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Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027: Race Guide, Course And How To Enter
The Robin Hood Half Marathon brings thousands of runners to Nottingham each September for one of the UK's longest established city running events. First held in 1981, the race takes participants through historic neighbourhoods, busy city streets and attractive parkland on a 13.1 mile route that showcases the many different sides of the East Midlands city.
Starting and finishing beside the River Trent, the course includes Nottingham's historic Park Estate and the grounds of Wollaton Park, home to the impressive Wollaton Hall. With a mixture of hills and flatter sections, the event attracts experienced club runners, recreational participants and those taking on their first half marathon.
The Destination
Nottingham is a historic city in the East Midlands of England, approximately 125 miles north of London. Famous for its association with Robin Hood, the city has a rich industrial heritage, attractive architecture and a lively cultural scene, making it a popular destination for weekend visitors.
Nottingham Castle stands on a sandstone outcrop overlooking the city, close to the statue of Robin Hood. The castle site has played an important role in Nottingham's history, although much of the present building dates from the 17th century rather than the medieval period.
The Old Market Square forms the heart of the city centre, surrounded by shops, restaurants and historic buildings. Nearby, the Lace Market reflects Nottingham's importance in the lace industry, with former warehouses now accommodating independent businesses, restaurants and cultural venues.
One of Nottingham's more unusual attractions is its extensive network of caves, carved into the sandstone beneath the city. Visitors can explore part of this underground heritage at the City of Caves attraction, while the National Justice Museum offers an insight into the city's legal and criminal history.
Nottingham also has plenty of green space, including the Arboretum, a Victorian public park close to the city centre. Further afield, Sherwood Forest provides an opportunity to explore the woodland landscape traditionally associated with the Robin Hood legend.
September generally brings mild early autumn weather, with typical daytime temperatures around 17°C to 19°C. Conditions can vary considerably, however, with cool mornings, rain and occasional warmer days all possible during race weekend.
History Of The Robin Hood Half Marathon
The Robin Hood Half Marathon was first held in 1981 and has become a familiar fixture in Nottingham's sporting calendar. The event celebrates 46 years since its introduction in 2027, reflecting a long history of bringing runners together in the city.
Over the decades, the event has evolved through changes to its course and the programme of races offered alongside the half marathon. It has developed a strong following among local running clubs while continuing to attract participants from elsewhere in the UK.
The Robin Hood name has helped establish a clear connection between the race and Nottingham's identity. Although the route has changed over time, the event has retained its focus on bringing runners through different parts of the city rather than following a simple out and back course.
When Is The Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027?
The Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday 26 September 2027, continuing its traditional position towards the end of September. The half marathon is scheduled to start at 9:30am, with the main event area located at Victoria Embankment beside the River Trent.
The Robin Hood Mini Marathon and Nottingham Post Corporate Challenge are also part of the event programme. Participants should check the official website closer to race day for the final timetable, arrival instructions and any changes to the arrangements.
Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027 Race Pack Collection
Race packs for the Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027 are scheduled to be available for collection at Victoria Embankment Recreation Ground in the days leading up to the race. Runners must bring their entry confirmation email and photographic identification, and there is no standard race pack collection on race morning.
Participants can alternatively select postal delivery when registering, with packs normally dispatched approximately two weeks before the event. Overseas runners should check the organiser's collection requirements, as international race packs are not normally posted.
Race packs include the running number and baggage label, together with any additional merchandise ordered during registration. Participants should check the official event information before travelling in case the collection arrangements change.
Race Morning
The Robin Hood Half Marathon starts and finishes at Victoria Embankment Recreation Ground, a large riverside park south of Nottingham city centre. The Race Village provides a central gathering point for runners and spectators, with the River Trent and surrounding parkland forming the setting for the event.
Facilities at the Race Village include baggage storage, toilets and runner information. Participants should allow sufficient time to reach their allocated starting area, particularly as the number of runners can make the approach to the start busy.
Nottingham railway station is approximately one mile from Victoria Embankment, with the organiser estimating a walking time of around 15 minutes. Runners travelling by train should check Sunday morning services carefully, as early arrivals may be limited depending on their starting station.
Those arriving by car should check the organiser's parking information before travelling. Roads across Nottingham are closed at different times during the event, and some parking locations may be difficult to access once the closures are in place.
Robin Hood Half Marathon Course
The Robin Hood Half Marathon follows a single lap course through Nottingham, combining city centre streets, historic residential neighbourhoods and extensive parkland. Starting and finishing at Victoria Embankment, the route offers a mixture of urban surroundings and greener sections away from the busiest parts of the city.
The following description is based on the organiser's published 2026 course map. The final 2027 route has not yet been confirmed, and individual roads or turning points may change.
Victoria Embankment And Nottingham City Centre
The race begins at Victoria Embankment, close to the River Trent, before heading north towards Nottingham's city centre. The opening section uses roads including London Road, Queens Road and Carrington Street, passing close to Nottingham railway station before continuing towards Canal Street and Maid Marian Way. This section brings runners near Nottingham Castle and the Robin Hood statue before the course turns towards Friar Lane and Lenton Road. The surroundings gradually change from busy commercial streets to residential neighbourhoods as participants approach the Park Estate.
The Park Estate
The Park Estate is one of Nottingham's most distinctive residential areas, occupying land that was once part of a private deer park below Nottingham Castle. Its tree lined streets, Victorian houses and unusual road layout provide a different setting from the city centre. The route passes through the estate along roads including Lenton Road, Hardwick Road, Cavendish Crescent South and Park Drive. The neighbourhood's sloping terrain creates several changes in elevation before runners continue towards Derby Road and the western side of Nottingham.
Derby Road And Wollaton Park
The course heads west through Nottingham, using roads including Derby Road, Triumph Road, Ilkeston Road and Wollaton Road before reaching Wollaton Park. This section passes through established residential and commercial areas on the approach to one of the city's best known green spaces. Wollaton Park surrounds Wollaton Hall, a Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion completed in the late 16th century. The estate includes extensive grassland, woodland and herds of red and fallow deer, making it one of Nottingham's most recognisable visitor attractions. Runners travel through the park and along Lime Tree Avenue before leaving towards Middleton Boulevard. The open surroundings and views of the historic estate provide one of the most scenic sections of the half marathon course.
Lenton And Castle Boulevard
After leaving Wollaton Park, the course returns towards central Nottingham through the Lenton area. The route uses roads including Triumph Road, Derby Road, Lenton Boulevard, Church Street and Gregory Street, passing through a mixture of residential neighbourhoods and university surroundings. The race continues towards Abbey Bridge and Castle Boulevard, which runs alongside the Nottingham Canal. This waterside section brings runners back towards the southern part of the city centre before the route heads towards Wilford Road.
The Meadows And Victoria Embankment Finish
The closing stages take runners through streets south of Nottingham city centre, including Waterway Street, Sheriffs Way, Queens Road, Summer Leys Lane, Mabel Street and Meadows Way. This part of the course passes through the area around The Meadows before returning towards the River Trent. The final section brings participants back to Victoria Embankment Recreation Ground, where the finish line is located within the main event area. The surrounding park provides plenty of space for spectators to welcome runners finishes the race, including many of the charities who have meeting points for runners who have supported them..
How Difficult Is The Robin Hood Half Marathon Course?
The Robin Hood Half Marathon is an undulating race rather than a completely flat half marathon. The organiser identifies several inclines during the early miles, particularly around miles two, four and six, although much of the remaining route includes relatively level stretches.
The Park Estate contributes to the elevation changes, with its sloping streets providing a contrast to the flatter roads around Victoria Embankment. The course also includes long sections through residential areas and Wollaton Park, where the surroundings become more open.
September weather is another consideration, as conditions can range from cool and overcast to unexpectedly warm.
What Makes The Robin Hood Half Marathon Special?
One of the Robin Hood Half Marathon's greatest strengths is the variety of locations included in its route. Runners experience Nottingham's historic centre, the unusual streets of the Park Estate and the open surroundings of Wollaton Park within a single race.
The event also has a strong connection with the local running community. Nottingham's clubs, volunteers and spectators contribute to the occasion, while the established Race Village provides a gathering place for participants and their supporters.
The combination of a major city event and the opportunity to run through the grounds of a historic country house helps distinguish the Robin Hood Half Marathon from many other urban races. Its long history also makes it a familiar annual occasion for Nottingham residents.
Is The Robin Hood Half Marathon Good For First Time Half Marathon Runners?
The Robin Hood Half Marathon is a good choice for runners attempting their first 13.1 mile event, particularly those who enjoy the atmosphere of a large organised race. Its established organisation, varied surroundings and enthusiastic local support help create a welcoming environment for newcomers.
The course includes some hills, but these are concentrated mainly in the earlier miles rather than continuing throughout the distance. The combination of a large field and organised race facilities makes the event accessible to runners with different levels of experience.
The organiser operates an approximate four hour road reopening schedule. Runners who are still on the course when roads need to reopen may be asked to continue on the pavement, and anyone expecting to take longer than four hours is encouraged to contact the organiser before entering to discuss arrangements.
How To Enter The Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027
General entries for the Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027 are open through the official event website. The race operates a direct registration system rather than a ballot, with entries available until the organiser reaches capacity or closes registration.
The organiser offers several entry categories, including general places, discounted entries for members of UK Athletics affiliated clubs and a VIP option. Runners can also choose a combined entry covering the 2027 and 2028 events. Participants must be at least 17 years old on race day.
Running The Robin Hood Half Marathon For Charity
The Robin Hood Half Marathon provides an opportunity for runners to support a wide range of charitable causes. Participating organisations include health charities, hospices, community groups and other organisations that use the event to raise funds and awareness.
The event has an established fundraising tradition, with the organiser reporting that the 2026 race raised more than £1 million for charity. This reflects the contribution made by participants who choose to combine their half marathon with supporting a charitable cause.
Charity entries are available through selected organisations, with each charity setting its own registration requirements and fundraising commitment. Some offer places in return for a minimum fundraising target, while some may also ask runners to pay an initial registration fee.
The support available can also vary. Some charities provide fundraising advice, branded running vests and training resources, while others organise cheering points or opportunities for their runners to meet before or after the event. Comparing this race day experience alongside the fundraising commitment can help participants choose the right charity.
Runners who already have a general entry can also use their place to raise money for a charity of their choice. This allows them to support an organisation that matters to them without applying for a separate charity allocation.
Where To Stay
Nottingham offers a wide range of accommodation, from large city centre hotels to independent guesthouses, serviced apartments and smaller properties in the surrounding neighbourhoods. With the race starting and finishing at Victoria Embankment, accommodation south of the city centre can provide convenient access on race morning.
The area around Nottingham railway station is particularly practical for runners arriving by train. Hotels near Station Street, Carrington Street and the southern end of the city centre are within walking distance of the Race Village and provide access to Nottingham's transport network.
Old Market Square and the Lace Market offer a more central location for visitors who want to explore Nottingham during race weekend. These areas have a wide selection of restaurants, shops and attractions, although runners will have a longer walk to Victoria Embankment.
Hockley, east of the main shopping streets, is another option for those looking to enjoy the city's independent cafés, restaurants and nightlife. Accommodation here is particularly suitable for visitors planning to stay for more than one night.
Properties around The Park and Castle Boulevard may suit runners looking for quieter surroundings west of the centre. However, some nearby roads form part of the race course, so access arrangements should be checked carefully.
As the Robin Hood Half Marathon attracts participants from across the UK, accommodation close to the start can be popular. Booking early generally provides a wider choice, particularly for runners planning to arrive on Saturday and stay overnight.
Our Verdict
The Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027 offers an established autumn race with a varied course through one of England's best known historic cities. Its combination of residential streets, parkland and a riverside finish provides an enjoyable alternative to flatter city centre half marathons.
The event is suitable for a wide range of runners, including those completing their first half marathon, provided they are prepared for some hills. With good transport connections, plenty of accommodation and a welcoming race atmosphere, Nottingham is an excellent destination for a September running weekend.
Race Website
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