cambridge
x oxford

the half marathon challenge

Two cities. one challenge.

A single, unforgettable running journey. For the first time, the Cambridge Half Marathon and Oxford Half Marathon are joining forces to create Cambridge x Oxford: The Half Marathon Challenge, a brand-new way to experience two of the UK's most popular half marathons as one connected achievement.

Every year, more than 30,000 runners take on these two races, and both regularly sell out. From 2027, a select group of just 500 runners will be able to take on both events as a single Challenge, earning a reward that only Challenge finishers will ever receive.

How it works:

One bundle ticket gains you access to two of the UK's most sought after half marathons!

Cambridge Half Marathon — Sunday 14 March 2027. Your challenge begins here, right at the start of the UK running season.
Oxford Half Marathon — Sunday 10 October 2027. You'll complete the challenge here, bringing your year full circle.

One entry secures your place at both races.

What's included

Challenge entrants receive:

An exclusive Cambridge x Oxford: challenge t-shirt, given as you begin your training, available only to runners in the challenge.
Two limited-edition medals that combine into one, with half earned at Cambridge and the remaining half at Oxford. Each medal will be personalised with an iTab with your finish time from that race, so your combined challenge medal carries the story of your whole year.
An exclusive race bib design, unique to Cambridge x Oxford: challenge athletes at both events, so you're recognisable as part of this first-ever group.
Access to pre-race shake-out runs at both Cambridge and Oxford, to help you settle in, meet fellow challenge runners, and shake out the nerves before race day.

Why take it on

This is more than two half marathons. It's a season-long journey between two of England's most exciting and forward-thinking cities, built for runners who want more than a single finish line.

With only 500 places available, runners will be part of something genuinely new and the first cohort to take on Cambridge x Oxford: The Half Marathon Challenge.

How to get a place

Places are released in two tranches of 250, each securing your entry to both races:

250 places — Tuesday 29 September 2026, when VIP entry opens for the Cambridge Half Marathon.
250 places — Sunday 11 October 2026, when general entry opens for the Oxford Half Marathon.

To access challenge places, you'll need to pre-register for the relevant event ahead of its on-sale date.

Cambridge Half Marathon Oxford Half Marathon

Can this be offered to people who have completed both events in 2026?

Sadly no, this bundle is only available to those who secure an entry in the Cambridge x Oxford: The Half Marathon Challenge.

I’ve already secured an entry into one of the events, can I add this onto my booking?

Sadly no, the capacity of the challenge is limited to the 500 bundle tickets sold. We hope to grow the challenge in future years.

When will I receive the training top?

The top will be sent approximately 8 weeks prior to the Cambridge Half Marathon

Will I still receive all of the finisher items offered by each event independently?

Yes, you will receive the full event package from each of the individual events plus those offered in the challenge. The only exception is you will only receive one race bib per event, in the unique challenge design.

What are the items included in the challenge?

Exclusive challenge t-shirt
Two challenge medals that combine to create one completed item.
Two iTAB’s, one for each half of the combined medal.
Uniquely designed race bib.

When will entries be available?

Pre-registrants will be able to book the challenge from 10am on Tuesday 29 September.

cambridge x oxford