MK Festival of Running
🎽 Ready, Set, Go! Sign Up for the Milton Keynes Half Marathon & Festival of Running – Sunday 15th March 2026! 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Join us at the iconic Xscape venue in the heart of Milton Keynes for one of the UK’s most exciting running events of the year! Whether you're chasing a new PB, training for a marathon, or just love the buzz of race day, there’s a distance for every runner:
✅ 5K – Fast, fun, and perfect for all levels ✅ 10K – A classic challenge on a flat, speedy course ✅ Half Marathon – Our headline event, ideal for pushing your limits ✅ 20 Mile – Perfect for marathon prep or going the extra mile!
All races start on the city’s wide dual carriageways before heading into beautiful, scenic routes. With mostly flat courses and chip timing, it’s the perfect chance to smash your goals.
🎯 Chasing a time? We’ve got experienced pacers in the Half and 20 Mile to help you every step of the way. 🏅Every runner gets a well-earned medal – a proud reminder of your achievement!
Organised with the experts at Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club, you can count on smooth logistics, great vibes, and incredible support on course.
📍Easy to get to: Just 30 minutes from London by train and right off the M1 (Junction 14), with loads of parking at Xscape.
Don’t miss out on one of the best race days in the running calendar. Spaces fill fast – sign up now and be part of the action!
Festival of Running
MK 5k
A Run for EveryoneLace up and join the party! The MK 5K is the perfect way to kick off our festival – a fun, friendly run (or walk!) that’s all about good vibes and great company. Bring your friends, rally your family, and take on our relaxed 5K loop together. Whether you're racing, jogging, or just enjoying the stroll, everyone’s welcome – let’s get moving and make some noise!
MK 10k
Fast. Fun. Unforgettable.Ready to push yourself? Step up to the MK 10K – our signature city centre race designed for speed! With a flat, fast, and completely traffic-free course, it's perfect for chasing a new PB, smashing the sub-hour milestone, or just soaking up the electric vibe of race day. Whether you're a seasoned runner or taking on your first 10K, the MK10K promises big energy, big support, and a finish line feeling you won’t forget. This is more than a run – it’s a running classic
MK Half
Flat. Fast. Legendary.Since 2002, the MK Half has earned its place as a must-run race – the perfect pre-London tune-up for club runners and first-timers alike. Join around 2,000 runners on a flat, fast course built for PBs and buzzing with energy. Big enough to feel electric, but friendly enough to find your flow, the MK Half strikes the perfect balance. Whether you're chasing a time or just soaking in the atmosphere, this is a race day experience you won’t want to miss. A true classic on the running calendar.
MK 20 Mile
The Ultimate Marathon PrepLooking to go long? The MK 20 Mile is made for those ready to push the limits – whether you're deep in spring marathon training or just hungry for a serious challenge. With a supportive atmosphere, steady pacing packs, and runners by your side every step of the way, you'll never feel alone on the road. Our awesome crew will be out in force to keep you fuelled, focused, and flying to the finish. It’s tough, it’s rewarding, and it’s the perfect test before the big day.
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 will be deemed final at 5pm on Tuesday 17th March.
Photos can be found here.
For anything else, please drop us a line info@mkrun.co.uk
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 2026, 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/
Results & Photos
2025 Photos for the event can be found and are available to purchase from here
2026 Photos will be posted within 48 hours of the event
Previous Results
Photos
Merchandise
MK Festival Race Tee 2026 – 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
