MK SixPack Seasons Marathon

Welcome to our series of permanently marked running routes around our wonderful city of Milton Keynes. This event was originally created in partnership with the Parks Trust to get everyone motivated during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but owing to the remarkable uptake we are keeping the momentum going by making some tweaks for 2021.

How does it work?

Together with the Parks Trust, we have created six awesome, permanently marked running routes around Milton Keynes. Each route is slightly different, one is on trails but they mainly use our 'redway' system, and as you may have realised from the name, 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 six routes FOR THE WHOLE YEAR and it's completely up to you what order you run them in! Once you have finished and uploaded your results we will send you your awesome medal.

NEW FOR 2021: As well as any new entries, everyone who was already entered into the original SixPack will find they have an entry already set up for them in the Winter 2021 stage. This runs up to March 31st 2021 and anyone completing the six routes by that date will be sent a medal (unless they have already received one) and be part of the Winter 2021 leaderboard.

At the start of April, the slate will be wiped clean and everyone will move into the Spring 2021 stage. Again, you'll have three months to complete the routes, claim a medal (unless you have already had one) and be a part of the Spring 2021 leaderboard.

At the start of July, and again in October, the same process will repeat - you have four chances to complete and/or improve your marathon time during the year - all for a single entry fee.

Please note: Your previous results for the 2020 event (if you have finished) and any results thereafter in the season events will still be available for you all to view.

Season Deadlines

What do I get?

• A fantastic medal
• Prizes for the fastest marathon times for each 'season' (male and female)

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. Make sure you are logged into your Results Base profile and then go back to the event entry page (that's here!) and select the tab above that says 'Enter Result'. You can get to the same place by selecting the Ticket' for this event from the My Area menu.
2. Pop in your time for whichever segment of the route you have completed
3. 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