Fast Events
Next Race: 16/08/2026
The Fast Stadium, Long Road, AS19 300
Next Race: 16/08/2026
The Fast Stadium, Long Road, AS19 300
Join us for the running event that truly lives up to its name!
The Friendly Marathon isn't just another race – it's a celebration of community, personal achievement, and the joy of movement. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner chasing a new PR or taking on your first long-distance challenge, our course welcomes you with open arms and supportive cheers.
What Makes Us Different
At The Friendly Marathon, we believe that the finish line belongs to everyone. Our unique approach includes:
• Flexible Pacing Options: With generous course time limits and support stations that remain open for all participants
• Inclusive Categories: Dedicated divisions for runners of all abilities, including wheelchair athletes, visually impaired runners with guides, and adaptive athletes
• Training Community: Free pre-race training meetups for participants of all levels
• Celebration Zones: Family and friends can cheer you on at our specially designed spectator areas throughout the course
• Personalised Support: Pacers available for a wide range of finishing times, from 3 hours to 7+ hours
The Course
Wind your way through stunning urban and natural landscapes on our USATF-certified course. You'll experience the perfect balance of scenic beauty and community spirit, with local bands, cheer squads, and hydration stations creating a festival atmosphere every step of the way.
The men's PB is 01:23:23 set by Jasper Dog, and the women's PB is 01:47:23 by Sarah Hunt
More Than Just a Race
The Friendly Marathon experience extends beyond race day:
• Welcome dinner the night before, where everyone can share stories and connect
• Post-race festival with local food, music, and activities for the whole family
• Finisher medals that celebrate personal achievement rather than just completion time
• Professional race photography is included in your registration fee
Making a Difference Together
Your participation helps support our community partners focused on making sports and fitness accessible to underserved populations. A portion of every registration goes directly to programs that remove barriers to physical activity.
Accessible on the A50 by car
The nearest train station is Derby
If coming on foot you can walk along a disused railway line to get to the start