WTF: The Marathon - FAQ

Where does the route start and finish?

Your marathon begins at Tonbridge Baptist Church, Darenth Avenue, TN10 3HZ and finishes at Tonbridge Old Fire Station (Castle Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BG.

If arriving by car we would ask you to park at Longmead Sportsground, approximately 4 minutes walk from the church. This will keep spaces at the church free for the worshippers using the car park later that day.

Where does the route take me and how will I know where to go?

The route takes you from North Tonbridge to the town centre, via the villages of Hildenborough, Shipbourne, Plaxtol, Dunks Green, Hadlow, Golden Green, Tudeley and Leigh.

You will be provided with step-by-step directions at the time of checking in for your marathon.

The directions will include What-Three-Words locations at key points so you can check you are on track.

Where and when do I need to check in for my marathon?

Check in for your marathon between 06:30-07:30, we will contact you with your start time closer to the day of the event.

Check in is at Tonbridge Baptist Church.  Please report to the Darenth Lounge, which you will find to the right of the church entrance on Derwent Road.

We will be serving bacon rolls and tea/coffee, so allow enough time for us to serve you and get your team registered!

Please ensure that all of your team check in at the same time so that they can read through the safety briefing before starting their walk.

How long will it take to complete my marathon?

This will depend on your team’s pace and how many stops you make en-route, but we would estimate your marathon to take between 9-11 hours.

What do I need to bring with me?

We will provide you with directions for your route and but you should also consider packing a comfortable backpack with items from our suggested kit list.

What should I wear?

The one predictable thing about British weather is that its unpredictable, so we recommend that you come prepared!

You have the option to purchase one of our fabulous “WTF” t-shirts which are exclusively available to our marathon walkers.

We recommend that you accompany this with light, comfortable clothing, that will be suitable for a long country walk.

You should have clothes that cover your legs, as some paths will be susceptible to stinging nettles and brambles.

You may also want to take a long-sleeved top/jumper for the cooler mornings and late afternoon evening, not forgetting a light waterproof jacket in the event of rain.

Most importantly you should wear a pair of suitable shoes, that you are going to be comfortable in. Please bear in mind that much of the route is off road, so walking shoes would be advised.

What assistance will you offer en-route?

Yes! We will have five checkpoints located along the route. We will use these to touch base with you and keep track of your progress.

You’ll be able to use the loo, refill your water bottle and advise of us any issues or difficulties you have had between stages.

Are there toilets en-route?

We have obtained permission from the following pubs/bars en-route for you to use their toilets.

The Chaser Inn, The Kentish Rifleman, The Bell Inn, The Poacher, Verdigris and The Plough.

Additionally there are also public toilets close to the route at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground and Haysden Country Park.

At the end of the route there are toilets at Tonbridge Old Fire Station.

Will my friends and family be able to support me en-route?

Yes! All of our check points are based at local pubs, so your friends and family will be able to use these as a base whilst enjoying a drink or a meal. We recommend that they book a table in advance.

At the end of the route your friends and family will be able to cheer you on as you arrive at Tonbridge Old Fire Station, marking the end of your marathon.

What happens at the end of the marathon?

Upon arriving at Tonbridge Old Fire Station, we will sign you out and there will be a medal presentation. There will be places to sit and we hope to have some podiatrists to assist you.

We would encourage you to stay on and have a drink with with your friends and family, as they celebrate your achievement!

What happens if I can’t finish my marathon?

If you are unable to finish the route, then please let one of our check point staff know. If you cannot make it to to the next check point, then please make contact using the telephone number on your directions so that we can safely account for all walkers.

What should I do in the event of an emergency?

In the event of any accidents or serious incidents during your marathon, please contact the emergency services with your location. Please also contact the event organisers using the telephone number on your information pack/directions.

Is that everything?

We think that covers everything but if you have any burning questions then pop them on an e-mail to walktonbridge@gmail.com