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The Destination Basingstoke Phillips Law Half Marathon and 10k is a real highlight in the running calendar and we are proud of the way it has brought our whole community together in a fabulous festival atmosphere. With superb scenery, closed roads and a friendly welcome, it is a race with all the organisation and facilities of a big race, but the atmosphere of a community festival.

The 2026 event takes place on Sunday, 4 October.

Known for the friendly welcome, traffic free roads and scenic course, the Destination Basingstoke Phillips Law Half Marathon is a ‘must do’ race.

Organised by Destination Basingstoke, the Half Marathon has built up a reputation that puts it on a level with some of the great races in the south, yet it retains a real community feel.

This event is just getting better and better – in 2026, the 5k course introduced last year is now a permanent feature in the race calendar, offering all the atmosphere and energy of the main event. In 2025 we had over 1,700 runners and introduced separate start times for the Half Marathon and 10k to make it easier for all our runners to participate. In 2023, we changed the 10k route to make it easier for runners to clock up faster times, and added family-friendly races for children.

Countdown to Starters Orders

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Half Marathon and 10k Race

The Half Marathon and 10k start on land next to the Crossborough Hill car park in Basingstoke. While the road race starts in the town, most of the route is on traffic-free minor roads through undulating countryside. Subject to the usual road closure approvals, all roads on the route will be closed for the duration of the event on race day.

The Half Marathon race course heads out of town on closed roads towards the village of Cliddesden. You will pass the Jolly Farmer pub, then turn left by the village pond to head up towards Cliddesden School.

You enter the village of Ellisfield at mile 4, then turn left towards the church, then right down College Lane with a lovely gentle downhill to mile 6.

Turn right and right again before you climb back up past The Fox Inn returning to Ellisfield, then take a left towards Farleigh Wallop.

Between miles 8 and 9 there is the legendary ‘Big Dipper’ as affectionately named by local runners, (actually its proper name is ‘Bedlam Bottom’) where the road drops by 100 feet then regains it almost immediately.

Then follow the tree-lined Avenue to mile 9, and from here it is more or less downhill to the finish.

Once you reach the crossroads you will turn right downhill with some fabulous views across the countryside with Basingstoke in the distance.

Back through Cliddesden and towards town, taking a right by the Holiday Inn to return to War Memorial Park. Here there is a slight loop as you cover the last section on grass in the park and head to the finish line at Crossborough Hill.

If you decide to run the route ahead of the race, please remember that the roads will be open, and the B4036 in particular is very busy.

We recommend that you train on other hills – there are plenty of them around! If you do so it is entirely at your own risk. The route is open to all traffic and due care is required.

BRAND NEW 5k Race

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new addition to our race weekend – the Phillips Law Basingstoke 5K!
Following the same scenic route as our popular Half Marathon and 10k events, this shorter course takes runners to a turning point on Farleigh Road before looping back to the finish – offering all the atmosphere and energy of the main event in a more accessible distance.

Whether you’re new to running, looking to beat your personal best, or just want to soak up the electric race day buzz, the 5K is the perfect way to be part of the action. Open to runners aged 11 and over, it’s a brilliant stepping stone for future races, a great way to get active with friends or family, and a fantastic chance to support local events.

Why join the 5K?

  • Be part of an unforgettable race weekend in Basingstoke
  • Perfect for all experience levels – from first-timers to fun runners
  • A friendly, scenic route with full event support and great community spirit
  • Sign up now and take your place on the start line – the countdown is on!

 

Children's races

YOUNG runners can experience all the fun of the Destination Basingstoke Phillips Law Half Marathon and 10k event.

Event headline sponsor Phillips Law have increased their sponsorship of the event to enable organiser Destination Basingstoke to run a free one-mile race  in 2026– for youngsters aged 5-10 year olds.

The children’s race in 2025 took place before the Half Marathon and 10k on Sunday, October 6 2024, and saw the young runners complete a course which used the start and finish points of the main events. Each participant received a special medal.

Childrens 1 mile route

2026 Event Info

The course for the Destination Basingstoke Phillips Law Half Marathon is a challenging but exhilarating one, incorporating some legendary hills near Cliddesden and Farleigh Wallop, beautiful countryside and quaint villages.

Get Involved

You don’t have to be a runner to get involved. Help us to run a great Destination Basingstoke Phillips Law Half Marathon and 10K.

2025 Event

Check out results and photos from last year’s event.

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