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.
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How it works:
Cambridge Half Marathon — Sunday 14 March 2027. Your Challenge begins here, right at the start of the UK running season.
- 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 — Wednesday 30 September 2026, when general 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.
