Tissington Marathon

Race Location
Mappleton Rd, Ashbourne DE6 2AA

Race HQ
Ashbourne Leisure Centre, Clifton Road, Ashbourne, DE6 1DR (10 minute walk from the start line)

Timings on race day
Race HQ & registration opens at Ashbourne Leisure Centre: 07:30
Race Director's pre-race briefing at the start line: 08:50
Race start (marathon): 09:00
Race start (half marathon): 09:30

Bag Drop
You are welcome to leave your bag at the unmanned baggage drop at Race HQ, however, this is done at your own risk and discretion. The team will not handle your bags and you will be responsible for labelling them clearly. 

Facilities
Unfortunately, there are no changing facilities available at this site so we recommend arriving ready to run!

Parking
There are several 'pay & display' car parks in the town, all within walking distance of Race HQ. Please ensure that you have allowed plenty of time to park and make your way to the start of the race. Please also ensure you have paid the correct parking fee!
Bus Station, Postcode: DE6 1BW... 39 spaces
Cattle Market, Postcode: DE6 1ED... 50 spaces
Clifton Road, Postcode: DE5 1AA... 36 spaces
Cokayne Ave, Postcode: DE6 1EJ... 119 spaces
Fishpond Meadow, Postcode: DE6 1FN... 125 spaces
Market Place, Postcode: DE6 1ES... 48 spaces
Shawcroft, Postcode: DE6 1GD... 191 spaces

Toilets
There will be toilets available inside Ashbourne Leisure Centre. There are also some public toilets available near the start line at Mapleton Lane Car Park. In addition, there will be toilets along the course at Tissington, Hartington and at the turnaround at Parsley Hay.

Headphones
Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event.

The start & finish
Both the start and finish in the same location, at the Ashbourne end of the Tissington Trail by Ashbourne Bike Hire.

About the course
This is a rare opportunity to run a marathon in Derbyshire with a 13.1 mile downhill finish! The race is an out and back race from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay along the traffic-free Tissington Trail. The route gently climbs uphill towards Parsley Hay before slightly downhill all the way back. It is a gravel trail along the disused railway track. 

You can expect uneven, stony ground and we advise you to look out for potholes, protruding tree roots and slippery surfaces. Please be aware that there are some two-way sections on the route where you will pass other runners. Please keep to the left. Please race with care and look out for your fellow runners.

New for 2025: We have added the half marathon distance and this will be an out and back course which is the same as our January event on the trail

Other trail users
Although the route is traffic-free, the trail will still be open to other trail users, including cyclists, walkers and horse-riders. Please race with care and respect for these other users and take extra care where the trail narrows.

Recommended Kit & Footwear
We recommend trail shoes for this race, if you have them and especially if it has been muddy. But, your normal running shoes will also be fine; please just watch out for slippery surfaces. We would advise runners to keep an eye on the forecast so that they can dress accordingly and would recommend bringing a spare change of clothes (incl. socks!).

Litter
Please do NOT drop litter. Bins will be provided, so please dispose of any litter correctly or take it home with you.

Water Stations
We will supply a well-stocked water station at the finish line. In addition, there will be three aid stations at approximately every three miles or so and which runners will pass twice. There is also a water station at the turn-around. Some of the stations will also carry sugary drinks and snacks.

Please note, if you have used a specific brand of energy gel or supplement in your training, then we would recommend that you do not change your routine and bring these with you rather than deviate from your usual routine. Whilst we will ensure that our water stations are well supplied, runners should ensure that they are fully hydrated and also consider carrying their own water.

Going Green
To help reduce the carbon footprint of this race, we would like to encourage all our runners to bring their own camel packs or reusable cups for this race. Our teams at the water stations will be happy to fill any receptacle that you might bring with you so that you stay hydrated and racing fit! If you are able to car share, then this would be wonderful!

Your route & marshals...
Your course will be clearly marked using large route arrows and directional cones, as well as being marshalled throughout. Please listen and obey all marshal instructions given. There will be a sweep marshal which will follow the last runner to make sure that no one is left on the route. All marshals will remain in place until stood down by the sweep marshal.

Spectators
We always welcome anyone that would like to cheer on our runners and join the good spirit of the race by lending their encouragement and support. Spectators will find great vantage points from which to watch the race at the start & finish at Tissington Station, Hartlington and Parsley Hay.

Medals & Prizes
There will be a bespoke medal awarded to all finishers.

Trophy with e-certificates & £5 voucher prize for 1st, 2nd & 3rd male & female winners (both distances)
E-certificates and £5 voucher prize for 1st male & female age group categories (both distances)
E-certificates and £5 voucher prize for 1st male junior & female junior (half only)

Weather permitting, the presentation will take place approximately 45 - 60 minutes after the first runner has crossed the finish line and when all the prize winners have arrived home.

Please listen for announcements from your Race Director.

Results
Live and provisional results will be available on the Nice Work website asap after the race. If you have any questions regarding the live results, please ensure that you have emailed this through to us by midday on the following Thursday. Any changes submitted after this time will not be included in the final results.