Ware Festival of Running 2026 Ware, United Kingdom
Overview
The Ware Festival of Running is a premier regional athletic event that invites runners of all abilities to explore the scenic landscapes of Hertfordshire. Scheduled for early July, the festival serves as a major fundraising initiative, with 100% of the proceeds traditionally donated to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. The event features a professionally organized 10-mile race, a 10k race, and a series of children’s fun runs, ensuring a comprehensive community experience that promotes health, fitness, and local philanthropy.
Participants navigate a diverse multi-terrain course that includes farm tracks, lush parkland, residential roads, and tranquil riverside towpaths. The race village is a hub of activity, offering bag storage, refreshment stalls, and post-race celebrations for athletes and spectators alike. With chip-timed results and a supportive atmosphere marshaled by the local Ware Joggers club, the festival has established itself as a staple of the UK summer running calendar, known for its friendly environment and picturesque routes.
Event Highlights
- Multi-Terrain Courses: Challenging and scenic routes for both the 10-mile and 10k distances, blending rural trails with historic town paths.
- Philanthropic Mission: A unique event where every penny of the registration profit goes directly to supporting life-saving emergency medical services.
- Inclusive Races: A dedicated program of children’s races held within the safety of the cricket grounds, catering to different age groups from pre-schoolers to teenagers.
- Finisher Rewards: Every adult participant who completes the course receives a high-quality 2026 technical t-shirt and a commemorative finisher’s medal.
Why Attend
The Ware Festival of Running is an essential event for those seeking a well-organized race that offers more than just a personal best. It is an ideal choice for club runners and enthusiasts who appreciate a varied course away from the monotony of standard road races. The event is celebrated for its community-centric feel, where local residents and volunteers come together to create a high-energy environment that motivates runners from the start line to the final sprint.
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Furthermore, this festival is a perfect family outing, providing a safe and engaging atmosphere for children to experience the thrill of organized sport. Whether you are aiming for a competitive time in the 10-mile race or simply want to enjoy a morning run through the Hertfordshire countryside for a good cause, the festival offers professional standards with a warm, local heart. Attendees also have the chance to explore the historic town of Ware, making it a fulfilling day trip for international and domestic visitors alike.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Sunday, July 5th, 2026.
- Start Times: The 10-mile race begins at 9:30 AM, followed by the 10k race at 9:45 AM, with children’s events commencing late morning.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Ware, United Kingdom.
- Venue: Allenburys & County Hall Cricket Club Playing Fields.
- Google Maps Address: RX62+97, Ware SG12 0GX, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is managed online via the official race website and affiliated registration platforms; entries typically close in mid-June.
- Admission Type: Paid Registration for adult races and Free Admission for children’s fun runs.
- Ticket Pricing: Approximately $33 for UKA-affiliated runners and $35 for non-affiliated participants.
- Price Range: Minimum $33 to Maximum $35 for adult race entries.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: There are no VIP tiers, but early entrants are guaranteed an official technical t-shirt in their preferred size.
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Contact Information
- Email: support@ware10s.co.uk
- Phone: +44 1920 460316 (Ware Town Council)
- Website: https://www.ware10s.co.uk/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/warefestivalofrunning/
- https://www.instagram.com/warefestivalofrunning/
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: London Stansted (STN), 25 km from Ware (~35 minutes by taxi/car); London Luton (LTN), 30 km (~45 minutes by car).
- Public Transport: Regular train services from London Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale to Ware Station; the venue is a 15-minute walk from the station.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Local taxis are available at the station; a ride from Stansted Airport costs approximately $65 to $85.
- Parking: Free parking is provided at the River Labs Car Park on Park Road, which is adjacent to the race start and finish line.
- Other Access: The town is easily accessible via the A10 and M25 (Junction 25); cycling is encouraged with secure racks available near the town center.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club (5-star, 3 km, historic estate with golf course and spa, $250-$450/night); Fanhams Hall (4-star, 2 km, Jacobean mansion with formal gardens, $180-$300/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Featherbed Court (Boutique, 0.8 km, modern apartments in the town center, $140-$210/night); Premier Inn Ware (3-star, 1 km, reliable comfort near the station, $90-$160/night).
- Budget Stays: The Saracens Head Inn (Historic Inn, 0.4 km, traditional rooms with pub atmosphere, $80-$130/night); French Horn (Local Guest House, 0.6 km, cozy and affordable, $70-$110/night).
Reviews
- The marshals were so encouraging on the hilly sections and the atmosphere at the finish was electric.
- Beautiful route along the river and through the woods that made the miles fly by so quickly.
- Extremely well organized event with plenty of water stations and a great medal to take home.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What are the age requirements for the different race distances?
Participants must be at least 17 years old on the day of the event to enter the 10-mile or 10k adult races. The children's fun runs are open to younger participants, with specific categories for pre-school through secondary school ages. This ensuring all participants are competing safely within their appropriate physical development level.
Are there specific rules regarding the use of headphones during the race?
The event follows UK Athletics rules which prohibit the use of traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones on courses that are not closed to traffic. Only bone-conduction headphones are permitted to ensure that runners can hear marshal instructions and surrounding traffic for their safety. Failure to follow this rule may result in disqualification from the race results by the event organizers.
Can I run with my dog or use a running buggy for the race?
For safety reasons and due to the narrow sections of the riverside towpaths, dogs are not allowed to accompany runners on the course. Similarly, pushchairs and running buggies are prohibited in the adult 10-mile and 10k races to avoid congestion and potential accidents. Spectators are welcome to bring dogs on leads to the race village and cricket grounds to cheer on the participants.
What happens if I enter the race but am unable to attend on the day?
The organizers do not offer refunds or deferrals to the following year if a runner is unable to participate. However, participants can transfer their race number to another runner using the link provided in their original confirmation email. All transfers must be completed at least two weeks before the race date to ensure the chip timing system is updated correctly.
What kind of terrain should I prepare for when choosing my footwear?
The course is a multi-terrain mix that includes paved roads, gravel farm tracks, grassy fields, and dirt towpaths. While standard road running shoes are generally suitable in dry conditions, trail shoes may provide better grip if there has been recent rain. The route includes several short grassy sections that can become slippery or muddy, so runners should be prepared for uneven footing.
