Westonbirt Arboretum Summer

Event Overview

The Westonbirt Arboretum Summer races take place within the National Arboretum, a site featuring over 2,500 different tree species and five national collections. The event is held over two days in September, offering a variety of distances held on solid stone forest paths. The terrain is described as largely flat with occasional minor rises and falls, providing a surface similar to a road while maintaining a trail environment.

Race Categories

A range of distances is available across the weekend to accommodate different ages:

• Half Marathon: Open to runners aged 17 and over.
• 10 km: Open to runners aged 14 and over.
• 5 km: Open to runners aged 12 and over.
• 1 Mile Fun Run: No minimum age requirement.

Course Services

The event utilizes a wave start format, with approximately 150 runners departing at a time. The 10 km course includes one feast station, while the Half Marathon features three. These stations provide water, electrolytes, and a selection of snacks including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. There are no drinks stations on the 5 km route. The courses are marked with distance markers and supported by marshals and a medical team.

Facilities and Access

On-site facilities include toilets, a bag drop area, and food outlets, though no changing rooms are available. The nearest train station is Kemble, located 9 miles away. Advanced registered runners receive entry to the arboretum included in their registration. Spectators arriving before 09:00 can access the site at a reduced rate if pre-booked, while standard visitor fees apply after this time. The event is suitable for buggy runners, but canicross is not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.