The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Stratford upon Avon, which is part of Rotary International, a worldwide organisation of business and professional leaders. It is the major fund raising event of our Club.  Our aim is to provide a well organised event and to raise money for charities and local worthy causes.  Members of the Club and many others offer their help entirely on a voluntary basis. 

Entry Conditions and Applicants Declaration 

The race is held under UK Athletic Rules ( www.ukathletics.net/ ) and you must agree to observe these Rules, the event rules and obey the instructions of marshals at all times.

The event organisers and sponsors and their agents will not be held responsible for any injury, loss or expense as a consequence of you participating in the event. Entrants should note that most of the course is on public highways and you should be aware of the usual hazards such as traffic, road works and poor road surfaces. For your own safety you are requested not to wear earphones. Drink Stations for water only are provided at regular intervals.

Result times are provided using ChampionChip timing. FR Systems provide this service to our Event which means that we are able to offer fast and accurate results with individual start times even when participants are at the back of the pack. The cost of the chip is included in the entry fee but entrants must return their chip to the organisers at the Finish line. Bins and helpers will be provided. More information on chips can be found on www.frsystems.co.uk.

NB. If you lose or forget your chip no replacement will be given. You should not take part on the day unless you wear your chip as instructed, otherwise you will not get a time or position in the Results list. Note that only Gun Times count for position and prizes.

No entries on the day. The entry Limit is stated under FAQ 'Is there a Limit on Numbers and when should I enter'. You are strongly advised to enter early. However, you should also note that we do not give refunds if you cancel for any reason. We also regret that we are unable to transfer your entry to another year. TRANSFERS to another person are permitted with the Organisers consent up until the date shown on the Transfer Request Form. This Transfer Form must be completed and signed by the existing entrant and by the transferee and sent to the PO Box Number shown on the Form with a cheque for £5.00.

Entry to the event is on-line only through Runners World. Event entry will be closed when the event maximum numbers are reached. Race Numbers and chips will be issued only to those who have entered and who are registered by us. The Race Number must be worn on the front of the vest as issued and must not be given or sold to anyone else unless a Transfer Request Form has been completed in accordance with our Rules. Anyone found to have transferred his or her number to another runner without our consent will be banned from our event for life” under Entry Conditions.

The Course for 2012 will be precisely the same for 2011, having remained predominantly the same as for many years, including The Greenway. The Marathon and Half Marathon routes have been independently measured by accredited Course Measurers over many years and confirmed as accurate and we have previously received Certificates of Course Measurement as a Road Race. This year the UK Course Measurers Association has not been able to agree whether The Greenway counts as a sealed surface in order to issue a Road Race Measurement Certificate. The Association may consider that the Course should be categorised as Multi Terrain, which as organisers we dispute and we are awaiting a final decision. In the meantime we wish to make entrants aware of this situation, however we also wish to emphasise that The Greenway offers a level, firm and safe running route that has been used successfully as part of the Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon route for many years.

TEAM ENTRIES must be declared in advance of the Race. Minimum of 4 for a Team.  All Male or all Female - only first 4 in team to count based on best position for results and for prizes. All the team members should have registered individually for the event first. To then enter a team one person from the team should send an email to the Race Director using the Contact Us page and include the 'Team Name' clearly stated and the full names and dates of birth of the team members. We will confirm the team entry by e-mail to the person who submitted the team entry.

If the Race is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the control of the Organisers, or if there are insufficient runners to cover the costs of holding the event, no refund will be given. In such circumstances all sums collected will, after payment of necessary expenses, be donated to Rotary Charities. The Organisers reserve the right to declare the event closed at any time after the maximum numbers have been reached.

You must be at least 18 on the day of the event for the full Marathon and at least 17 for the Half Marathon. 

You should consult your doctor before deciding to take part in the event and must be medically fit to take part on the day.  If you intend to bring your own isotonic/energy drinks you should seek medical advice on the appropriate amount you should drink during the race. You enter at your own risk.

Regrettably the course is not suitable for self propelled wheelchair competitors

There is a cut off time of 2 hrs 25 mins for marathon runners completing the first lap (approx 11.84 miles) and 6.00 hours for completing the course and anyone remaining on the course after this will be withdrawn from the event. The organisers will not accept responsibility for anyone remaining on the course after 3.30 pm at the latest. More information can be found in FAQ 11.

Experienced runners are advised to arrive early in order to take up a place near the start line.

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

WE STRONGLY ADVISE ALL ENTRANTS (AND POTENTIAL ENTRANTS) TO READ IN FULL * ESSENTIAL POINTS FOR RUNNERS *

ALSO SEE THE INFORMATION IN OUR * FAQs *

Data Protection Act: Your Entry details are stored on a computer and your name and other information will be included in the results section of the marathon website and your email address will be used to advise on event updates. Photos taken of the event may be used in appropriate publications.