The Farnham Pilgrim Marathon – next edition on Sunday, 13th September 2026 – has recently been ranked the tenth hardest in the world and fourth hardest in the UK, in a survey carried out by PureGym.

Pure Gym's Marathon Difficulty Index analysed performance and environmental data from 100 global marathons to arrive at the unsurprising conclusion that the Everest Marathon is the toughest in the world. The health and fitness chain scored each race on difficulty factors, including maximum elevation, finishing times, temperatures, wind speeds and physiological challenge.

The most challenging UK race is the Beachy Head Marathon, with a score of 55.37 points on Pure Gym's scoring system, compared to the Everest Marathon's total of 90.72. Farnham Pilgrim Marathon isn't far behind Beachy Head Marathon, with an index score of 49.59, thanks to 1,000m of elevation gained and an average finishing time of 5:03:08.

The publication of Pure Gym's list sparked lively debate on social media, with claims and counterclaims regarding the relative toughness of different races. There is no doubt that the publicity will lead to even more runners making a pilgrimage to Farnham for the 2026 event.

There's a new Race HQ this year at Myrtle’s Courtyard, Hampton Estate, Seale (GU10 1JH), where you will find a much larger start and finish area, improved and expanded car parking, and a bigger and better Race Village with more space for supporters, stalls, and that essential race-day buzz.

The routes follow two different out-and-back courses that take in the beautiful footpaths and country lanes east of Farnham, featuring parts of the ancient Pilgrims Way and the scenic North Downs. The marathon starts at 08:30am, and the half-marathon starts at 09:00am.

The Rotary Club of Farnham Weyside promotes the event, and around 400 runners competed last year. The marathon winners were Mark McCluggage (Windle Valley Runners, 3:10:22) and Sophie Power (Guildford & Godalming AC, 3:30:46). The half-marathon champions were Daniel Higgins (Highgate Harriers, 1:24:01) and Lizzie May (Farnham Runners, 1:36:22).

Results and reports can be viewed at the runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy of Farnham Pilgrim Marathon website