Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon
The 21st Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon takes place on Sunday September 27th 2026 outside The Grand on the Leas in Folkestone. The event includes a half marathon distance and a separate children's race.
The course covers 13.1 miles (21.1 km), running from Folkestone to Hythe and back along a mainly flat promenade that is mostly free of road traffic. The 2026 route does not use the Road of Remembrance because of landslips and is provisionally the same route used in recent years; the route includes a climb at one point.
The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Folkestone as the club's main annual fundraising event. In 2026 the event supports the Gurkha Memorial Fund and proceeds in recent years have helped a range of local charities.
Entries close on September 24th 2026 and entries received after that date may be collected on the day subject to availability. Adult entry fees are listed as £25 attached, £27 unattached and £30 for late entries. Children's entry is £5. Race numbers are normally sent around two weeks before race day. Headphones are strictly prohibited; bone conduction headphones are acceptable.
Facilities include chip timing, refreshments, massage and a shop, with changing facilities to be confirmed. Prizes include cash prizes and trophies, a £100 prize for both first male and first female, medals for all finishers and spot prizes on the day. Official course records are 1:08:00 (male, 2011) and 1:21:05 (female, 2010).
Route Details
- Distance: 13.1 miles (21.1 km)
- Location: Folkestone to Hythe (and back again)
- Terrain: Mainly flat promenade, mostly free of road traffic
Prizes
- Cash prizes and trophies for race winners in various categories.
- £100 to both the first male and first female finisher.
- Medals for all finishers.
- Spot prizes on the day.
Course Records
- Male: Phil Anthony - 1:08:00 (2011)
- Female: Tina Oldershaw - 1:21:05 (2010)