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The View from the Heavens on most days is stunning not only the view across to the Severn, Brecon Beacons & Wales, but you can see all 5 Valleys of Stroud and on clearer days the Severn Bridge and the Malverns. This is the reason the Stroud Trail Marathon exists

Stroud Trail Marathon

The marathon starts with a small loop of the great park on Minchinhampton common before aims left, crosses the Cirencester Rd at Blue Boys Corner and straight over to the right of Besbury Common. After 400m, turning sharp right onto footpath as the lane descends steeply. The route continues towards Hyde and descends onto the Canal Path at St Mary's Mill. The run now turns west back towards Stroud for about 3/4 mile where it goes under the main road at Olympic Varnish on Knapp Lane and on into Toadsmoor valley. Now following the Streams to the biggest of the ponds, checkpopint 1 (4.5M) before a magical ascent to Middle Lypiatt. Once on top the run now goes through Mackhouse Woods to, Quarhouse Lane, The Heavens Following on from here the marathon runners go across to the Heavens, before descending through Dry Hill Wood. Now the course meets the towpath at Bowbridge Lock - Checkpoint 7

Turning left onto the towpath and after a mile, it’s time to turn off the towpath and head back up to Rodborough common. This climb is considerable, but well worth it, arriving at the top at Winstones Ice Cream Shop and factory. maybe a visit after your accomplishment.
Continuing up past the Bear Inn and onto Minchinhampton common. .From here the route goes across Minchinhampton Common, towards Minchinhampton and to the Great Park.

Now it’s the half marathon route to follow up to Checkpoint 5, Leaving the half marathon route for a 3mile loop to Oceans End and then rejoining the half marathon route at Kings Stanley

  • Event information

  • When: 12th May 2024

  • Start Time: 8am

    Race bibs & Shoe Tags can be collected from 5am at Race HQ
    Race briefing will be 15mins before the start inside the school hall

  • Where: Great Park, Minchinhampton

    Race HQ is Minchinhampton Academy
    Start & Finish is the Great Park on the common at the back of school

  • Entry Fee: £42

    There is an additional £2 for unaffiliated runners

  • Min age: 18yrs

  • Registration closes: 8th May 2024

    or earlier if entry limit is reached
    Entry limit for Marathon: 100 places

  • No entries on the day

  • Cut-off times

    The overall cutoff time for this event is 10 hours (6pm), however someone will be at the finish line until the last person has finished with your medal.

  • Read race information

    Information, running advice, raceday address, contact details, directions and parking instructions

  • Entry list

    The entry list may not be available until the final instructions email is sent out. If you need to check you have registered for this event, please contact Let's Do This

  • Parking

    There is no specific car park for this event. There are 30 spaces at the school, but the rest of parking is street parking. Please check the map.

  • Directions

  • Prizes & Awards

  • Bespoke medal to all finishers

  • technical T-shirt

    Your T-shirt & size is guaranteed before 21st April. After this date you may not get a T-shirt or it may not be your size.

  • Awards 1st, 2nd & 3rd Lady & Man

  • Goody Bag

    Aimed at topping up your energy levels after the run

  • Pete Hendy Trophy

    A trophy with 1st Lady will be engraved after the event. This Trophy can't be taken away

  • John Hale Cup

    Name of 1st Man will be engraved after the event. This Cup can't be taken away

  • Run details

  • Distance: 26.48M (42.6Km)

  • Trails: 94% Road 6%

  • Total Ascent: 3326ft (1013m)

  • Lowest: 66ft (20m) @ 18M

  • Highest: 682ft (207m) @ 21.5M

  • Checkpoints & Maps

    There are 7 checkpoints on the Marathon

    Note: Checkpoint numbers cover all 4 event distances, so those below will be the ones you go to.

Open: 8am – last runner

Water, energy drinks, sweet and savoury snacks
Open: 8:30am – last runner

Water only
Open: 6am – 1pm

Water. energy drinks, sweet & savoury snacks, First Aid & Timing Split
Open: 9:30am – 2:30pm

Water, energy drinks, sweet and savoury snacks, First Aid & Timing Split
Open: 9:30am – 3pm

Water & Energy Drinks Drop zone: You can have a small bag delivered to this Checkpoint.
Open: 10am – 4:30pm

Water, energy drinks, sweet and savoury snacks
Open: 10:30am – 5pm

Water, energy drinks, sweet and savoury snacks

OS Maps Ordnance Survey Online

If you subscribe to the OS Maps online, then you can view the route here. You also download the GPX file and view a 3D fly through