Cheltenham’s streets belong to the runners today. Run Cheltenham 2026 — the town’s biggest running festival, made up of a Half Marathon, a 10K and the non-competitive Move More Mile — takes place on Sunday 20 September 2026, starting and finishing at Cheltenham Racecourse. Organisers expect several thousand runners on closed roads through Prestbury, Pittville, the town centre, Montpellier and Lansdown, so if you’re driving, cycling or catching a bus in Cheltenham today, build in extra time and expect diversions.
Start times
- 10K – 08:20
- Half Marathon – 09:00
- Move More Community Mile – 09:30
All three races start and finish at Cheltenham Racecourse, with a grandstand finish in front of the Princess Royal Stand. The Half Marathon covers 13.1 miles (21.1km) with around 354ft of elevation gain, looping through Prestbury, Pittville, the town centre, Montpellier, Lansdown, Hatherley and the traffic-free Honeybourne Line before returning to the racecourse. There is a 3-hour cut-off from the start of the Half Marathon; runners projected to finish outside that window may be asked to move to the pavement so roads can reopen on schedule.
Road closures today
Road closures are in force from around 7:00am, with roads reopening in a rolling programme between roughly 10:30am and 2:00pm as runners clear each section — later sections stay closed longest. Based on the confirmed route and the closures used in previous years, expect closures on and around:
- Evesham Road (A435) and the Racecourse roundabout
- New Barn Lane (closed to all vehicles on race day) and Albert Road
- Hill Court Road, Barley Road and Tommy Taylors Lane
- Prestbury Road and Albemarle Gate
- Winchcombe Street and the A46 (Priory Street/Fairview Road area)
- Albion Street, High Street, Rodney Street and Berkeley Street
- The Promenade, Imperial and Montpellier Gardens
- Bath Road, Suffolk Road and Lansdown Road
- Shelburne Road, Hatherley Road and The Park
- The Honeybourne Line (closed to through traffic while runners use it)
This list reflects the published Run Cheltenham route and closures confirmed for previous editions; a small number of side-street closures can be added on the day. For the definitive, live list check Run Cheltenham’s official road closures and interactive map before you travel.
Getting around today
- There can be no vehicle access or movement along the route during closure times — do not leave cars parked on the route itself.
- Residents needing to use a car during closure hours should park on a nearby road away from the route beforehand.
- Businesses on the route are advised to schedule deliveries before 7am or after roads reopen.
- Free parking is available at Cheltenham Racecourse from 7:00am, accessed via Southam Lane; Swindon Lane is for drop-off/pick-up only.
- Cyclists should use the Southam Lane entrance; bike racks are provided at the venue (left at owner’s risk).
- Bus services may be affected — check Stagecoach’s service updates before travelling.
Run Cheltenham has grown into one of the region’s biggest mass-participation events, drawing more than 7,500 runners in 2025 and raising tens of thousands of pounds for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and other local charities. Good luck to everyone taking part today — and thank you for your patience if you’re navigating around the closures.
