The runners are lacing up, the water stations are being prepped, and the town is bracing itself. The 2026 Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon returns to Stratford-upon-Avon on Sunday, April 26th, 2026. Organised in a new partnership between RunThrough and the Stratford Rotary Club, this year’s race is set to be massive, raising vital funds for The Shakespeare Hospice.
But let’s be honest: while we love cheering on the runners, if you aren’t running, the first thing on your mind is the traffic. The Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council has confirmed the road closure notices, and with a mix of one-lap half marathoners and two-lap full marathoners hitting the streets from 9:00 AM, getting around town requires a solid game plan.
Whether you want to find the perfect spot to cheer with a coffee in hand, or you just want to get to the supermarket without sitting in gridlock, here is your ultimate local survival guide to navigating Stratford on race day.
2026 Road Closures in Stratford: When and Where to Avoid
The marathon operates on a system of rolling road closures. The route pushes runners from the town centre, past the racecourse, into Luddington and Welford-on-Avon, and finally back along the Stratford Greenway to finish at the Recreation Ground. Here is exactly when the roads will be locked down:
1. The Town Centre (Early Morning Closures)
If you need to cross the centre of town, do it before 8:00 AM or after 10:00 AM. The runners assemble early, and the core streets are shut down completely for the start.
- 06:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Wood Street and Bridge Street (The Start Line area).
- 08:30 AM – 09:30 AM: Rother Street, Chestnut Walk, Church Street, High Street, Waterside, Southern Lane, and Old Town.
- 08:30 AM – 09:40 AM: College Lane and Sanctus Road.
2. The Outskirts & Villages (Mid-Morning to Afternoon)
Once the pack leaves the town centre, they head west. If you live in or are trying to drive through the surrounding villages, expect extensive delays stretching into the early afternoon. (Note: The full marathon has a 6-hour cut-off, so these closures linger).
- 08:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Luddington Road.
- 08:30 AM – 1:15 PM: Evesham Road / B439 (Westbound closure).
- 08:40 AM – 1:30 PM: Binton Road, High Street, Millers Close, and Chapel Street.
- 08:40 AM – 2:00 PM: Long Marston Road (Southbound), Welford Road (Southbound), and Station Road.
- 08:45 AM – 2:30 PM: Milcote Road.
- 08:45 AM – 3:00 PM: Seven Meadows Road (Westbound).
Alternative Routes to Avoid Traffic in Stratford
If you have zero interest in the marathon and just need to get your Sunday chores done, you need to stay away from the south-west quadrant of town (towards Welford and Long Marston) and avoid the town centre bridges between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
The Local Hack: Utilise the A46 bypass as your best friend. If you live north of the town (Bishopton/Shottery) and need to get to the retail parks on the Birmingham Road, you will be largely unaffected. However, if you are south of the river (Bridgetown) trying to cross over into the town centre during the morning rush, stick to walking. Clopton Bridge and the surrounding roundabouts will be heavily congested as traffic is diverted away from Waterside and Bridge Street.
The Spectator’s Guide: Where to Watch (And Where to Park)
Want to soak up the atmosphere? The Shakespeare Marathon is a brilliant community event. Here are the best places to watch and how to handle the parking:
The Town Centre Start (Wood Street / Waterside)
The Vibe: High energy, nervous excitement, and large crowds.
Parking: Do not try to park in the centre. Rother Street and Windsor Street car parks will be heavily compromised by the closures. Instead, use the Stratford Park & Ride or park north of the A439 and walk in.
The Village Pub Spots (Luddington & Welford-on-Avon)
The Vibe: Relaxed, community-led, and perfect for a pint.
Parking: If you aren’t local to these villages, get there before 8:30 AM. Once the Binton and Welford road closures hit, you are essentially locked in (or out) until the early afternoon. Grab a table at a local pub on the route, order a Sunday roast, and cheer the runners as they tackle the halfway point.
The Final Stretch (Stratford Greenway & The Recreation Ground)
The Vibe: Triumphant, exhausting, and emotional.
Parking: The Recreation Ground (CV37 7LS) is the finish line for both the half and the full marathon. Parking at the Marina or the Leisure Centre will fill up by 7:30 AM. If you are local, leave the car in the driveway and walk down to the Rec. The Greenway is a fantastic place to watch because it’s a hard, compact footpath where runners dig deep for their Personal Bests—they need the loudest cheers here!
A Final Word for Locals
Yes, the road closures are a minor inconvenience, but the Shakespeare Marathon is one of the greatest events that pulls together residents from all over our town. Better yet, the thousands of runners hitting our streets are raising incredible sums for local charities, particularly The Shakespeare Hospice.
So, check your route, move your car early if you live on a closed road, and if you have a free hour on Sunday morning, wander down to the Recreation Ground or the Greenway and give these athletes the Stratford welcome they deserve!
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