This website will be updated shortly to confirm 2025 details but for now this gives an idea what to expect.

The race is organised completely by volunteers and all proceeds are distributed to local charities that are carefully selected by the Woking Lions. 

The event is growing with 2024 raising £16,500.  In 2025 we would like to surpass that.  When you register for our race you will directly benefit local charities.

The sandpits on Horsell Common are famously the site where the Martians first landed  in H.G. Wells novel The War of the Worlds.  Our race is in it’s Sixth year and the route always goes through the historic sandpits we have chosen this as our theme and the name for the event.

Horsell Common is privately owned common land with public access.  Almost half of the common is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  We are very privileged to be able to run on the common and take our environmental responsibilities very seriously.  The routes are chosen to respect the flora and fauna that live there and we strive to minimise our impact.  Our races are always litter free and this year once again we have pledged to be free of single-use plastics.

When

Sunday 22nd June 2025 at 08:45

Taking feedback on board we have bought the races forward with race timing provisionally scheduled as follows:

08:45 2km Mini-Martians race

09:15 21km race

09:30 10km race

09:45 5km race

Where

Horsell Common, Woking.  The start and finish will be in McLaren Technology Park (same as previous years).  

Car parking is available to purchase at point of entry and will be at the McLaren Technology Centre. Cars will only be admitted with a proof of purchase of car park / QR code – purchased before the event. Due to the limited number of car parking spaces, please do not turn up on the day hoping to pay for it at the gate. Full details will be sent in the joining instructions email before the event.

Please consider leaving your car at home.  Share a ride with someone, cycle, or walk.  Parking spaces will be limited and cars pollute our beautiful countryside.

The Race

A choice of 2k Mini-Martians Race (Age restricted kids race), 5k, 10k or 21k distances through the heathland of Horsell Common.  The route is flat with a mixture of shaded woodland, heathland, the famous sandpits and grassy meadows.  The 2K fun race will be around the McLaren parkland, all in close distance of the Race Village. The 5k and 10k routes are a single lap, the 21k is two laps.

The runs will start from 08.45. The cut-off time for the finish of all distances will be 12:30.

All finishers will be awarded a medal (including the mini-martians race) and there will be cash prizes for the adult race winners.

Prices for the 2025 race

Early bird
to 31st Dec 2024 		To 1st
Feb 2025		To 1st
May 2025		Race Day
2km Mini-Martian Race£6£7£8£9
5km Race £15 £18 £19£20
10km Race £21 £25 £28£30
21km Race £30
 £36 £39£47

On the day prices will be available ONLY if places exist but payment MUST be made before the race. Prices include VAT but exclude on-line registration and card processing fees.  Terms and conditions apply which can be read on our registration page.

Sponsors

The Martian Race was previously sponsored by:

The Lions Martian Race is proudly supported by

Prizes

As well as a fabulous medal, we have over £500 in cash prizes which will be shared and awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed male and female runners in each of the three race distances. Prizes will be presented at the event village straight after the end of each event.

Feature checklist

  • Medal for all finishers
  • Merch to buy!
  • Prizes
  • Chip timing
  • Traffic Free
  • Flat
  • Water Stations
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Secure bag storage
  • Access to Coffee and snack stalls
  • Single-use plastic free event
  • 100% volunteer organised
  • All proceeds are distributed by the Woking Lions to selected charities