Surrey - Steampunk Love Run

Walton-on-Thames, United Kingdom

Expected February 2028

Our best guess from a single past year. We'll firm it up when the organiser confirms.

Choose your distance

Marathon

Distance

42.2km

Cutoff

7 hours

Terrain

Trail

From last year's edition. Details may change once confirmed.

Overview

The Steampunk Love Run is a timed lapped event on a 5.3 km out-and-back stretch of the Thames towpath from the Xcel Sports Hub in Walton on Thames, with no elevation gain and an off road trail surface underfoot. Runners choose their distance from one lap up to marathon or ultra and can start any time inside a one hour window, with seven hours to complete their laps.

5.3 km lap along the River Thames towpath
Completely flat riverside trail
Steampunk themed medals and event atmosphere

The practical side

Terrain

Off road trail along a riverside towpath beside the River Thames

Route

Eight 5.3 km out-and-back laps on the Thames towpath, all within a seven hour time limit

Good to know

On the day

ParkingThe event HQ is Xcel Sports Hub Stadium, Walton-on-Thames. Use the official event parking if directed by marshals, and arrive early because spaces may be limited on race morning. The stadium likely provides toilets, changing areas and a base for registration/aid. If you are using public transport, Walton-on-Thames railway station is the nearest main station; check local bus, taxi or walking options to the venue. Follow any event-specific parking instructions sent by the organiser.

Public transportBecause the course is flat with no elevation gain but on an off-road trail surface, focus on time on feet and durability rather than hill training. Build long runs on towpaths, canal paths or similar flat trails, and practise running repeated laps or loops so you get used to returning to the same aid point. For the Ultra 50K, rehearse your nutrition and hydration every 5.3 km, and test your shoes, socks and layers in wet winter conditions. Include some back-to-back long runs and practise quick transitions at HQ, as the lapped format lets you reset frequently.

First aid on courseThe course follows a 5.3 km out-and-back stretch of the Thames towpath from Xcel Sports Hub. It should be marked and marshalled, but because it is an out-and-back lapped route, pay attention at the turnaround point and follow marshal instructions. Medical support is usually based at event HQ, with roving cover or marshals able to summon help. The towpath may be open to the public, so be aware of other users. Carry a phone and know the emergency procedure briefed by the organiser before you start.

Aid stationsThe course is a 5.3 km out-and-back lap starting and finishing at Xcel Sports Hub, so the main aid station and facilities are at event HQ. You will pass HQ every lap, which is ideal for refuelling, changing socks or picking up extra layers. There may not be a separate feed station out on the towpath, so carry enough water and nutrition for each out-and-back segment. A drop bag at HQ is strongly recommended for the marathon and Ultra 50K; check with the organiser whether a designated drop-bag area is provided.

Before you enter

DeferralsThe event information does not list a specific transfer/deferral policy, so contact the organiser directly. In UK trail events of this type, entries are usually non-refundable, but transfers to another runner or deferrals to a future edition may be allowed up to a set deadline for an admin fee. Do not pass your entry to someone else without official approval, as it can affect insurance, timing and medical cover.

Time limitYou can start any time within the published one-hour window, and you then have seven hours to complete your chosen number of 5.3 km out-and-back laps on the Thames towpath. This means you can begin early if you want maximum time for the Ultra 50K, or later if you are doing a shorter distance. You must finish your final lap within the seven-hour limit, so plan your start time around your target distance and pace.

Other questions

Check-in is at the Xcel Sports Hub Stadium in Walton-on-Thames. You will collect your race number/timing device and any lap-counting instructions before starting. Because it is a lapped event, you return to the stadium after each 5.3 km lap, which makes it easy to use the finish-area facilities and drop bags. At the finish, cross the line at the stadium, return your timing chip if required, and collect your medal/refreshments. Always make sure your final lap is recorded by the lap counters or timing system.

If you have a serious emergency, call 999 first, then contact the race HQ or nearest marshal. Give your location using the out-and-back landmarks, for example how far you are from Xcel Sports Hub or the turnaround point. If you withdraw, you must report to race HQ so the organisers know you are safely off the course. Do not leave the event without informing a marshal or the finish team, especially in the Ultra 50K where you may be on course for several hours.

Entry fee

Registration isn't open yet. We'll show pricing when the organiser confirms.

Expected

Walton-on-Thames, United Kingdom

Expected February 2028

Provisional date, around Feb 12

We'll keep this updated as the organiser confirms.

Phoenix Running

View organiser page →

Official website Organiser website

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Surrey - Steampunk Love Run

Overview

The practical side

Good to know

What happens at check-in and the finish line at Xcel Sports Hub?

What should I do if I need emergency help or need to withdraw on the towpath?

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