There's flat, and there's pancake flat. And it is the latter that runners signing up to any of the Sport In Action Festival of Running events can expect this summer. The Festival will return to the Solway Coast with a slightly later date than usual of 2 July and boasts a trio of events including a marathon, half and 10K. 

The Solway Coast Marathon has a total climb of only 79m, which certainly makes it one of the flattest courses in the UK. And in this instance, flat doesn't come at the expense of scenery, the Solway Coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and stretches from Rockcliffe in the north to Maryport in the south, covering about 115 square kilometers of the Solway Plain.

The Marathon course uses quiet Cumbrian country roads and is very flat with an initial 5 mile loop through Kirkbride, Newton Arlosh heading back past the start where family and friends will be able to cheer runners on and provide encouragement for 21 miles to come.


The course then heads back out through Kirkbride and on to the Solway Coast taking in Glasson, Port Carlisle, Bowness on Solway, Cardurnock, Anthorn, Longcroft then back to Newton Arlosh and on to the finish at The White Heather Hotel.

In the Kirkbridge Half Marathon, runners can expect another flat affair with only 73 metres of gain and quiet country roads with one small climb that gives a nice downhill run towards the finish. The course takes you one big loop through Kirkbride, Newton Arlosh, Lessonhall taking a left back towards Kirkbride and the finish.

Not forgetting the the Kirkbride 10K which has a route that takes runners on one big loop and two small loops with an excellent chance of a PB due to its flat nature. 

You can find out more about all the events at the Sport In Action website.

Image: Sport In Action Facebook/Carlos Reina Photography