Russet Runners Marden 10k
Important Pre-Race Information

Dear Runner,

The Russet Runners Marden 10k 2026 is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to see you on race day! Please read the following information carefully.

Arrival and Parking
The Russet Runners Marden 10k starts at 9.30am. Race HQ is Southons Field, Maidstone Rd, Marden TN12 9AE. If you attended our inaugural event in 2024, please note that the event location has changed!

Race HQ will be open from 8am.

We would strongly encourage all participants to walk, cycle or to use public transport wherever possible. Race HQ is just 600m from Marden station, with trains from Tonbridge, Paddock Wood, Staplehurst and Ashford. We have a bag drop at Race HQ to make this as easy and smooth as possible.

If you are driving, please read the following information regarding car parking carefully. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have allowed enough time to find parking and to get to Race HQ on time to collect your bib and timing chip and to use the toilet. The road closures for the start of the race are very tightly time-controlled and we must start the race on time. We would highly recommend you aim to arrive at race registration by 8.45am at the absolute latest.

Option 1 - Southons Field (Race HQ), Maidstone Road, TN12 9AE - 150 spaces

A section of Southons Field will be available for parking from 8am on race day on a first come first served basis. If you wish to park at Southons Field, you must be on site by 9.00am. If you arrive after this time, you will not be able to park on Southons Field, and will probably miss the start of the race. Due to the narrow access road to the field, which forms the last part of the running route, it will not be possible to leave the site by car until the last runner has crossed the finish line (estimated c.11.15-11.30am). This will be strictly adhered to on race day. If you are a faster runner and need to make a quick get-away, you may wish to consider an off-site parking option.

Option 2 - Marden Station Car Park, TN12 9HS - 177 spaces
Marden Station car park has plenty of parking available. It costs £4.80 for the whole day on a Sunday. Parking is via the APCOA app, or by scanning the QR code on the signs in the car park. 600m walk/jog to Race HQ.

Option 3 - Tomkinsons/Go Group Car Park, Pattenden Lane, TN12 9QJ - c.80 spaces

We are grateful to Tomkinsons for opening their car park on Pattenden Lane for us on race day. Free parking on a first come first served basis. N.B. some areas of this car park are reserved and may not be used by runners. Please see map below. 900m walk/jog to Race HQ.

Option 4 - Adaro Car Park, Pattenden Lane, TN12 9QJ - c.50 spaces

We are grateful to Adaro/Claygate for opening their car park on Pattenden Lane for us on race day. Free parking on a first come first served basis. This car park is accessed from Pattenden Lane (50m north of the railway bridge). 900m walk/jog to Race HQ.

CLICK HERE for car park map for Option 3 and 4. 

Both the Tomkinsons and Adaro/Claygate car parks on Pattenden Lane will be marked with yellow race signs, however please note that there will be no marshals in attendance.

Option 5 - Street Parking

There is on-street parking around the village. However, we would ask that you please don’t park on the roads immediately adjacent to Race HQ. We need to keep the roads along the route clear for the race. Please don’t block any driveways or pavements - it’s really important that we maintain a good relationship with our local community. Thank you for your help with this.

Registration / Race Bib collection
Registration is open from 8am - please do not arrive before this time. Please follow signage to the correct queue to collect your race bib - you will need to add emergency contact information to the back of your bib before the race.

Bag drop
A bag drop facility will be available at Race HQ. This will be staffed at all times, however bags are left at your own risk.

Under 18s
Under 18 runners are required to present a completed consent form. Please CLICK HERE to download and print a consent form for completion. Copies for completion will be available on the day, however we would recommend this being completed in advance. 

On-site Cafe
We would encourage you to plan to stay for refreshments after the race! We’re delighted that Marden Old Post Office Coffee House will be at Southons Field serving sausage/bacon sandwiches and cakes, as well as hot and cold drinks. Please do stay and support this local business!

CrossFit Hunta

Our new partners, CrossFit Hunta in Marden, will be on-hand after the race to talk all things fitness and in particular how CrossFit and its many facets is ideal to get you stronger and faster than you have ever been! There may also be a cheeky offer coming out post-race to all runners!  Pop over to chat to Markus, grab a card with a link to a free class (that can be shared with family and friends), and hear just how much is happening at Hunta and how they can help you.

Free Massages - New for 2026!

We are delighted that, for the first time, we will have massage therapists from the European School of Osteopathy on site after the race. Every runner can claim a free massage  - just head over to the massage tent near the finish line area.

Dogs
Dogs are not permitted on Southons Field at any time. If your supporters are bringing a furry friend with them, they are very welcome out on the course.

Headphones
As we are a England Athletics licensed event, to comply with UKA Rule 240 S5, the use of all in-ear and over-ear headphones, audio devices and/or mobile phones with headphones is prohibited. This includes any noise-cancelling earbuds or plugs. You will be disqualified from the race if seen using headphones on the course. The only exception to this rule is bone conduction headphones, which are allowed under England Athletics rules. If you wear medically prescribed hearing aids, please let the race team know either by email at russetrunners@gmail.com, or inform the Race Director on event day.

Race Route
The Russet Runners Marden 10k is an accurately measured course and holds a licence from England Athletics/Run Events. The route is predominantly flat, using country lanes around the village. The first 2.5km of the route will be closed to the majority of road traffic. Thereafter you will be running on open roads and should keep left at all times. The course is fully marshalled by volunteers. Water will be provided in cups at the 5km water station, and you will receive a bottle of water at the finish line.

T-shirts
If you registered before 4th May and requested a t-shirt, at the end of the event please show the sizing sticker on your race bib to volunteers to receive your race t-shirt. There may be a small number of t-shirts left over to purchase at the finish line.

Thank You
A big “Thank You!” to Marden Parish Council for the use of Southons Field for our running community, to our primary sponsor KAYO Digital and to our additional supporter CrossFit Hunta!

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 31st May in beautiful Marden.

Russet Runners