This was an ok race. Any future competitors please be aware there is a spectator entry fee if you want to see someone start and finish. We paid £23.40 for 1 adult and child. We were told we wouldn’t be allowed to the start area unless we paid. We would of never raced if we knew how much we’d have to pay. Better races nearby that don’t charge to start on the start line.
Thank you for getting in touch regarding our Blenheim Palace Half Marathon, around spectator fees. Unfortunately the spectator entry fees into the venue are set by Blenheim Palace to maintain the historic house and its grounds and we have no influence over those fees. The ticket gives you access to the Formal Gardens, 2000 acres of parkland and the Pleasure Garden and can be upgraded to give you full access to the house. We appreciate this cost to support a loved one can seem excessive, so we have worked with Blenheim Palace over the years to offer a discounted ticket that can be bought online prior to the event. We are sorry to hear you felt the entrance fee was a hidden cost as we do all we can to publicise the spectator tickets through the Blenheim Palace Half Marathon and 10K webpages and social media. We also highlight the option of signing up to 2K Fun Run as an alternative, cheaper option that still offers access to the Palace grounds. However in light of your feedback we will review how we can better communicate information regarding spectator fees in future. We’re really sorry if this charge may have put a dampener on your day, we do value the support of our runners and their families who create such an incredible atmosphere on event day, and ensure our life-saving research can continue. With warm wishes - British Heart Foundation