For logistical reasons there will be an entry limit of 3,500. There are no entries on the day. The limit takes into account an assumed number of cancellations and no shows on the day. You are advised to Enter Online as soon as possible.

However, you should also note that we do NOT give refunds under any circumstances. We also regret that we are unable to transfer your entry to another year.

Requests to switch from Full to Half, Half to Full, to Cancel an entry or to check for non receipt of race pack after posting date for whatever reason you should contact shakespeare@frsystems.co.uk If you do wish to change between Full and Half marathon races after the Race Number has been sent out then you should still notify us through shakespeare@frsystems.co.uk this will ensure we update your record, however, you will have to run with the Race Number and chip that has been sent as they are matched. This means that if you have changed from the Full to the Half then you will run with your Red (full marathon) number and if you have changed from the Half to the Full with your White (half marathon) number. At the cut off at Greenway North, 11.84 miles, you should shout to the marshals what you are doing so that they direct you to the correct course as the marshals tend to be guided by the colour of the race number. You should also let the marshals at the bottom of Rumer Hill (just over 8 miles on the first lap and just under 19 miles on the second lap) know what you are doing. Please make it clear what you have done at the Finish.

You will be sent all your details around early April. If you have not heard from us by early April please send an email to  shakespeare@frsystems.co.uk

For Overseas Entrants we strongly recommend that you collect them on the day from our Information tent. The Race Director will send you an email a few weeks before the event giving full details of what to do. Collecting them is more reliable than posting them to you. If however you really do need them to be posted to you please send us an e-mail using the Contact Us on our website.

Parking will be available in any of the towns car parks which are well signposted but you must adhere to the pay and display notices.  Failure to adhere to the parking regulations may result in you incurring a penalty charge notice. This includes not parking within a marked bay. The car parks are clearly shown on signs as you approach the town. You MUST leave yourselves ample time to find an available parking space and arrive at the start by 9.15 am. It is important to read updates on car parking under news on the web site.

The Park and Ride scheme in Stratford may be in operation on the day of the event and open early for us. We do not however know what the position is at present. Please see under News on the website for the latest information nearer the event date and more information on the Park and Ride can be found at Stratford Park and Ride

If you propose to use public transport to get to the event we strongly advise that you check on the availability to see if it will get you into the town in good time for the start. We regret that we do not have information on bus or train times.

Link to Town Map in downloadable PDF format.

See also the Course Map using Google Maps.

Note: At the insistence of the police Marathon Runners failing to reach Greenway North (11.84 miles) in 2 hours 25 minutes will be diverted to the Half Marathon Finish.

All runners must complete the Course within 6.00 hours and anyone remaining on the course after this time will be withdrawn from the event. The organisers will not accept responsibility for anyone on the course after 3.30pm prompt.

Drinks Stations are at approximately 2 mile intervals. Water will be available at all drinks stations either in bottles or cups. Isotonic drinks will not be available. Runners bringing their own isotonic must accept that taking these drinks is entirely at their own discretion and as organisers we strongly advise that runners take medical advice before the event regarding the use of Isotonic drinks.

Mile markers for the Half Marathon and for the Full Marathon will be displayed throughout the course. The Full Marathon course is a double lap, both races finishing on the Recreation Ground.

Important: The course has proven unsuitable for wheelchair entrants. Athletes must not be accompanied by dogs or followed by supporters on cycles.

Athletes must also discourage friends and relatives from joining them on any part of the course and in particular along Seven Meadows Road and in the run up to the Finish.

There will be a communications system around the course. There are also courtesy cars continually covering the course to help any runner unable to complete the race and take them back to the Recreation Ground. These cars have phone links with the race HQ.