Sports event organisation Benchmark has announced the launch of Team Marathon, a new event concept designed to combine running with a festival experience.
Debut event Team Marathon London will take place in Hackney Wick, East London, on May 22, 2027, with plans to expand across three major UK cities in 2027 before rolling out into Europe.
The format allows runners to split the 42.2km marathon distance into four equal legs of 10.55km. Unlike traditional relay races, all four team members start and run together on a short-loop course centred around a main race village featuring live music stages, a brass band, DJs, cheer zones, and spectator viewing areas.
The concept was developed in response to shifts in runner demographics and community participation. Citing industry data showing that 80% of 18–24 year-olds sign up for events with others alongside a 59% increase in run club participation globally, the organisers designed the event to focus on shared lifestyle experiences rather than sole performances or individual competition.
Nick Keller, Chief Executive Officer at Benchmark said “80% of 18-24 year-olds are signing up with others, and a 59% increase in run club participation has been seen globally – the numbers don’t lie – but, while running has become increasingly social and community-driven, most race formats still centre on competition and individual achievement.
“Put simply, the events market has not kept up. Existing events serve performance or participation. But the market is lacking an event that is a lifestyle-led, shared-experience, where running has become a cultural touchpoint on par with meeting a mate for coffee, for a gig, or to watch the match.”
He added “We’re excited to be stepping out with something different, having seen first-hand how powerful a team-based running concept can be. Shared experience will be at the heart of everything we do. So yes, you’ll get a shared marathon time and we still want runners to feel that sense of achievement – but, we also want them to have fun with their mates.
“Staggered waves will roll through the afternoon to create something truly special for the growing network of formal and informal running communities emerging across major cities.”
The event site will feature food vendors, brand activations, screen broadcasts, and stage entertainment throughout the event, with staggered wave starts scheduled across the afternoon. Pre-sale registration opens on August 26, 2026 at 10:00 BST, offering an initial tier of 100 founding team tickets priced at £26.20 per person.
Founded by Nick Keller, event creator Benchmark has delivered over 80 Bloomberg Square Mile Relay events across 13 cities internationally since 2008, hosting over 100,000 participants.
