Jersey • Saturday 1 August 2026

Round the Rock Marathon

26.2 miles of Jersey’s coastal trails, starting at Les Fontaines and finishing in St Helier.

26.2 miles 09:00 start Coastal trail Cupless race
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The race

A proper Jersey coastal marathon

The Round the Rock Marathon follows the second half of the island’s full coastal route. From Les Fontaines, runners head along the rugged north coast, cross St Ouen’s Bay and continue around the south coast towards the finish in St Helier.

Expect steep cliff paths, sweeping bays, narrow coastal trails, runnable sections and some road links. The route is marked at decision points, but runners should also carry the GPX file on a suitable watch or phone.

Round the Rock is a small, independent event supported by local volunteers. Checkpoints are deliberately simple and practical, with the emphasis placed on the route, runner safety and the experience of travelling around Jersey under your own power.

Read about the race ethos →
Course information

Route and GPX

The marathon starts at Les Fontaines in St John and joins the Round the Rock Ultra course for the second half of its journey around Jersey.

Carry the route

Download the GPX and load it onto your watch or phone before race morning. Course markings should be supported by your own navigation backup.

Download Marathon GPX
Race morning

Getting to the marathon start

The marathon begins at Les Fontaines in St John. There is no dedicated event transport, so runners must arrange their own journey to the start.

01

Public bus

Take LibertyBus Route 5 from Liberation Station in St Helier to St John’s Church.

  • Suggested departure: 07:20 from Liberation Station
  • Arrival at St John’s Church: approximately 07:46
  • Walk from St John’s Church to Les Fontaines: approximately 1.5km
  • Allow enough time to arrive, check in and attend the briefing
Check the LibertyBus journey planner →
02

Taxi or drop-off

A taxi or pre-arranged lift is the simplest direct option from St Helier.

  • Ask for Les Fontaines, St John
  • Book taxis in advance as race morning demand may be high
  • Drivers should drop runners off promptly and avoid blocking access
  • Please follow marshal instructions around the start area
03

Parking and collection

Parking around the start is limited and the race finishes in St Helier, not back at Les Fontaines.

  • Do not assume you can leave a vehicle beside the start
  • Arrange how you will collect your vehicle after finishing
  • Car sharing is strongly encouraged
  • Do not block roads, entrances or access for local residents
Important: Bus times and services can change. Check the current timetable before race morning and build in extra time for the walk to the start.
Before entering

Is this race for you?

Round the Rock is a small, grassroots event. Please understand what the race provides — and what it does not — before committing to it.

What you can expect

  • A stunning and rugged Jersey coastal route
  • Course markings at decision points
  • Friendly volunteers and clear safety rules
  • Simple checkpoint food and drinks
  • A GPX file for navigation backup
  • Honest communication before race day
  • A finisher medal at the end of your journey

What you should not expect

  • Toilets at every checkpoint
  • Gourmet food or individual dietary menus
  • Large gantries, entertainment or luxury infrastructure
  • Personal crews, pacers or friends joining the course
  • A fully marshalled route from start to finish
  • A corporate event with large operational teams

Mandatory kit is non-negotiable

Mandatory kit applies to every distance. It is there to protect you if you become injured, cold or unable to continue. No kit means no start.

Respect is non-negotiable too

Abuse or aggression towards volunteers, staff or other participants will result in disqualification and may lead to exclusion from future Trail Monkey events.

If you value grit over glamour, challenge over comfort and community over corporate gloss, you should fit right in.

Planning your race

Race-day logistics

The key details are below. The full race-day guide and FAQ contain the latest operational information.

Read the full race-day guide →
Key times and registration
  • Friday 12:00–15:00: race-number collection in St Helier
  • Saturday 08:45: marathon briefing at Les Fontaines
  • Saturday 09:00: marathon start
  • Runners unable to attend Friday registration should arrive at their start at least 45 minutes before the race
Aid stations
  • Checkpoints are approximately 8–10 miles apart
  • Expect water, squash, cola and simple snacks where specified
  • The race is cupless: carry your own bottle or collapsible cup
  • Bring your own food if you have particular dietary requirements
Course timing

There is no separate marathon finish cut-off, but course operations are planned around an early-evening closure. Runners must maintain sensible forward progress and follow instructions from race staff.

Mandatory kit — no kit, no start
  • Trail shoes with suitable grip
  • At least one litre of water-carrying capacity
  • Foil blanket or bivvy bag
  • Charged mobile phone with What3Words and race contact number
  • Whistle
  • Windproof outer layer
  • Sufficient food and nutrition
  • Route loaded onto a GPS watch or phone
Refunds and deferrals
  • Up to three months before the event: 75% refund available
  • Up to one month before the event: deferral within 12 months
  • Within one month: no refund or deferral unless you volunteer to marshal
Runner welfare

Safety on the coast

Jersey’s cliff paths can be narrow, exposed, uneven and slippery. Adjust your pace to the terrain and overtake only where it is safe.

If someone needs help

  1. Stop and assess the situation.
  2. Help the runner put on warm or protective clothing.
  3. Call race control or 999/112 when appropriate.
  4. Use What3Words to communicate the location.
  5. Stay with a serious casualty until help arrives.

Moving safely

  • Take care on cliff edges and exposed paths
  • Slow down on wet rock, steps and technical descents
  • Give way to members of the public
  • Follow marshal instructions
  • Do not use headphones in a way that blocks awareness
Round the Rock

Choose your year

The 2026 marathon is sold out. Join the waitlist or secure your place for the 2027 edition.

Join 2026 Waitlist Enter 2027 Marathon

Questions? Read the race-day FAQ or email Paul.