The Big Pilgrimage

Event overview

The Big Pilgrimage takes place on 23 August 2026 and starts at Mayflower Park, Town Quay, Southampton. It is a point-to-point mixed terrain run following the start of a Pilgrim Trail called "The Old Way" from Southampton toward Canterbury. The 15 mile course finishes at Titchfield Abbey and the marathon finishes at Boundary Oak School near Wickham. The route includes a short boat crossing of the Hamble River from Hamble foreshore to Warsash. Before boarding, runners are offered a bag of pick 'n' mix sweets. The course passes landmarks such as Netley Castle, Netley Abbey, the Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park, and Titchfield Abbey. Participants collect a sticker at each landmark for a collectable race bib.

Practical information

• Distances
  • 15 Mile
  • Marathon

Entry prices are £42 for the 15 mile and £54 for the marathon. Coach transport to the start is available from the finish locations for £10 if prebooked; the deadline to add transport is 16/08/26. Car park locations include The Great Barn, Mill Lane, Titchfield, PO15 5RB, and Boundary Oak School, Roche Court, Wickham Rd, Fareham, PO17 5BL. Runners collect race bibs at the BigFeat HQ tents at Mayflower Park on event day. All entrants must carry at least 500 ml of fluid. Runners are advised to carry appropriate clothing and to download the GPX route file to a device. A bag drop tent operates at each start and bags are transported to the finishes. Canicross entries are not accepted. The event offers a marked course, aid stations, on-course safety and medical support, on-course photographers, volunteers, and a bespoke finishers medal with an option to plant a tree instead of receiving a medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.