Where did it all start?
In 2020, we introduced a new event to co-incide with the regular Gransden Muddy Fun Run:
“The Gransden Mystery Marathon”
This ‘race’ pays homage to the original GORM (Gransden Off-Road Marathon) and other ‘notorious’ events like The Barkley Marathons (Google it, or search out the excellent Netflix documentary!).
Read a blog post about the 2020 Mystery Marathon
2024 Event – Sunday 28th January 2024
We are planning to host the Mystery Marathon again in 2024, all things permitting. We will have a slightly different take this year, allowing individual entrants to run our marathon distance solo, or to split it running as a pair… or if you really like you can take the ultra distance challenge and see how many miles you can clock up in the allocated time!
To enter please complete this web form:
What to expect?
Given the challenging terrain and time of year, this is probably a race for more seasoned distance runners (see entry details below). You will run a full marathon course, predominantly off-road, in the local countryside.
The race will be open from 6:30am to 12:00pm, meaning a cut off of 5 1/2 hours for the marathon… or a chance to rack up a decent ultra mileage!
You will receive information about the route (largely off-road) on the day of the event only. Runners / pairs will visit a series of checkpoints on their way to recording (at least) 26.2 miles..
The course will not be marshalled or supported in any way and therefore entrants must take full responsibility for their safety during the event. You may want to carry supplies (water and food) as well as a phone for emergencies. We will also use the app what3words to help locate HQ and the various checkpoints.
A plentiful supply of cakes and refreshments will be available at the finish – you will definitely earn them. Runners will also receive a race memento to remind you of the experience – whether good or bad!
Entry?
The course will be challenging, and given the time of year, potentially impacted by the weather. As a result, numbers will be limited and entry will be by application. Please complete a registration form giving details of ‘qualifying’ race experience. Your place will be confirmed by the organiser.
Entries open – please complete this web form:
There is no set entry fee, however, we would expect you to make a suitable voluntary donation to our school fundraising effort.
Want to run one of our previous Marathon Courses?
You can run one of our previous routes, anytime you like, by following the online version of our course maps.
Of course, there will be no physical checkpoint to find, but once you reach the designated spot (denoted by a What3Words reference) you can open the next map with the link provided.
Gransden Muddy Fun Run 