MK Festival of Running
The Milton Keynes Half Marathon and Festival of Running takes place on Sunday 16th March 2025 starting at our wonderful Xscape city-centre venue and we hope you will come and join us!
The festival consists of four great events so there really is something for everyone. There is a super-swift 5k event, our classic 10k distance race, our big Half Marathon and our 20 miler for those who like to go long or are preparing for a spring marathon.
The races start on the central dual-carriageways of Milton Keynes then winds through some beautiful scenery. All courses are mainly flat, fast and have PB potential!
We hope you will gain plenty of inspiration along the way whatever your race-day goal – fun run, stepping stone to full marathon, personal best time or just to finish!
The event is organised in conjunction with Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club so you will be well looked after around the course.
We also have some wonderful experienced pacers running in the half marathon and the 20 mile event to help you achieve your goals. All you’ve got to do is hang on!
Milton Keynes is conveniently located just 30 minutes from London by train and just off Junction 14 of the M1, 40 minutes from the M25 and Birmingham. The Xscape centre is just 5 minutes from the motorway and has plenty of parking spaces available.
ALL events will be chip timed and there are finishers medals for all.
Festival of Running
MK 5k
A fun run for allCome and run with friends and family over our shorter distance event. Everyone is welcome so round everyone up, jog / walk around our easy 5k loop and help start our festival with a bang!
MK 10k
The classic distanceIf you’re looking for something a little more challenging, why don’t you come and run in our city centre MK10k? The route will be fast and traffic-free. Whether you’re looking to set a new personal best, break the hour mark or you’re just running to get round, you’ll find a warm welcome at the MK10k. It is sure to become a classic in the racing calendar.
MK Half
The originalStarted in 2002 and has grown to be a great pre-London half for club and non-club runners alike. Flat and fast, you’ll run with appox 2,000 others to help you on your way to a PB! Large enough to have that ‘big race’ feel but small enough for you to run at your pace, the half really is an established classic in the running calendar.
MK 20 Mile
The long oneThis race is ideal for those who wish to go the extra mile and for those training for one of the big spring marathon events. You’ll have other runners around you the whole way and we’ll be out on-course to look after you every step of the way.
Course maps
Contact Us
Please take time to read the information on this page, the information page and FAQ pages. If you have any specific questions, please email us on info@mkrun.co.uk
Results of the 2024 event can be found here https://results.resultsbase.net/results.aspx?CId=8&RId=20548
Photos of the 2024 event can be found here.
This year, we are supporting two amazing charities: The YMCA and Harry's Rainbow. Take a moment to read their stories and maybe think about running for them.
Harry's Rainbow aim to give bereaved children and young people a brighter tomorrow.
We provide support to more than 500 children, young people and young adults, in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. Each year more than 150 recently bereaved children register to access our support. Statistics show that:
- By the age of 16, 4.7 per cent or around 1 in 20 young people will have experienced the death of one or both of their parents
- In 2017, 7653 babies, children and young people (under the age of 18) died – that’s 21 every day
Harry's Rainbow offer support, connection and resources to foster positive coping strategies for both children and their families through a range of services. These include Rainbow Groups; where participants find solace and learn invaluable tools in a nurturing environment, Short breaks at our Rainbow Retreat that foster connection and positive memories for families; plus Trips, Activities, Therapeutic Mentoring, Resources, Books and Memory boxes.
We would be honoured if you would like to support bereaved children in Milton Keynes and by donating at the check out on your race entry to the Festival of Running or choose to get sponsored for your running challenge. You can find us on JUST GIVING.
Last year at the Festival of Running, we had almost 100 people joining us to run and raise vital funds for Harry's Rainbow. We meet before and after at The Midsummer Tap, where refreshments will are provided for you and your family. If you would like to join Team Harry in 2025, then please contact Alison in our fundraising team on: fundraising@harrysrainbow.co.uk
We promise we have a lot of fun, whilst also giving bereaved children a brighter tomorrow!
YMCA
“Thank you so much for the flat, I have had the most peaceful month in a long long time. At first I was so anxious because I felt like I was holding my breath for it to be taken away or something to go wrong, but I know it’s just from years of expecting the worst. Thank you for your help and giving me this chance.” (YMCA resident)
YMCA MK opened its doors in 1981 and since then has supported over 10,000 young people, giving them a safe place to call home and the practical and emotional and support they need to face the future with confidence and lead happy, healthy and independent lives:
In the last year, YMCA MK has been home to 388 young people, and has welcomed 181 new residents. Of these, 59% were homeless before coming to YMCA MK, 10% rough sleeping and 50% had to leave the family home due to overcrowding or a breakdown in family relationships.
We are so proud to have been the charity partner of the MK Festival of Running since 2018 and are grateful for the opportunity to once again invite our community to support us and run for #TeamYMCA.
When you join #TeamYMCA you will be changing the lives of young people in our community, giving them the support they need belong, contribute and thrive. “I don’t know what the future holds for me but the possibilities are endless and that is a beautiful thing.” (YMCA resident)
And the good news? You could run for FREE! To find out more and run for #TeamYMCA, please call Lorraine or Megan on 01908 295 600 or fundraising@mkymca.com.
See you at the start line!
#TeamYMCA https://mkymca.com/
Merchandise
MK Festival Race Tee 2025 – only £15 plus £2 p&p
MK Race tees are available to buy online along with your entry. They are technical tees and come in both mens and women’s sizes - Small, Med, Large, XL. If you’ve already entered and would like one, please send us an email
Pace Pockets
A Pace Pocket is a fabric wristband with a storage pocket for your keys/cards/cash and printed pace times for your half marathon. They can be purchased at checkout when you are entering at only £7 and will be posted to you prior to the event. Just select the time option closest to your target time.
Please note that this item is being provided by a third party and your name and address with be sent to them in order to deliver the item
