Frequently asked Questions for Runners

For logistical reasons there will be an entry limit of around 3,700 for both the marathon and half marathon events combined. There are no entries on the day. The limit takes into account an assumed number of cancellations and no shows on the day.

We will refund runners less a £3 admin fee up to March 12th 2023. We regret that we are unable to carry forward or transfer your entry to another year but you can transfer your entry to another runner at any stage although you must let us know. Closing date for 2023 event is 19th April 2023 or when race limit is reached. Entries received prior to 6th April will be sent out in the post. Entries received after this date will be made available for collection on race morning.

Our results service is provided by Tempo Events Ltd and they will use chip timing.  This means that we can provide fast and accurate results and the chip can register every individual start time, even when participants are at the back of the pack. Instructions on the use of your chip will be sent to you with your Race Number and Runners Information. 

It is essential that you keep your race number with Chip in a safe place. If you lose or forget it, it will not be replaced. Unless you wear your chip as instructed you will not get a time or position in the results list.

Race numbers must not be given or sold to anyone else without letting us know. Anyone found to have done this without our consent will be permanently banned from the event and reported to UK Athletics.

Transfers of an entry to another person are permitted at any stage but you must inform us for safety reasons

Any requests to switch from the Marathon to Half Marathon, or visa versa, should be sent via email.  If you have entered the Marathon and feel that you cannot complete the full distance on the day, you should let marshals know at the cut off at Greenway North, 11.84 miles and they will direct you to the Half Marathon finish.  When you cross the finish line, you should let marshals know so that we can ensure your results are correctly published.

You will be sent your race pack by post – you will be notified by email when they have been sent

For overseas entrants, race packs must be collected on the day from our Information desk situated on the High Street. The presence of the timing chip prevents us from sending race packs overseas.

We’ve been raising money for charity through this event for 39 years. Because we use volunteers to run the event and we have some sponsorship, we pride ourselves on being able to make donations to many charities and good causes.

The main charity supported is the Shakespeare Hospice, but multiple other charities and good causes also benefit throughout the year.

You do not need to obtain sponsorship to enter the event but we are keen that you should do so as charities need all the money they can raise. Visit our page on My Donate and help us raise money for local charities, or raise funds for your own charity – they’ll appreciate it!

If you’d like to tell us about any charities or worthy causes which you intend to raise money for then please let us know by email or social media: @OfficialShakespeareMarathon  @Shake_Marathon  You can see how local charities have benefited from your entry and fundraising by visiting our Charities Page

The Race is organised by the Rotary Club of Stratford-upon-Avon (the Organisers) on an entirely voluntary basis. Members of the Club and many others help. The Organisers reserve the right to allocate no more than 2.00% of the gross income from the events for general expenses associated with the Club’s future fund raising activities. After this deduction and payment of necessary expenses monies raised will go to charities and good causes.

Provisional results will be going up live to the website www.tempoevents.co.uk

 It can be assumed that these are final after approximately 48 hours when queries should have been resolved.  

Changing and shower facilities will be available at the Recreation Ground – men at the District Council Changing Rooms at the Pavillion opposite the Sea Cadet Hut, ladies at the Boat Club. Storage of clothing bags (male and female) will be available at the Sea Cadet Hut.

The Organisers will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to the contents of bags whilst in the storage area.

See the Town Map on our website for locations.

A medical back-up will be available throughout the course. Doctors will be in attendance at the Recreation Ground, as will First Aid teams. Paramedics and First Aid teams are also sited around the course.

You must ensure that you are medically fit to undertake this event and that you are adequately covered by your own insurance. Do not expect to achieve what you have not trained for. If you have not trained or have a heavy cold, do not run in the event.

The fitness, training and medical condition of each entrant are matters for his or her own personal concern and anyone in doubt about their ability should not start. The Course Doctor will have the final say and anyone instructed to leave the course must do so.

The medical team will be at the finish to help those who have sustained injuries during the race or are suffering from dehydration.

Note: It is essential for runners to fill out the information required on the back of their runners bibs, including any relevant medical conditions. Please include who to contact in case of an emergency, with a telephone number. Please use waterproof ink.

Your health and fitness to run a long race are your own responsibility.

There is extensive advice on the web from Run Britain and others about training regimes before a race and fluid intake etc during a race.

If you are a novice runner, you would be wise to study these and if in any doubt, consult your medical advisor before running. Even if you are an experienced runner, it makes sense to err on the side of caution and continue to monitor your health and performance; overconfidence can be your enemy.

We have provided “Training tips for runners” which you should view well before the race and you can join our social media groups for shared tips/advice from other runners. 

If you have any comment you would like to make about the organisation or other aspects of the event, you can use the Contact Us section.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and chat to stay up to date with current topics, ask the odd quick question and enter discussions with other runners.  @Shake_Marathon   @OfficialShakespeareMarathon

Although we shall try to respond by social media, please use the Contact Us section where a fuller question or response is required.

We have tried to make this a well-organised and enjoyable day and we are always open to listen to the views of the participants.