Half Marathon
Sun 27 Sep 2026 Folkestone, Kent, UK

Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon

This ever popular race promises amazing coastal views and a relatively flat coastal promenade run with real PB potential.

  • Sun 27 Sep 2026
The Grand, Folkestone
Half Marathon

10:00

Age 17 & over

£25-£27

  • 13.1 miles road running + 469 ft ascent

Event overview

This accurately-measured course starts outside The Grand on The Leas, passes through the coastal park before and an out and back to Hythe. The event has fantastic support from local community groups and has a friendly race day vibe. If you are new to the half marathon distance, this is the perfect race to start your longer distance running journey.

Whilst the majority of the race is a relatively flat promenade run with real PB potential, there are a couple of hills to add a little additional challenge to your race day! An unforgettable race... so good that you'll want to return year after year!

Highlights

  • Stunning coastal views
  • Bespoke medal and cash prizes / trophies for winners
  • Relatively flat route with PB potential
  • Accurately measured course
  • Ideal for Autumn marathon training plans
  • Friendly atmosphere and perfect for beginners

This event is part of Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon.

Event community

  • Average fitness
  • Event village
  • Families
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators

Timetable

  • 08:00 | Race HQ & Registration opens
  • 09:30 | Junior Run Start
  • 09:50 | Race Director's Briefing on the start line
  • 10:00 | Race Start

  • Bone conducting headphones only
  • Distance markers
  • First aid
  • Flat
  • Marshals
  • Out and back
  • PB
  • Sweeper
  • Water stations
  • Way markers
  • GPX available

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

The Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon kicks off outside the elegant The Grand Hotel, Folkestone on The Leas, then sweeps downhill into a coastal park before turning into a scenic out-and-back along the promenade to Hythe.

The route is accurately measured and is predominantly flat, making it ideal for runners chasing a personal best – though it includes a cheeky hill on the return leg to keep things interesting. You’ll share the promenade with locals and visitors, so remain courteous and aware of other users throughout.

Route highlights

  • Start and finish on The Leas outside The Grand – a stunning coastal vantage point
  • A fast, mostly flat promenade section between Folkestone and Hythe – perfect for PBs
  • Stunning views of the English Channel as you race out and return
  • A small but strategic incline on the return leg – a final test of strength and determination
  • Excellent support and marshals throughout, with clear sign-posting and mile markers

This route perfectly blends speed potential with seaside scenery — a great choice for any runner looking to enjoy the outdoors while chasing their best.

  • Coast
  • Toilets
  • Unmanned bag storage

Event HQ

The Grand
The Leas
Folkestone
Kent
CT20 2XL
UK

Parking

Park at the Leas Cliff Hall car park approximately 1/4 mile from Race HQ. There is limited car parking available in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. 

  • Cash prizes
  • Chip timing
  • Goody bag
  • Medal
  • Trophy

Included

  • Bespoke medal
  • Trophies and cash prizes for leading runners
  • Finish line goodies

Fantastic race by the sea. This is fantastic run, really well organised and always running great weather... with an added fresh breeze! Philip S

Will be returning in 2025. This was my first ever half event. I was scared, nervous and imposter syndrome was rife. However, everyone was incredibly friendly and the marshals were top notch. They continually encouraged you no matter where you were in the race. Such a wonderful atmosphere and I even made a new friend. Thank you! Elizabeth A

What a fabulous event. Thanks to all the marshals. Vanessa B

Very Good. The Hill at the End was so challenging but that’s what’s it’s all about 2 no year off running it. Found the hill harder that rembrence hill great Race loved it see you next year. Leon B

Awesome seafront run. Mel F

  • Age 17 & over
  • Entries open
  • Enter online

Entry fees

Early bird entry fee

£25.00

Early bird entry fee

£27.00

Other races at event

  • Sun 27 Sep 2026
  • #1 of 0
The Grand, Folkestone
Junior Race

09:30

All ages

£5

  • 600 m road running

Other South East events

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Get outdoors

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