Isle of Wight Festival of Running

5.0 · 1 review
West Wight Sports & Community Centre logo

From West Wight Sports & Community Centre

  • Date Sat 7th June 2025 - Sun 8th June 2025
  • Time 18:00
  • Location West Wight Sports and Community Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater, PO40 9XH
  • Price £21.44 - £37.36
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 5km, 10km, Half Marathon

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A panoramic view of a coastal landscape with grassy fields. A person is leaping over a wooden fence, another person is jogging with a race number, and there is a tall monument next to a couple walking. A cliff and ocean are visible in the background.

Isle of Wight Festival of Running

Sat 7th June 2025 - Sun 8th June 2025

5.0 · 1 review
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Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of running at the Isle of Wight Festival of Running, organized by the West Wight Sports & Community Centre! Taking place from Saturday, June 7th to Sunday, June 8th, 2025, this exciting event is set against the stunning backdrop of Freshwater, Isle of Wight. Runners of all abilities will have the chance to explore picturesque circular cross-country routes amidst dramatic cliffs and beautiful coves.

Participants can choose from an array of races, including the scenic Tapnell 10k, the beginner-friendly Freshwater 5K, and the challenging Needles Half, which features breathtaking coastal views and rugged terrain. Families can also get in on the fun with the Junior Fun Run, designed for younger athletes. With local running clubs welcoming visitors and exclusive accommodation discounts available, this festival promises a fantastic experience for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight while participating in one of the region's biggest sporting events!

Isle of Wight Festival of Running

Sat 7th June 2025 - Sun 8th June 2025

A panoramic view of a coastal landscape with grassy fields. A person is leaping over a wooden fence, another person is jogging with a race number, and there is a tall monument next to a couple walking. A cliff and ocean are visible in the background. A runner wearing a cap and sportswear jogs along a coastal path on a sunny day. The background shows cliffs and the ocean with clear blue skies above. Four people are running uphill on a grassy field towards a large, tall stone cross. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day. The runners appear to be participating in an outdoor race or event. Map showing the route of the Needles Half Marathon on the Isle of Wight, with a highlighted path. The course starts and ends at Colwell Bay, passing through Yarmouth and Totland. A graph below shows distance and elevation gain of 1358 feet over 13.03 miles. Map showing a 10K running route near Freshwater, Isle of Wight, with red line indicating path. Includes distance of 6.24 miles and elevation gain of 331 feet. Elevation graph displayed at the bottom. A digital map showing a 5K running route in Freshwater, outlined in red. The map includes nearby areas like Freshwater Isle, Middleton, and Easton. A graph below displays elevation changes, with a peak elevation gain of 195 feet. Panoramic collage of a coastal landscape with cliffs and sea, a person balancing on a wooden fence, a runner wearing a bib walking, and a large cross monument on a grassy hilltop with a clear blue sky.

Organiser's Description

Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world-famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location. This Festival has become one of the biggest sporting events on the Island and a favourite of runners from all over the South of England. Over a week, athletes of all levels can choose from circular cross-country routes, in the breath-taking west of the Island.

The programme includes:

- Tapnell 10k - A scenic summmer evening 10k from Freshwater village into the rural countryside and through the fields of our Festival sponsor Tapnell Farm, returning to Freshwater through National Trust and nature reserve land.

 -The Freshwater 5K is ideal for beginner runners and off road racers alike, and passes Alfred Lord Tennyson’s magnificent home, Farringford, skirting Tennyson Down and taking in Afton Marshes.

- The famously tough Needles Half, which follows a spectacular trail along the coast from Colwell Bay to Totland Bay, over the heathland of Headon Warren to The Needles. Runners then traverse rugged Tennyson Down to Tennyson Monument, before descending to Freshwater Bay and across Afton Marsh, to the finish.

- Younger members of the family can join the Junior Fun Run, around fields adjoining the West Wight Sports & Community Centre.

Local running clubs and crews welocme visitors and new members throughout the week, with road, trail and cross country routes to suit everyone! 

With exclusive accomodatation and travel discounts for participants - book for the weekend and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Wight,

Races

  • Tapnell 10K 2025

    Sat 7th June 2025 (18:00)

    £26.74

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Freshwater 5K 2025

    Sun 8th June 2025 (10:00)

    £21.44

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Needles Half Marathon 2025

    Sun 8th June 2025 (12:00)

    £37.36

    Booking for more than 1?

Book

  • Tapnell 10K 2025

    Sat 7th June 2025 (18:00)

    £26.74

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Freshwater 5K 2025

    Sun 8th June 2025 (10:00)

    £21.44

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Needles Half Marathon 2025

    Sun 8th June 2025 (12:00)

    £37.36

    Booking for more than 1?

How to Get There

We are based in the centre of Freshwater village, next to the Isle of Wight Council pay and display car park. We are only a 2.5ml walk or cycle along the scenic cycle track from Yarmouth.

By Car from Yarmouth
Follow A3055 into Freshwater and down School Green Road. Turn RIGHT towards Brookside Road and then LEFT into the Moa Place car park. West Wight Sports & Community Centre is at the top of the car park. Only a 5-minute drive!

By Car from Newport
Follow Newport Road (also known locally as ‘Middle Road’) to the junction with Afton Road. Turn RIGHT and follow Afton Road until it joins School Green Road at the roundabout. Travel along School Green Road to the junction with Brookside Road. Moa Place Car Park is immediately on your LEFT. West Wight Sports & Community Centre is at the top of the car park. Roughly a 30-minute drive.

Ferry Travel
Both Red Funnel and Wightlink Ferries run regular crossings to the Island.

Wightlink
Portsmouth – Fishbourne (Car Ferry)
Portsmouth – Ryde (Foot passengers only)
Lymington – Yarmouth (Car Ferry)

Red Funnel
Southampton – East Cowes (Car Ferry)
Southampton – West Cowes (Foot passengers only)

For full details on how to get to the Island visit the Island’s official tourism website

Bus Travel
The bus service on the Island is operated by Southern Vectis. Bus services run from all the ferry ports into the central bus station in Newport. From here, both the number 7 and number 12 routes stop close to the Sports Centre.

More details and timetable can be found on the Southern Vectis website

Rover tickets offer flexibility and value for money, valid for 24 or 48 hours unlimited travel from the moment you board and beep on the contactless machine, and valid for use all Southern Vectis green network, night and seasonal buses – including the open tops.

From Newport Bus Station, use routes 7 and 12 for West Wight and the Isle of Wight Festival of Running.

Parking

The Centre is located next to a pay and display Isle of Wight Council car park. There is also further parking in Avenue Road, which is a 5-minute walk from the Centre. The Centre is located in a residential area so there is some limited on street parking.

Freshwater 5K

The Freshwater 5k is perfect for anyone who has completed a Couch to 5K programme. Starting out from the Sports Centre the 5k route passes through the beautiful countryside of Freshwater with views across the rest of the West Wight.
The race will also take you through the twists and turns of footpaths running through the stunning Freshwater countryside, finishing back at the Sports Centre.

Date: Sunday 8th June 2025

Race start time: 10:00 AM

Venue: Start and finish at the West Wight Sports & Community Centre

Minimum age: 16yrs

Facilities: Showers, changing rooms, secure room, toilets and cafe.

Prizes: Medal

Tapnell 10K

The Tapnell 10k is perfect for anyone who is experienced at park runs and wants to try a slightly longer distance. Starting out from the Sports Centre the race is a cross country route through some of the spectacular West Wight countryside, finishing back at the Sports Centre.
Taking in the stunning landscape of our sponsor Tapnell Farm; why not make a weeen of it and stay in style!

Date: Saturday 7th June 2025

Race start time: 6pm

Venue: Start and finish at the West Wight Sports & Community Centre

Minimum age: 16yrs

Facilities: Showers, changing rooms, secure room, toilets and cafe.

Prizes: Medal

Needles Half Marathon

Our Needles Half Marathon is one of the toughest and most scenic half marathons in the country. The 13.1 mile route will take you over downs and heathland, past historic monuments and of course you’ll glimpse the most iconic landmark on the Isle of Wight – The Needles.

Date: Sunday 8th June 2025

Race start time: 12:00 PM

Venue: Start and finish at the West Wight Sports & Community Centre

Minimum age: 17yrs

Facilities: Showers, changing rooms, secure room, toilets and cafe.

Prizes: Medal

accommodation

Tapnell Farm
Set in acres of unspoilt countryside, with amazing views in every direction, Tapnell Farm is home to a unique collection of accomodation choices, including eco pods, wood cabins, safari tents, modulogs, meadow domes and farm cottages.
Website: https://tapnellfarm.com/
Contact: 01983 758772

Skinners Farm
Skinners is a working farm with self catering holiday caravans based in Cowes, under 30 minutes drive from West Wight Sports & Community Centre.
The farm and holiday accommodation are found at the end of a 400 metre lane. Skinners is one mile from Parkhurst Forest, just over a mile from the secluded Thorness Bay, and three miles from both Cowes and Newport. The farm buildings and caravans are surrounded by the 150 acres of farmland.
Website: skinnersfarm.co.uk
Contact: [email protected] or 01983 292449

The Bay Boutique B&B
THE BAY is a small, family run boutique bed and breakfast accommodation located in a quiet road just a few minutes’ walk from Freshwater Bay in West Wight; an area of outstanding natural beauty. Having had ties to the Island for several decades, in 2014 the owners found this beautiful Victorian property and decided to move full-time to Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight. A loving and complete restoration took over two years, with a desire to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Website: https://stayfreshwaterbay.co.uk/
Contact: [email protected] 01983 641 143

Farringford Self Catering Cottages
Situated within the historic and picturesque Farringford estate, these self catering cottages are equipped with every comfort from home, and include dog friendly accomodation, and flexible arrival and departure dates.
Website: https://farringford.co.uk/self-catering-isle-of-wight/holiday-cottages
Contact: 01983 752 500

Calborne Mill
One of the most picturesque holiday locations on the Isle of Wight. Centrally placed in the middle of West Wight within easy travelling distance to all of the island’s main attractions.
On-site, fully licensed Cafe, serving delicious meals and Sunday roasts.
Website: https://www.calbournewatermill.co.uk/holiday-accommodation/
Contact: 01983 531227

Stoats Farm
Stoats Farm is a quiet family and dog friendly campsite with first rate facilities and well stocked on site shop. Located at the most westerly point of the Isle of Wight, Stoats Farm is nestled within spectacular countryside only a short walk from the heritage coastal path, an area of outstanding natural beauty with magnificent downs, chalk cliffs and sea views. We have a stunning newly renovated self catering cottage and links with glamping partners.
Website: www.stoatsfarm.com [email protected]
Contact: 01983 759608

Orchards Holiday Park
If you are looking for a holiday park providing camping and caravanning on the Isle of wight or motorhomes or a holiday park with swimming pools, look no further.
The Orchards Holiday Park offers a peaceful holiday location, with quality facilities in beautiful natural surroundings.
They are an award winning, family owned Holiday Park, in Newbridge, near Yarmouth, on the western side of the Isle of Wight.
Website: orchards-holiday-park.co.uk
Contact: 01983 531 331

Visit Isle of Wight
Our official accommodation provider is Visit Isle of Wight and you can find a host of accommodation options by visiting their website.
Website: www.visitisleofwight.co.uk
Contact: [email protected]

Reviews

Verified Purchase

A 'verified' purchase review means that we've verified that the person writing the review purchased their entry to this race on findarace.com.

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5.0

1 review

KB
Kris

·5 years ago

Excellent Event. Well organised event. The event village is well set-up, showers, cafe and food stalls. The route is one of the most picturesque I've ever done, it was well marshalled with friendly volunteers.

Location

Freshwater Skate Park, Freshwater, PO40 9AS, United Kingdom

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