Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon

Last updated on March 9th, 2022 at 06:00 pm

The Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon

Is still the only marathon in Portsmouth and is a very popular event attracting well over a thousand runners. With much of the proceeds going towards the RNLI charity. Many of the marathoners choose the event because of its tough mixed terrain course set in the cold wintery conditions of the Portsmouth coastline, sounds horrible right? Well it’s certainly rewarding with mulled wine, jaffa cakes, Christmas cheer, goody bags and lots of other niceties to make it well worthwhile. There’s a fantastic atmosphere as everyone battles the elements together. Organised and run by Believe and Achieve Events Ltd, the coastal marathon is one of several successful events run around Portsmouth by the company whose founder is a member of the RNLI and personal trainer himself.

The course

Portsmouth Coastal Marathon

The marathon starts and finishes near the Pyramids Centre on Southsea seafront and makes its way east past the Royal Marines museum and and then northwards up the eastern side of Portsmouth towards Farlington marshes. It then proceeds around Langstone harbour and all the way along the scenic Hayling Billy trail. That’s halfway! You then turn around and run back the same way you came. Interestingly this race has a 6 hour time cap, thanks to the tides, if you don’t hit the halfway mark within 3 hours then you won’t be able to finish; otherwise you’ll be swimming!

The Terrain

Portsmouth Coastal Marathon Terrain
Image Credit to Ian Burnett

Although one of the flattest marathons around expect a real mix of terrain. The Portsmouth Coastal Waterfront Marathon says it all! You’ll encounter roads, beach, possibly seawater, grass, muddy trails and the seaside promenade. Probably a good idea to pack trail shoes or road shoes that have a good grip, one’s you don’t mind getting really dirty. Although fell shoes would be tempting, due to the distance you would definitely be better off with a more stable and cushioned shoe. Pop in for a biomechanical assessment if you’ve not had one to make sure you have the right shoe as even a good running shoe that’s not been properly chosen for you can cause injuries.

Key Info

Date: 20th December 2015
Start time: 09.15am
Venue: The Pyramid Centre, Southsea. Plaza Suite.
Facilities: Changing, toilets, onsite parking, refreshments, bag storage (runner must label their own bags), onsite retailer, pay and display parking £10.00 for day, massage, swimming pool discount.
Event awards: Bespoke Medal, Winners Trophies, Goody Bag
Event extras: Chip Timing, Christmas Cheer, Santa. Mulled Wine, Brandy, Rum, Jelly Beans, Jaffa Cakes.

Places for this year’s Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon are going fast so don’t delay, sign up here.

If you have run the Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon, then let us know what you thought of it in the comments below.

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Ryan has worked in the sports industry since 1999 and has a wealth of experience across most subjects. Ryan holds a BSc in microbiology and has studied sports physiology in great detail in his own time. His main areas of specialisation are: footwear construction, footwear technology, strength & conditioning and anatomy & physiology. He splits his 13 hours a week exercise between, Kickboxing, MMA, Crossfit, Rock Climbing and Running.