Marsden Moors and Marathon

Event overview

The Marsden Moors event is scheduled for Saturday 9 May 2026. It is based at Marsden Parochial Hall, next to St Bartholomew’s Church in Marsden (HD7 6DN, grid ref SE046116). The routes run in and around the Colne Valley area and include a full marathon route option added to the Marsden Moors event.

Distances

• 26 miles (marathon variant)
• 23 miles
• 18 miles

Route and facilities

The marathon variant adds about 3 miles to the main route and follows landmarks such as a footbridge over Blakely Clough, a ford, Wessenden Reservoir embankment, Wessenden Lodge, Hey Brinks, Deer Hill Conduit, Round Hill descent to the B6107 Meltham Road, the Colne Valley Circuit and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath back to the start. Route descriptions, maps, GPX and tracklogs are available to download. The event references OS Explorer maps OL21 and OL1.

Checkpoint and finish provisions include cold drinks and snacks at checkpoints, tea and toast at registration and a meal at the finish. Participants are asked to bring their own mug. Paper copies of route descriptions or maps will not be supplied.

Entries, limits and safety

Entry is by advance registration on SiEntries only. Fees listed are £15 for LDWA members and £18 for non-members; on-the-day entry is listed at £25 if available. Entrants are limited to 150 with a wait list once full. Children under 16 may enter free if accompanied by an adult. Participants are advised to carry suitable equipment for moorland terrain and variable weather, such as waterproofs, warm clothing, map, compass, torch and a survival bag. Refund and substitution rules are published with the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.