Buxton Half Marathon 2026 GP 🎽
On Sunday 24 May 2026 in the historic spa town of Buxton, 7 MAC’s headed over for the second event in the Road Champion’s League.
With temperatures set to soar, we set off on what we all collaboratively agreed, was one of the most scenic and demanding road half marathons.
The race began outside the Buxton Opera House and finished in the picturesque Pavilion Gardens. The event is run entirely on roads and follows a single-lap route through the surrounding Peak District countryside with steep climbs, and panoramic countryside views. The course elevation is approximately 1,508 feet (460 metres), making it significantly hillier than many standard UK half marathons.
As I reached the top of the seemingly never ending initial 3-mile hill, I was met with the beautiful and unexpected sight of the Dragon’s Back which literally took my breath away with how incredibly beautiful this scenery is.
We passed natural landmarks including Chrome Hill, Park House Hill, and Dowel Dale.
Ursula Scarth, yet again showed incredible ability as she seemingly effortlessly completed the event in 1:57:10, 3rd MAC back, and first MAC female. Absolutely amazing!
First MAC, Ian Watson gave an incredible performance on a very demanding course, coming in 31st overall and in 1:37:09.
Having gained a much sought after parkrun sub 20 PB only yesterday, Men’s Captain Tom Palfreyman also put in a sterling effort to come in as 2nd MAC in 1:54:57.
Sarah, suffering from the heat and Sally Owen, with a leg strain, also did incredibly well on this extremely challenging course, and all members were at the finish line to see their teammates in, to a raucous cheer.
This was a big step out of my comfort zone as I am not good with hills at all, but it was certainly worth it for the views and the weather. An excellent choice for the Championships League.
