Walter Raleigh Round Half Marathon

Event overview

The Walter Raleigh Round Half/Third Marathon takes place on 3 January 2026 at Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club. The organiser is Climb South West Ltd. Distances offered are:

• Half Marathon - 13.6 miles
• Third Marathon - 8.5 miles

Entries open 29 April 2025 and close 1 January 2026. Entry fees listed are £38.50 for the half marathon and £27.50 for the third marathon. The event base offers car parking, hot showers, a bar and a cafe.

Course, services and important information

The route visits the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh and countryside used during his childhood. The course includes quiet back lanes, unsurfaced county roads, footpaths, the Otter valley, High Peak, the Jurassic Coast and a dismantled railway. The third marathon follows the same route to the river Otter, then avoids the High Peak and coastal section by following the riverbank downstream to rejoin at the second river crossing.

The course is fully marked and GPX/route links are provided by the organiser. There are marshals in key locations, a well stocked aid station, and first aid cover including mobile units. Checkpoints are provided at about 8 km (East Budleigh) for both distances and a second checkpoint at about 15 km (Ladram Bay) for the half. Refreshments include water, coke and basic sweet and savoury snacks. The event is cup free at checkpoints; participants should use a personal bottle or reusable cup. A maximum time of 5 hours applies and the use of headphones is not permitted. Finishers receive a solid oak Walter Raleigh Round coaster. Recommended kit includes a base layer, trail shoes, a rucksack or race vest, hydration (min 500 ml), basic first aid and a waterproof jacket. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.