20 April 2020 -
31 December 2020

The MK SixPack Marathon is now the MK SixPack Seasons Marathon - please check for an email regarding the change of format. All completed distances are still recorded as a result here in the original event. All entries and any uncompleted distances have now transferred to the MK SixPack Seasons Marathon event. All times for routes completed after January 1st 2021 should be recorded in the new 'Winter 2021' event on the MK SixPack Seasons Marathon.


MK SixPack Marathon

Welcome to our new series of routes around our wonderful Milton Keynes. This series is to fill the gap between lockdown and beyond, hopefully leaving a fantastic legacy for all to enjoy around the city.

How does it work?

In partnership with the Parks Trust, we have pulled together six awesome running routes around this wonderful city, each route is slightly different, one is even on trails!

You may have noticed by the title, if you complete all six routes you have finished a full MARATHON of 42 kilometres or 26.2 Miles.

Your entry includes access to all 6 routes and it's completely up to you in what order you run them in!

What do I get?

  • A fantastic medal (sent out in weekly batches from the 10th August!)
  • Prizes for the fastest routes and fastest Marathon times throughout the year.
  • Spot prizes for best pictures too! (Cows in the background are encouraged!)

A few notes before you go...

  • It is crucial you stick to the social distancing' rules in force at the time you wish to start your runs
  • Please try and do the runs when you expect the redways and paths to be quieter, and remember there may be dogs, cyclists and other park users out and about
  • There are a few road crossings (all quiet roads) but you MUST be aware for your own safety at all times and be considerate to other people
  • Remember you can run each route as many times as you like and re-upload your results.

How do I upload my time?

1) Go back to the entry page (That's here!)
2) Select the tab above that says 'Enter Result'
3) Pop in your time for whichever route you have completed
4) Add in any photos of your journey or a link to your Strava or Garmin - please note that when you view your result again later, the link you used will be in the button 'see submitted route'.

Routes and Distances

Nobby Railway 5K

This route begins at Kwik Fit in Newport Pagnell and will see you pass through Tongwell Lake, Tongwell Lane, and Giffard Park, finally finishing with just over a 1km stretch along the Nobby Railway walk back in Newport Pagnell. A small hill as you enter Tongwell, this is definitely a PB course!

Concrete Chaos 10K

This route starts and finishes at the top of Newlands Farm and near the carpark at the end of Livingstone Drive (David Lloyds gym). The first 5K is nice and flat running along the wonderful paths along the Grand Union Canal. The second 5K will see you climb up towards the viewing area at the top of Campbell Park. With every up-hill there is a wonderful down-hill, don't jet off too fast and be sure to leave enough for the finish!
 

Knock on Wood 5K

This route starts on the edge of the lovely Linford Wood and heads in and around the wonderful paths before heading down along the western edge towards the MK Athletic club track at Stantonbury. You'll then head up back to Linford Wood finishing around 500 metres from the start.

Escape MK Trail 6K

This routes starts and finishes just off Merlewood Drive to the south of Shenley Wood, a more challenging route around the paths, redways and trails around the west side of MK. Heading West from Shenley Wood it joins the North Bucks Way (NBW) heading North behind the prison (hence the name)! After approximately a mile on the NBW you then take to the horse trails around Grange Farm. After that it's a nice run around the edge of Shenley Wood back to the finish.
 

Tearful 10K

Another gem of a route starting and finishing opposite the main entrance of the National Bowl. The route starts by heading around the Teardrop Lakes (again hence the route name!) then heading off along Emerson Valley, a fairly flat but stunning route,a PB course once again!
 

Stony Ford 6K

Stony Stratford's name originated from the old ford that joined the two Stratfords (Old and Stony) hence the name for this event. The start and finish is south of the bridge over the Great Ouse, with the start heading around the beautiful riverside park and some of the quieter streets around Stony Stratford. You'll then return back to the riverside park before crossing the bridge and heading across the fields towards Deanshanger. After a very short section running on the quiet lane (please take care) you'll join the redway taking you into Old Stratford before turning back down to the finish in Stony Stratford.

Technology and Navigation

Please use this fantastic app to ensure you can follow the full route directly from your phone. Download the app and join our Big Cow Running Group to get all the routes with turn-by-turn navigation.
We are still waiting for a couple of signs to be installed by the Parks Trust, using this system will also ensure that if anyone has tampered with the signs you will be able to navigate the route without issue.

iPhone users: https://apps.apple.com/app/rungo-guided-runs-turn-by/id712628644

Android users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.rungo

RunGo is the #1 running app for discovering the best routes in the world with turn-by-turn navigation. Follow a voice guided tour, including the encouraging reminder when you’re halfway there.

RunGo also tracks your runs stats like time, pace, distance, elevation and estimated finish time.

 
what3words is a really simple way to talk about location. They have assigned each 3m square in the world a unique 3-word address that will never change.

For example: ‘filled.count.soap’ marks the exact entrance to what3words’ London headquarters.

People use what3words to find their tents at festivals, navigate to B&Bs, and to direct emergency services to the right place.

We have used what3words to share with you the exact start locations for each route. Please download the app – it is great for sharing your location when meeting up with people, but also really useful in emergencies and for navigation.

iPhone users: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/what3words/id657878530
Android users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.what3words.android&hl=en_GB

 
 Event information
20 April 2020
31 December 2020
Registration is closed
sixpack-challenge.co.uk

 More information
Willen Hospice

Registered charity number 270194.

Big Cow Sports

Parks Trust Milton Keynes

 Organiser
SixPack Events Ltd

In case of questions about the event please contact SixPack Events Ltd:

info@sixpack-challenge.co.uk
sixpack-challenge.co.uk

Any questions?