A brand new event joining the SEUK line-up in 2026. The Canterbury Trail Marathon & Half Marathon is a super off-road running event set in the beautiful countryside just south of Canterbury.

Showcasing the very best of the Kentish landscape, the routes wind their way through a varied mix of scenic trails, rural footpaths, and quiet country lanes, offering runners a true trail running experience.

Both the marathon and half marathon distances take you across rolling farmland, along historic pathways, and through peaceful stretches of open countryside. Expect a course that is diverse and engaging — from wide, runnable tracks to more technical trail sections — all designed to challenge and inspire runners of every level.

The Canterbury Trail Marathon & Half Marathon is perfect for seasoned trail runners chasing a new challenge or road runners looking to step off the tarmac and onto the trails.

Live Tracking

We’re also excited to offer OpenTracking at the event, allowing friends and family to follow your progress live as you make your way around the course. Whether they’re cheering from home or waiting at key points along the route, they’ll be able to track your journey in real time and share in every milestone.

Join us south of Canterbury for a memorable day of trail running — fresh air, fantastic scenery, and an unforgettable finish line experience.

Checkpoints & Aid Stations

The Marathon has four checkpoints and aid stations. The first and fourth checkpoint is in the same location at The Ivy Barn in Littlebourne. The second checkpoint and aid station is at the Kingston Barn, the third checkpoint is at Lower Hardres Village Hall. Details of this will be shared nearer to the event. The Half Marathon has two checkpoints and aid stations, both of which are at The Ivy Barn in Littlebourne. Each checkpoint and aid station has toilets and there will be food available at each and hot and cold drinks, as well as options to top up your water bottles/flasks.

Kit List & Navigation

Both distances have a mandatory kit list. You can VIEW IT HERE. The Marathon distance requires you to be able to navigate, and make your way around the route with little way marking. You will need to be able to show us that you have downloaded the route onto your phone and watch for use on the day. There will be a kit check and route download check at the Event HQ. If you are not so confident with navigation, the Half Marathon is a good option as it is way marked, but downloaded route maps to your watch is strongly recommended.

Event HQ

The Event HQ is based at Canterbury Christ Church University Sports Centre with great facilities including, showers, changing rooms and toilets. We will have hot and cold food and drink, a chill-out zone, free massages, a recovery area and plenty of space to relax before and after your run.

Cut-off times

The Half Marathon has a cut off time of 3.5 hours, the Marathon has a cut off time of 7 hours. The checkpoints have cut-off times related to these overall times. These will be published prior to the event.

Supporting the Kent Neuro Therapy Centre

Kent Neuro Therapy Centre is an independent charity based in Canterbury, providing expert care and specialist therapies for people living with stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s. They work alongside individuals and families as they navigate life-changing diagnoses, delivering personalised support designed to rebuild strength, restore confidence and maximise independence.

The Centre's experienced team creates tailored therapy programmes focused on what matters most to each person - whether that is walking further, improving balance, managing fatigue, returning to work or regaining the confidence to take part in everyday life. By bringing together clinical expertise and genuine compassion, the Centre ensures each individual feels understood, supported and equipped to move forward.

£1 from every entry fee will go towards supporting their work. You can choose to fundraise for the Kent Neuro Therapy Centre or to make a spot donation in addition to this.

Facilities at venue:

Hot and cold food and drinks in our mini event village.

Showers, changing rooms and toilets.

Entry fees:

Marathon:

Advanced entries: £55 affiliated club members, £57 unaffiliated

Half Marathon:

Advanced entries: £40 affiliated club members, £42 unaffiliated

The minimum age to take part in this event is 18 years on the day. There will be no on the day entries.

For great tips about nutrition, training and hydration for training and on race day we recommend visiting https://www.verywellfit.com/hydration-and-running-2911541

Route Map & Location

This is for guidance only on the current route. The GPX will be shared nearer to the event date.

Description supplied by the event organiser.