Festival of Running 2025

Jan

Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world-famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location. This Festival has become one of the biggest sporting events on the Island and a favourite of runners from all over the South of England. Over a week, athletes of all levels can choose from circular cross-country routes, in the breath-taking west of the Island.

The programme includes:

– Tapnell 10k – A scenic summer evening 10k from Freshwater village into the rural countryside and through the fields of our Festival sponsor Tapnell Farm, returning to Freshwater through National Trust and nature reserve land.

–The Freshwater 5K is ideal for beginner runners and off road racers alike, and passes Alfred Lord Tennyson’s magnificent home, Farringford, skirting Tennyson Down and taking in Afton Marshes.

– The famously tough Needles Half Marathon, which follows a spectacular trail along the coast from Colwell Bay to Totland Bay, over the heathland of Headon Warren to The Needles. Runners then traverse rugged Tennyson Down to Tennyson Monument, before descending to Freshwater Bay and across Afton Marsh, to the finish.

– Younger members of the family can join the Junior Fun Run, around fields adjoining the West Wight Sports & Community Centre.

Local running clubs and crews welcome visitors and new members throughout the week, with road, trail and cross country routes to suit everyone! With exclusive accommodation and travel discounts for participants – book for the weekend and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Wight.