A hilly marathon out from Headingley through Bramhope and Otley, returning to the stadium. Treat the terrain as the defining challenge rather than planning it like a flat city marathon.
01 Know what you are taking on
What is the race like?
Where to pay attention
The return from Otley
The marathon still has substantial work after Otley. Keep enough in reserve for the return through Bramhope and the remaining miles to Headingley.
- Finish
- AMT Headingley Stadium.
- Route
- Headingley Stadium, Meanwood, Golden Acre Park, Bramhope and Otley, then Leeds Road back towards the stadium.
- Route map
- The displayed map shows the Otley loop and a return through Bramhope, Adel and Lawnswood; mile markers and aid points are included.Edition not stated
Use the organiser’s linked course information for the advertised route. A final turn-by-turn route for this edition has not been confirmed.
02 Choose your approach
How to run this race.
Our suggested approach to the published course. Adjust your target to your training and the conditions on the day.
Finish well
Your first time at this distance
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Start easier than you think you need to.
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Use a deliberate climb or run-walk approach before fatigue decides it for you.
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Break the return into Bramhope, Adel and the stadium rather than one long push.
Race for a time
Chasing a PB or a time goal
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Build your target around uphill and downhill effort.
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Keep the Otley section controlled so you can still run well on the return.
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Judge the final push from the distance left and how your legs are coping, not the stadium atmosphere alone.
03 Know what is on the course
Drinks, fuel & toilets.
- Water
- On-course stations provide 330 ml bottles; locations are shown on the route map.
- Energy stations
- Applied Nutrition isotonic drinks and energy gels are advertised on course.
- Medical support
- Fixed on-course first aid and start/finish-area medical support are advertised.
Toilet locations: a confirmed location list is not available here. Check the official course or runner map before race day; a drinks table does not automatically mean there is a toilet beside it.
Turn the station list into your plan
Mark the stops you expect to use and the fuel you will carry. If you use a gel that needs water, pair it with a published water point. Practise the products and cup or bottle format before race day; you do not have to try every item offered.
04 Before the start
Your race morning.
Times are local to the event. Work back from your own wave, allowing for the walk, toilets and bag drop.
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Race number
Race number
Numbers are posted 7–10 days before race day; other collection arrangements will follow.
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Before your wave
Bag drop
Use the designated baggage store; bags larger than A4 are not admitted to the stadium.
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The start
Start
09:00 at AMT Headingley Stadium.
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Finish window
General time limit
7 hours; event instructions govern.
Pacers & course cut-offs
- Pacers
- Flag-carrying pacers are advertised; individual target times are not yet listed.
Kit rules & accessibility
- Headphones
- Bone-conduction headphones are permitted at low volume.
Your allocated wave, event emails and final runner instructions take priority. Read the guide for your distance before travelling.
05 Make the day work together
Supporters & getting around.
Plan your support
The organiser names Headingley, Adel and Otley as cheer points. Stadium viewing requires the relevant ticket arrangements; do not assume the finish is open to every spectator or that a car can follow the course.
The places below are viewing ideas from the linked route or spectator guide. Use your edition’s access map for barriers, permitted crossings and any crew restrictions.
Otley streets
A place to consider on the marathon’s northern loop. Plan access before closures and avoid relying on driving across the race.
Headingley finish surroundings
Check stadium spectator-ticket rules separately from street viewing and allow time for runner exit procedures.
Official spectator or route information
Make the cheer easy to find
Agree a named point, the side of the road and your likely arrival window. Share your bib number for official tracking. Pick a separate reunion beyond the finish exit and a backup if the phone signal is poor.
Getting there and getting home
- Getting there
- Cycle racks are available to participants and spectators with stadium spectator tickets.
06 Before you book
Entry & requirements.
The organiser links to online entry; current availability and price could not be confirmed.
- Included
- Chip timing, finisher medal and goody bag; finisher T-shirt costs extra.
- Access requirements
- Contact Run For All about any specific assistance or access needs.
- General closing policy
- Midnight Thursday before the race, unless capacity is reached earlier.
Transfers, refunds & deferrals
- Transfers
- Standard entries can transfer until six weeks before: another event £5 plus any fee difference; another runner £10.
- Deferral option
- Volunteering at the event can earn next-year entry; confirm eligibility with Run For All.
Stay in the loop
Email me event updates.
Spend more time training and less time checking. Get the key updates for your race, straight to your inbox.
07 Make your training relevant
Practise for this course.
One thing to rehearse
Use hilly long runs, practise fuelling while the pace varies and include controlled descending. A flat long run misses much of this race's preparation.
08 Put your plan together
Useful before race day.
Plan your pre-run fuel
Explore meals and snacks around the time you have before running.
Make race fuel feel familiar
Understand how to practise taking carbohydrate during longer runs.
Arrive ready, not worn out
Understand what changes in the final weeks before a marathon.
A plan that fits your life.
Running, strength or both, with feedback and adjustments as your training develops.
Official race information
Use the organiser’s information for current entry terms, the published route and your final runner instructions. Course resources show their edition where it is known. Pacing and training suggestions are The Runner’s Journal’s guidance and should fit your experience, health and conditions.