2026 Farnborough Winter Half
The 2026 Farnborough Winter Half Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, will take place in Farnborough, Hampshire, England. The event begins and concludes under the historic Airship Hangar arch within Farnborough Business Park, close to Farnborough Airport. On the specified date, Farnborough is expected to experience cold and potentially windy conditions, with temperatures ranging between 2°C and 6°C. Participants can anticipate a well-organized road running event on fully traffic-free, closed public roads, making for a fast and safe course. The route is a single anti-clockwise loop around Farnborough Airport and Cody Technology Park, offering a largely rural, flat, and fast path suitable for runners of all abilities, especially those aiming for a personal best.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- →Free Kids' Fun Run (approximately 800 meters)
What is the event format and course like?
The event is a road running event held on fully traffic-free, closed public roads. The course is a single anti-clockwise loop that circles the perimeter of Farnborough Airport and Cody Technology Park. The route is characterized by minimal elevation change and is considered one of the flattest and fastest half marathon courses in southern England.
What are the start times for the event?
- →Half Marathon: 9:00 AM
- →Free Kids' Fun Run: 9:20 AM
What are the entry details for the event?
The event has a field size limited to 3,000 runners. The entry deadline is Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at midday. Runners are required to be at least 17 years old for the half marathon. The Kids' Fun Run is free but limited to 100 places with no minimum age, and under 5s must be accompanied by an adult.
How much does registration cost?
- →UK Athletics affiliated: £40
- →Non-affiliated: £42
What is included in the registration?
Registered participants will receive a unisex technical t-shirt, a goodie bag with event-branded products, a commemorative medal upon finishing, and free digital race photos. Chip timing is provided for accurate results. The event also includes full medical coverage by Centurion Medical Services.
What are the race logistics and facilities?
Race numbers for entries received before January 1, 2026, will be mailed in early January. Later entries must collect their race numbers on Saturday, February 7, at the Village Hotel Farnborough, or on race morning from 7:30 AM. Secure bag storage is available at the start and finish, though items are left at the owner's risk. There is no event parking at Farnborough Business Park; participants are advised to use public car parks in Farnborough town centre or stay at the Village Hotel with customer parking.
What are the awards and prizes for the event?
All finishers will receive a high-quality commemorative medal. Prizes include wooden trophies for the top 3 male and female overall finishers, as well as age-category winners (Masters 35, 40, 45, 50, 55+). The event is organized by 2:09 Events UK and is known for its fast course design, making it a popular choice for early-season half marathon runners.
What is the course profile and why is it notable?
The course profile features minimal elevation change, contributing to its reputation as a fast, PB-friendly route. The entire 13.1-mile course is run on closed roads with no traffic interference, following a largely rural route around the airfield complex. The course is renowned as one of the flattest and fastest half marathon courses in southern England, making it ideal for first-timers and experienced runners alike.
What is the event's reputation and organisation?
The event is consistently praised for its organization, spectator support, and fast course design. It is considered England's premier early-season half marathon and is organized by 2:09 Events UK. An interactive course map is available via Plotaroute, providing participants with a detailed overview of the route.