PHOENIX Cambridgeshire Christmas Gonk
Sunday, 27 December 2026 · PE28 0BH Buckden Road, Huntingdon, United Kingdom
Event summary
Join Phoenix Running Cambridgeshire for the festive PHOENIX Cambridgeshire Christmas Gonk event on Sunday, December 27, 2026, at the beautiful Grafham Water in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. This exciting post-Christmas jaunt offers a fantastic opportunity to burn off those holiday treats while enjoying a friendly atmosphere. Participants can choose from a variety of race distances, including 5km, 10k, half marathon, marathon, or even ultra, completing as many laps as desired on the scenic 5.3km out-and-back course. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, everyone is welcomed and celebrated at this unique event. With flexible start times between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, you can arrive at your convenience and run at your own pace, with a generous 6-hour time limit to see how far you can go. Plus, every finisher will receive the fabulous Phoenix Christmas Gonk medal, along with festive treats to keep your spirits high! Don't miss out on this joyful run—secure your spot early, as spaces are limited!
About this event
Phoenix Running Cambridgeshire would love you to join us for a post Christmas jaunt around Grafham Water. What better way to burn off those sprouts, mince pies and chocolates than a Phoenix Running event, where we errr, give you sweets, chocolates and mince pies!!! Every finisher gets our awesome Phoenix Christmas Gonk medal. This is one of our timed events where you choose - from 5km to 10k, half to marathon to ultra, you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, out and back course around Grafham Water. We welcome all abilities of runner - complete one lap and you're both a finisher and a winner in our eyes, or keep going and see how far you can get in the full 6 hour time limit and everyone gets the fabulous bespoke finishers' medal. We also operate our uniquely flexible 'rock up and run' start times within a 1 hour start window, so no waiting around if you arrive early and no added pressure if you're running a bit late. Not sure how far you wish to run? Well the beauty of this format is that you don't even need to decide in advance - simply come and run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right. Places will be strictly limited so don't leave it too late to enter. Start anytime between 08:00am and 9:00am (registration open from 7.30am). Minimum distance is 3.28 miles or as far as you can go in 6 hours. Tarmac cycle paths and small section of gravel path. The overall course has minimal elevation gain / loss making this a relatively flat and fast route. Please note, as per UK Athletics rules, distance restrictions apply to participants ages 20 or under, for more information please read our full terms & conditions available here - https://www.phoenixrunning.co.uk/tandc We provide a physical running service and by entering our events you are purchasing an actual run, either by attending our events or by running the event virtually yourself. All participants in our events, both attended and virtual, will receive a free giveaway medal / memento from your run
Distances & Prices
| Distance | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Timed Event Including 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra | £39.95 | open |
| NO MEDAL - Timed Event Including 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra | £22.00 | open |
Timings
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Race start time | 08:00 |
What's included
Bespoke Finishers’ medal! Epic Aid Station! Flexible Start Times! Results e-mailed to participants and uploaded to website same day Digital Finishers certificate available on Phoenix World site Athlete profile available on Phoenix World site
The course
All runners begin with the reservoir on their right hand side and run along the footpath towards the visitor centre and the mini golf. When you get to the mini golf you go to the right and follow the fence round. You’ll then see a gap in the hedge. Go through this gap and bear right onto the reservoir dam. The dam is approx. 0.92 miles / 1.4km long. To exit the dam section you go through an open gate and into the park. Follow the paths through the park and after about 0.45 miles / 720 meters you’ll find the turning point. The turn point is well signed with a large yellow sign on the left of the path telling you to ‘turn around’ – please go all the way to the turn point before turning back on each lap. Once you have turned you simply retrace your steps exactly and end up back at the start and the aid station, that is 1 complete lap. The overall course has no elevation gain or drop making this a flat and fast route. Remember - it’s 8 laps for the marathon distance and 4 laps for the half marathon distance.
Getting there
Grafham Water is located approx 5 minutes off the A1. Use PE28 0BH in your SatNav
Parking
For your sat navigation, use PE28 0BH. Enter Marlow Car Park. PLEASE BE ADVISED PARKING CHARGES APPLY. PLEASE CAR SHARE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO REDUCE THE COST. Parking is £2 per hour, up to 5 hours. Over 5 hours is capped at £12.
Gallery
FAQs
What do you stock at the Aid Station?
Selection of jelly sweets, crisps and pretzels along with Freddos. There is a good chance of cake and, if the weather is hot, ice lollies as well. Vegan options are clearly marked. Water, variety of squash and cola will be available.
Are spectators welcome?
Spectators are more than welcome! The Visitor Centre Cafe is located right next to the car park and a very short walk from various parts of the route in the park, so convenient cheering on point for spectators.
How many laps for my distance?
Complete 1 lap and you’re both a finisher and a winner in our eyes! Complete 4 laps for a half marathon distance. Complete 8 laps for a full marathon distance, recognised by the 100 Marathon Club. Complete 9+ laps for an ultra marathon distance.
Flexible Start times?
We offer flexible start times, simply come to the start area ready to run so we can check you in and set you off as soon as you’re ready.
Toilets and Facilities?
There are toilets in the visitor centre and they are open from 7:00am.
Can I leave my bag at the aid station?
We have no ‘official’ baggage check in facility; however you can leave small bags and your own items under the gazebo adjoining the aid station. Items are left at your own risk – these will be easily accessible to you during and throughout the event.
What is the event cut-off?
The cut-off time is 2:00pm by which time you should be finished running.
Who are Phoenix Running?
Phoenix Running are now over 10 years old and have been organising events in the South-East of England. We’re all about being inclusive; it’s about great routes, great medals and above else, great people. We believe it’s all about encouraging and enabling runners to achieve things that perhaps they once thought were impossible, whether that’s your first 5km, 5 mile or 50 km run, we’ll support you to success. Small steps lead to bigger things and everyone starts at the beginning. Who knows where the journey may take you? Phoenix Running franchised at the start of 2025 and Cambridgeshire was one of the first to get involved.
Price rises soon
From £22.00
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