Everything you need to know ahead of this year’s race
The Oxford Half marathon returns on Sunday 11 October 2026 for another edition of the city’s iconic event that brings thousands of runners and supporters to the city.
This year’s event builds on the sell-out success of recent editions with 15,000 runners signed up. From runners to spectators, timings to entertainment, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Oxford Half.
The route
2026’s route will once again take runners past Oxford’s most recognisable buildings including the Bodleian Library, Bridge of Sighs and the Radcliffe Camera.
The start and finish lines remain on Mansfield Road after moving there for the first time in 2025. The new shared location allows for improved spectator flow and a spacious finish area for runners to celebrate and recover.
Runners don’t just take in the city centre; they will also head out through Summertown and Old Marston before looping back and finishing in front of cheering crowds.
To see the full 2026 route map, visit: https://www.oxfordhalf.com/route-information
Getting to the race
Oxford city centre will have several road closures in place. Driving directly to the event is strongly discouraged. Park & Ride is the best option, with services available from three car parks, Redbridge, Pear Tree and Thornhill. Pre-booking doesn’t guarantee your space so you should arrive in good time with the first shuttle leaving at 07:00.
Local buses will run their normal Sunday services with diversions in place. If travelling by train, a shuttle runs from Didcot Parkway into Oxford with three scheduled departures getting you to the start line on time, while the Oxford Tube runs hourly from 03:15 onwards.
Pre race preparations
The race begins at 09:30, with all runners assigned a wave start to help manage flow on the course. The Event Village, in University Parks, opens from 07:30. This is where runners can access bag drop and pre‑race facilities.
Anyone who does not receive their race pack in the post must collect their bib on Saturday 10 October, with the helpdesk open from 10:00 until 17:00. Make sure to bring your bib and safety pins and ensure you have filled out your emergency information.
During the race
Five aid stations along the route will provide water cups, with the second stop at 6.5 miles providing OTE energy gels.
The cut‑off time for the 2026 race is 13:45. After this point, roads will begin to reopen. Runners can still complete the course and will be supported but may be asked to move onto the pavement.
Road closures
The start and finish infrastructure will be built on Mansfield Road on the Saturday, meaning it and Savile Road, Howett Walk and Holywell Street will be closed from 09:00 on Saturday 10 October, reopening from 21:00 on Sunday 11 October.
Most other roads along the route will close at 07:30 on race day, reopening in phases from 11:30, with all route roads open again from 16:00.
For the full list of closures and timings, visit: https://www.oxfordhalf.com/s/OHM-Road-Closure-Info-2026-2-y6cc.pdf
You can track your runner with the Oxford Half app, which will provide live updates and help you plan the best way to see them on route. The start and finish provide the most atmosphere with large crowds cheering runners over the line. University Parks is the perfect post-race place for everyone to meet up and celebrate together.
Looking ahead
Tickets for the 2027 Oxford Half will go on sale shortly after this year’s race, with another quick sell‑out expected. To join the waitlist, visit: https://www.oxfordhalf.com/
With thanks to Motiv Sports via New Reach
