The Martian Race
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The Martian Race - Horsell Common
The Martian Race is a volunteer-run running event organised by Woking Lions with all proceeds distributed to carefully selected local charities. In 2026 the event raised over £22,000 for local causes and the organisers aim to improve on past results in future editions.
The route runs through the historic sandpits on Horsell Common, the site referenced in H.G. Wells novel The War of the Worlds. Horsell Common is privately owned common land with public access; almost half of the common is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Organisers state that routes are chosen to respect the flora and fauna, that the event is kept litter free, and that they have pledged to avoid single-use plastics.
The event offers multiple distances:
- 21k - two laps of the course; a strict cut-off applies for starting lap two to protect marshals
- 10k
- 5k
- 2k Mini Martian Kids Race
The course is off-road and varied, passing heathland, meadow, wetlands, woodlands and boardwalks and including tree-rooted and narrow sections. Entrants and reviews note extensive marshalling and clear signage, on-site facilities and a race village with stalls and parking. Feedback also records requests for more water stations in hot conditions. The event holds an aggregate rating of 4.8 from past participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
