Isle of Wight Festival of Running

About

Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!

The Isle of Wight Festival of Running is back in 2024. Events will be added to the programme over the coming months. The programme will include the iconic Needles Half Marathon, a childrens fun run, the Freshwater 5k, a 10k race and a wide range of evening social runs and running related activities.

A week-long Island wide event showcasing all things running on the Isle of Wight! Events start on Sunday 2nd June, with running related activities offered by the Sports Centre throughout the week and culminate on the weekend of 8th/9th June with the Tapnell 10k and Tapnell 10 mile race (NEW for 2024!) on Saturday and the Freshwater 5k, Needles Junior Fun Run and Needles Half Marathon on Sunday. During the week Island running groups, organisations, businesses and charities will be hosting events about and for runners of all abilities.

The Needles Half Marathon 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.

The Freshwater 5k passes the historic site of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s magnificent home, Farringford.

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