The Maravan

Morning all.

That was a fun weekend, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Results are here:

Saturday

Sunday

As usual, these are preliminary results, let me know if there are any glaring errors and I’ll work on fixing them this week.

Thanks so much for entering this year’s event. We’ve got a field very similar in size to last year, which means a lovely, friendly atmosphere and plenty of familiar faces. We hope you leave tired, happy, and feeling part of something good. The event raises funds for the Canal & River Trust and is run on a not‑for‑profit, homebrew basis — thank you for supporting it.

If you know anyone who fancies running as little as a single 6k lap for a medal, snacks and a Creme Egg, last‑minute entries are still open.

Key details at a glance

• Venue: Fossdyke Canal, next to Woodcocks Pub, Burton Waters, LN1 2BE
• Start: 9:00am
• Finish: 4:00pm (only laps completed by 4pm count)
• Lap distance: 3.8 miles
• 7 laps = marathon
• Open towpath: no priority over the public
• Cupless event: bring a reusable cup
• Parking: Woodcocks car park (please be considerate)

Registration

Registration is on the towpath near the steps up to the bank — look for the flag and table. Bring your own pins if you can. Numbers should be visible on the outside of your clothing.

If you’re running both days, please reuse your number. Spares are available if needed.

There’s no formal night‑before pickup, but Darren will be in the pub from around 6pm both evenings. Look out for him in the pub, or message on What’sApp. If you want to collect your number early (which really helps us), or just fancy a chat, come and say hello.

Using the pub

Woodcocks kindly allow us to use their toilets from 8am. Please help us stay welcome:

• Use other toilets on your journey where possible.
• Don’t linger longer than necessary.
• No Deep Heat, kit‑sorting or pre‑race faffing inside.
• After the race, please do support them with a drink or food.

Race format

This is a 7‑hour challenge. Run as many 3.8‑mile laps as you like between 9am and 4pm.

• Most laps wins.
• If tied, the fastest total time wins.
• If you want a half marathon, tell us before your 4th lap so we can show you the short‑cut.
• If you want a marathon or half marathon time, we can start your clock when you start — but only if you’re not competing in the 7‑hour challenge.

When you’re done, ring the bell at the table so we can record your finish time.

Lap counting & timing

You are responsible for knowing your own lap count.

We’ll have a timing app running and will try to keep a scoreboard, but visibility from the canal bank isn’t perfect. Please make sure we’ve seen you each time you pass.

If the table is briefly unattended (Darren may need a personal‑needs break), make sure someone notes your lap.

Towpath etiquette

We have a licence to use the towpath, but no priority over anyone else. Expect:

• walkers
• runners
• cyclists
• pushchairs
• dogs
• boat owners
• fishermen

Please run in single file when needed, give way courteously, and move aside for groups. This is essential for us being allowed back.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome under ARC rules. They must:

• be on a lead at all times
• be insured
• be well‑behaved around other users
• not cause obstruction
• be cleaned up after

Refreshments

The feeding station has water, squash, cola, cakes, biscuits, crisps, nuts and other bits. Feel free to bring something to share.

This is a cupless event — please bring a reusable cup.

The only bin is at the feeding station. Carry wrappers back with you. Littering = disqualification.

Supporters

Supporters are very welcome. If anyone is around for most of the day, even a few minutes helping at the table is hugely appreciated — we don’t have the big volunteer team we have at the Maravan.

We have qualified first aiders, a full kit and an AED. If your supporter is first‑aid trained and happy to help, please let us know.

Weil’s Disease

The Canal & River Trust ask us to remind participants about the risks and symptoms of Weil’s Disease (leptospirosis).

Information from the Canals and Rivers Trust can be found here.

Information from the NHS can be found here.

You know I love to keep you updated as to how things are going, and I thought it was about time to touch base and let you know where we are with arrangements for the Marabank this March.

I now have the contract in hand – it’s always a bit of a fomrality but every year the CRT throw me a new box to tick before they’ll officially grant us permission to use the bank.

Medals are ordered but I don’t yet have a design in mind…working on that.

Numbers are looking good for this stage in proceedings – I’ve got enough entry money to guarantee more than the minimum required to put the event on – all compulsory costs are covered, it’s the niceties now that we’re paying for.

Still plenty of entries open though, so feel free to get your entries in.

See you in March…

We’re excited to announce that next year’s Maravan will take place on the weekend of Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November 2026. Mark your calendars – it’s going to be another unforgettable weekend of running, camaraderie, and fun!

🏃 Entries Now Open

You can secure your spot right now via EventEntry.

• Entry fees remain the same as last year – already a bargain for what’s on offer.
• As a festive bonus, anyone who enters between now and Christmas Day can use the voucher code ITSXMAS to get an extra £10 off their entry fee.

Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer!

✨ Why Join?

• A unique marathon weekend experience in Cleethorpes.
• Friendly atmosphere and supportive community.
• Perfect way to challenge yourself before the year ends.

I’m still kicking some of the rough edges of the results, particularly with the relay results on Saturday, and one or two of the early starts, but I believe that I’m now happy with the results here.

Let me know if yours are well away from what they should be.

I’ll get speaking to the park later this week to fix dates for next year’s event. Until then, if you fancy more fun times with Darren and Norma, there’s always the Marabank in March…

Afternoon all 👋  

 

I’ve been out at the park this morning (now enjoying a well-earned pint!) and had a good look at the course. Based on conditions underfoot and the overnight weather, I don’t foresee any major issues.  

 

– Dress for wet and cold – avoid box-fresh shoes, and carbon plates won’t help here.  

– The course was a little glassy today, but with milder weather and overnight rain we should be in better shape tomorrow.  

– Please bring warm clothes for waiting around. If footing is still tricky, I may delay the massed start slightly – though that’s not the plan at present.  

 

Early starters: you can still head off as arranged, but remember:  

– The course won’t be marshalled.  

– Feed stations won’t be available until around 8.30am.  

– You’re running at your own risk.  

 

Half Marathon: entries are still open, but medals are now gone. If you join, you may not receive a medal or goody bag.  

 

Marathon: places remain! Sunday is looking quiet, so I’d love to see more of you out there. Enough entries are in for 100 Club recognition, as always.  

 

For everyone else – sit back, relax, and enjoy the build-up.  

 

I’ll be at the Taphouse this evening if you fancy a catch-up. Otherwise, see you tomorrow!

Hopefully you already have, them, but if not…

📍 Arrow spotting at Haven Holidays Cleethorpes Beach!

Been out today putting up route markers for the course — and yes, there are a lot of arrows. Most of them point straight ahead, just to reassure everyone they’re still on track. It’s like breadcrumbing, but with plastic and optimism.

Still a couple more to go on Friday, including one elusive right turn on the Fitties. No post there yet, so I’ll be installing one before the weekend.

If anyone’s planning a recce, that’s the only missing piece. Everything else should be good to go.

We’ll also be marking the course with flour on Friday — so unless you’re actively trying to get lost, you should be fine! 🏃‍♂️➡️

We’re almost there! The Vigilantes Maravan returns on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November, and preparations are well underway. Here’s a peek behind the scenes at what’s sorted — and what’s still on the to-do list…

✅ What’s Ready

• Toilets confirmed — the park is kindly opening their permanent block for us this year, in exchange for donations to Cancer Research UK
• Medals boxed and ready — sustainably made from wood and waiting to be earned
• Snacks incoming — crisps, cola and other goodies are already piling up
• The Taphouse is booked — join us from 6pm on Friday 21st to pick up numbers, grab a pint, and say hello

🛠️ What’s Still to Come

• Goody bag prizes — a cash-and-carry raid is imminent
• Van pickup — still on the list
• Course marking — happening this weekend; if you fancy a recce next week, it’ll all be there to see!
• Entry deadline approaching — entries via EventEntry close this weekend so we can prep the timing app
  • After that, late entries will need to go through a different route and may cost a little more

🏃‍♀️ Still Room to Join

There are spaces available in most events, so if you’ve been thinking about it — now’s the time. Whether you’re going solo, joining a relay, or just coming for the atmosphere, we’d love to have you.

More info coming soon. For now, keep training, keep smiling, and keep your eyes peeled for the full race instructions next week.

We’re nearly there—and the excitement is building! I’ve now received all the entry payments I’ll see before the event, which means it’s goody bag shopping time! Expect some fun, thoughtful treats based on the budget we’ve got.

Entries are still open, and I’d love to see more runners take on the full marathon challenge—especially on Sunday. If you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time to jump in!

Saturday’s shaping up to be a brilliant day with 13 teams and 28 solo runners across all distances. It’s going to be lively, friendly, and full of Maravan magic. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s a place for you.

🏅 Plenty of medals left 🎽 Plenty of fun to be had 📬 Full info will land in inboxes the week before the event 📱 Updates will keep flowing via the website and socials

Let’s make this the most joyful, inclusive Maravan yet. See you at the start line!