Keswick Half Marathon
Keswick Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday 20th September 2026 and is organised by Keswick Rugby Club. The route runs around Derwentwater with an additional loop into the Newlands valley, covering 13 miles 192.5 yards. The organisers describe the course as one of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country and highlight elevated views of Derwentwater.
The event raises funds to support the club's grass roots rugby programme and local facilities. The club reports mixed junior teams, seven junior boys teams, four junior girls teams, two senior men’s teams and a senior women’s team, and notes that the race has been an important source of revenue during efforts to replace flood damaged facilities through the 'Big Build'. The club also emphasises a long tradition of community involvement and participation across many age groups.
For 2026 the race will use chip timing provided by Events Up North, with each chip embedded in the race number and a live results feed to the event website. The event is staffed by volunteers from the rugby club and the local community; marshals are frequently praised for their encouragement. A participant emailed that the race helped them regain their running mojo.
Event entry and timings:
- Race entry – £37.00 plus booking fee. Discounted for affiliated runners.
- Saturday 4th October 2025, 7pm – Registration opens (including free t-shirt and the option to purchase a commemorative medal).
- Wednesday 9th September 2026, 7pm – The option of your free t-shirt and medal purchase closes (to allow our suppliers time to process). Registration will remain open.
- Friday 18th September 2026, 7pm – Registration closes.
- On the day registration – 9am-10am – in the club house. Note a £5.00 supplement will apply and your entry will not include a free t-shirt.
- Number collection – Keswick Rugby Club.
- Saturday 19th September 2026, 3pm – 5pm
- Sunday 20th September 2026, 9am – 10.30am.
- 11am – Race starts.
- 2.15pm – Prize giving.
Keswick Rugby Club After our annual Beer Festival the Half Marathon is our second largest fundraiser at the club, ensuring that we can provide grass roots sport in our local community. For years our dream was to replace our old, flood damaged, facilities with a fit for purpose club house and we have now achieved that through everyone’s hard work during the ‘Big Build’. It is worth mentioning that the revenue from the Keswick Half Marathon has also been a significant help during this fundraising effort.
At Keswick Rugby Club we have a strong ethos of participation and inclusivity and are proud that we have regular rugby players from 3 year olds to 63 including boys, girls, men and women. The benefits that can be derived from team sport include physical and mental wellbeing and a heightened sense of community and we’re particularly proud of our small club and the positive role it plays in our town.
As a club we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteer organisers, our team of brilliant marshals and of course you, the runners, for making the Keswick Half Marathon a truly special event as we approach our 50th year. When you register please know that your entry fee is making a difference to young people’s lives and that we’re truly grateful.
Tim Green, President, Keswick Rugby Club