Isle of Wight Festival of Running
Isle of Wight Festival of Running 2019- Saturday 1 June and Sunday 2 June
Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location. Now in its third year, the festival has become one of the biggest sporting events on the Island and a favourite of runners from all over the South of England. Over two days, athletes of all levels can choose from four circular cross-country routes, in the breath-taking west of the Island. These start and finish at West Wight Sports & Community Centre, which has excellent facilities for competitors and spectators.
The biggest draw of the weekend is the famously tough Needles Half, which follows a spectacular trail along the coast from Colwell Bay to Totland Bay, over the heathland of Headon Warren to The Needles. Runners then traverse rugged Tennyson Down to Tennyson Monument, before descending to Freshwater Bay and across Afton Marsh, to the finish.
The Tapnell 10K takes runners on a circular route through fields, past Afton Down, where Jimmy Hendricks played his last performance in England, to more than 600,000 people at the 1970 pop festival.
The Freshwater 5K passes another historic site, Alfred Lord Tennyson’s magnificent home, Farringford.
Younger members of the family can join the Junior Fun Run, around fields adjoining the West Wight Sports & Community Centre.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Click on the indiviudal event name to find out more information and to enter. All races will be chip timed (except Junior Fun Run)
Monday 27 May 2019 – Friday 31 May 2019
Pre-Race Events – A series of runs and events to get you in the Festival spirit
Saturday 1 June 2019
Freshwater 5K – A cross country 5k circular route through the beautiful countryside of Freshwater.
Tapnell 10K – A cross country circular route to Tapnell Farm through some of the spectacular West Wight countryside.
Sunday 2 June 2019
Needles Half Marathon – It is one of the toughest and most scenic half marathons in the country. The 13.1 mile course will take you over downs and heathland, past historic monuments and of course you’ll glimpse the most iconic landmark on the Isle of Wight – The Needles.
ACCOMMODATION
With a full range of accommodation options, you and your family can make the most of the weekend on the beautiful Isle of Wight. We offer on-site camping, with excellent facilities in our sports centre. Alternatively, we can recommend local establishments where you will receive a warm welcome.
For more information, visit our accommodation page.