Swindon Half Marathon made its comeback after a six-year hiatus - now the event is set to return again for 2026.
With new year celebrations underway and runners across the UK setting their resolutions, Swindon Half Marathon organisers have confirmed the date of the 2026 race.
The Swindon Half drew in thousands of runners to the town when it made a comeback in September 2025, the first time the event had taken place since 2019.
There was no half marathon in 2020, due to Covid-19 pandemic social distancing guidelines, and the 2021 event, which was due to be put on by management company The Race Organiser, was cancelled just 11 days before the race.
The company claimed this was due to increased costs and a drop in entries and also promised in 2022 that the race would go ahead, but it never came to pass.
However, sports event company RunThrough was determined to bring the event back to Swindon for 2025, and has been praised for the race's smooth operation.
RunThrough will now once again host the Swindon Half Marathon, with the event returning on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
"Join us for a road-closed route through Swindon and the surrounding countryside, past the villages of Wanborough, Badbury and Medbourne," said a spokesperson for the event.
"This route is mostly flat for the first 5 miles, miles 5-10 are undulating, before a downhill finish.
"With a unique medal, post-event goodies and some local support, the Swindon Half promises to become a major fixture in the local calendar – don’t miss out."
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The 2026 Swindon Half Marathon will set off from Coate Water Country Park at 9am on September 27, following a similar route to the 2025 event. Road closures will be in place throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Sign-ups are already underway, priced at £40 for a general entry place, or £80 for a Prospect Hospice charity place.
This is a rise from the 2025 price of £34, due to the event's popularity.
Organisers say the price not only helps to pay for logistics such as road closures, but also includes a finisher's medal, refreshment stations, first aid stations, official event photography and marshals.
The race winner for Swindon Half Marathon 2025 was Ben Cole with a time of 1:09:56. He was closely followed by Harry Woods, Ben Lines, Jack Pocock, and Mark Cherryholme who made up the rest of the top five.
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