POPULAR AWARD WINNING 10-KILOMETRE RACE FROM FOLKESTONE SEAFRONT TOWARDS HYTHE AND BACK FLAT, FAST COURSE.
UKA REGISTERED EVENT

Welcome to the official website for the
Folkestone Coastal 10k

We look forward to the 2025 award winning race which will be held in Folkestone and will include a virtual option to run along with the popular Children’s race (approx 600 meters).

Here is an overview of the 2024 race:

On Sunday, we were joined by a wonderful community of runners along the sun-drenched promenade in Folkestone for this sell-out race. Standing tall against a clear blue sky, the start flag danced about in the breeze, announcing that the hotly anticipated Folkestone Coastal 10k had now finally arrived. The air was thick with racing revelry and delight as runners began to file into place. And then at the sound of the klaxon more than 920 runners spilled across the starting mats to cheers and applause.

They were magnificent, each one putting in a stupendous performance, the result of steely determination and many long hours of training. This wonderful race is a highlight in the racing calendar, raising valuable funds for local charities.

The first male and female runners to come home across the mats were Nick Collins (Ashford & District) and Laura Smith (Halamshire Harriers/RAF) finishing in spectacular time at 00:33:36 & 00:35:12 respectively. As each racer crossed the finish line, there were celebratory hi-fives and hugs, whoops of delight and tears of joy and relief; it was an incredible display of endurance and finish-line emotion. A spectacular day of racing was had by all.

With entries from as far as Coventry and over 36 running clubs participating from all over the country along with many fun runners, all enjoyed a welcome competitive race. The event was filmed by ITV Meridain.

In addition, we had two SAGA cruise ships enjoying the virtual option with over 100 participants, both crew and guests raising funds for good causes.

This year we enjoyed support from our title sponsor SAGA and many other companies. Our ever-reliant marshal teams from the various Rotary and running clubs along with many volunteers certainly did the event proud. In addition, the local business community entered many teams including SAGA, Jenner Construction, Church & Dwight and Brachers Solicitors. They along with numerous individuals are raising funds for many good causes.

Already we have received excellent feedback from families and supporters who enjoyed the atmosphere and were so enthusiastic. I was pleased to see a few newcomers at 15 years old to one runner of 82.

It is a fantastic achievement for the runners to complete the course either as an elite runner or a new participant to a 10-kilometre race. The objective of the race from the outset in 2012, the London Olympic year is to encourage participation for all abilities, assist charities, visit our district, and promote good health, as well as increase the profile of sport and I am particularly delighted that there was such a good turnout. Thanks to you all.

First indications are that the event has raised good and timely funds for many worthwhile causes including The Sports Trust, The Rainbow Centre, Gurkha Memorial Fund, Folkestone Youth Project, Folkestone Rescue, Touchbase care and local Rotary Clubs for distribution to local causes.

The race will commence at the eastern entrance of the coastal park on the promenade. At this area will be the new registration area and facilities within the carpark which is closed for our use. This is near to the bottom of the Leas Cliff Lift. Plenty of signs will direct you to this area and do park within the harbour or Leas Cliff Hall walk up to the start, which will be at 10:00 prompt – don’t be late!

There will be a children’s race for under 15s which is held shortly before the main race at 9:30am prompt (approx 600 meters). There is a wide range of prizes and we encourage corporate teams to enter, as it’s a great opportunity to engage with employees and get them involved not only in fitness but perhaps raise some money for your chosen causes.