A flat coastal marathon beside the beaches and Broadwater. A time goal makes sense to consider, but exposed coastal running still needs a forecast and a controlled opening.
01 Know what you are taking on
What is the race like?
Official maps & course details
- Race distance
- 42.195 km.
- Course character
- The organiser describes a flat coastal course beside the surf beaches and Broadwater. Use the map for your edition for the exact roads.
The linked 2025 map shows that edition’s layout. Use the organiser’s course and runner instructions for your 2027 race.
02 Choose your approach
Find your race strategy.
Choose your goal. These are our pacing suggestions, based on the published course, rather than organiser instructions.
My first finish
Start comfortably at your allocated time.
Break the coastal running into the next landmark or station.
Keep enough for the later return instead of using all your effort at the first turnaround.
A PB or time goal
Use a realistic marathon target rather than the flat-course reputation alone.
Judge exposed sections by effort if the wind changes.
Save the last increase for the final marked distance.
If the weather or your pace changes
If it is warmer, windier or wetter than your training, adjust your target before the start. Let the conditions guide your effort, clothing and preparation. Use the organiser’s weather and safety advice, and stop for concerning symptoms.
03 Know what is on the course
Drinks, fuel & toilets.
Station positions and products are not yet confirmed in the available information for this edition. Use the organiser’s final runner guide before deciding what you can collect on the course.
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.
Race number
Race number collection
Your race number is collected at the designated check-in centre and must be worn during the race.
2027 entry terms
Your allocated start-wave time is not listed here. Use your entry email and final runner instructions for the time and assembly deadline.
Start & finish access
- Festival dates
- The event weekend is 3–4 July 2027; the marathon is Sunday 4 July.
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
Choose a Broadwater/finish-area base or a permitted beach-side point on your edition's map. Check transport and road closures before adding a second sighting; older maps do not confirm 2027 aid locations.
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.
Southport Broadwater Parklands
The 2026 spectator guide identifies the event precinct as a support base.
Harley Park, Labrador
A published 2026 spectator-zone location. Check whether the 2027 route and zones retain it.
2026 spectator guide; 2027 zones pending
Official spectator or route informationMake 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 to Southport
- The organiser’s transport guide covers tram, shuttle and parking options for Broadwater Parklands. Its advice is to arrive at least an hour before your race; reconfirm the 2027 timetable and service changes.2026 transport reference
06 Before you book
Entry, fees & time limits.
The official 2027 marathon listing says entries open in early December 2026; an exact day and entry fee are still to be confirmed.
Check official entry optionsWhat you need to enter
- Minimum age
- The 2027 marathon listing gives a minimum age of 18.
- Opening window
- 2027 entries are advertised for early December 2026.
- Entry fee
- The 2027 marathon fee is listed as TBC.
Transfers, refunds & deferrals
- Refund protection
- Standard entry fees are not refundable for non-starters or non-finishers. Optional refund protection is offered during registration; read its conditions before selecting it.2027 entry terms
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
Practise longer road running with an exposed out-and-back section and rehearse your own fuel between stations.
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.
Explore the fuel plannerMake race fuel feel familiar
Understand how to practise taking carbohydrate during longer runs.
Read the guideArrive ready, not worn out
Understand what changes in the final weeks before a marathon.
Read the guideA 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.