon) so there is no need to worry about anything closing down! Just concentrate on enjoying your run.

Start Times
10k - SATURDAY - 10.30am
5k - SATURDAY - 1.00pm
2k - SATURDAY - 2.00pm
Half Marathon - SUNDAY - 9.00am
Marathon - SUNDAY - 9.00am

Wheelchair athletes should make their way to the front of the start lines. You will be started first and given a head start. Buggy Runners and Nordic Walkers need to start at the back of the running field.

Baggage Storage
You will find a baggage storage marquee located next to the collection points. Use this facility to store essential items you will need for when you have finished your event. Do not leave any valuables as this area is not manned.

Toilets
Portable toilets are conveniently located next to the start and finish area and will be available throughout the day. DO NOT leave your visit until the last minute as they will become notoriously busy. With that in mind, when using the toilets be as quick as possible to keep the queues down.

THERE ARE ENOUGH TOILETS, BUT NOT IF EVERYONE GOES AT THE SAME TIME!

There are also public toilets available on the route. These units require 40p to operate, so would suggest taping a few coins to your bib number in case you need to use them. See the route maps for their locations.

Key Drop
We have a key drop facility available throughout both days. Use your empty envelope after collecting your bib number to place your keys in and hand to a member of staff at the collection points for safekeeping whilst you are competing.

Water Stations
Water stations are available on the routes supplying bottled water only. You will pass these stations as detailed below. Grab a bottle if you need one from the tables. Please use the bins located approximately 100 metres after the aid stations to deposit your used bottle.

The 10k has water at 5k and the Finish
The 5k has water at the Finish
The 2k has water at the Finish
The Marathon has water at 3/7/9/12/15/19/21/24 Miles and at the finish Finish
The Half Marathon has water at 2.5/6/8.5/11 Miles and at the Finish

BRING A BOTTLE BELT OR HYDRATION PACK - We encourage all runners to wear a bottle belt or hydration pack during the event. These help reduce the number of single-use bottles on the course and are a great way to stay consistently hydrated. You may find you don’t need to stop at the Drinks Stations as often—but of course, they’re still there if you need a top-up.

HEADPHONE USE
Headphones are allowed at the Blackpool Festival of Running, but we ask that you use them with care and consideration. Please keep the volume low so you can hear instructions from marshals, announcements, and be aware of other runners around you. The marathon is a two-lap course, which means faster runners may be passing you at various points—staying alert helps keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

HUMANS ONLY, PLEASE!
The Blackpool Festival of Running is all about inclusivity and community but the course is for humans only! For everyone’s safety, no animals are allowed to take part in the event. That said, your furry friends are more than welcome to cheer you on from the sidelines, as long as they’re on a lead and supervised by an adult.

All finishers will receive their beautiful blingtastic medal at the finish line along with a commemorative t-shirt for Marathon & Half Marathon finishers. Individual prizes will be awarded in the following categories;

10k
1st 3 Men & 1st 3 Ladies
1st Male Veteran over 40/45/50/55/60/65+
1st Lady Veteran over 35/40/45/50/55/60+

5k
1st 3 Men & 1st 3 Ladies
1st Male Veteran over 40/45/50/55/60/65+
1st Lady Veteran over 35/40/45/50/55/60+

Half Marathon
1st 3 Men & 1st 3 Ladies
1st Male Veteran over 40/45/50/55/60/65/70+
1st Lady Veteran over 35/40/45/50/55/60/65+

Marathon
1st 3 Men & 1st 3 Ladies
1st Male Veteran over 40/45/50/55/60/65/70+
1st Lady Veteran over 35/40/45/50/55/60/65+

​Prize vouchers will be emailed to winners after the weekend.