NEWPORT PAGNELL CARNIVAL 5K 2026
NEWPORT PAGNELL CARNIVAL 5K
Get ready for the Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K, a high-energy road race set in the historic market town of Newport Pagnell. This one-of-a-kind 5K event takes runners on a single-lap, fully closed-road course, winding through the town’s charming streets and finishing in style at Riverside Meadow, right at the heart of the day’s carnival celebrations.
Timed perfectly to take place just before the iconic Carnival Parade, you’ll be cheered on by thousands of spectators, creating an electric race-day atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re a club runner chasing a personal best on this fast, flat UKA-affiliated course, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of carnival day, this race offers something for everyone.
Family Fun Run options are also available, the perfect way to enjoy the experience with your children and be part of the town’s biggest day of the year.
NEWPORT PAGNELL 5K EVENT
Looking for a fast, feel-good 5K with an unbeatable atmosphere? The Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K is a closed-road road race that takes you through the historic heart of Newport Pagnell, just moments before the town’s iconic Carnival Parade. Whether you’re pushing for a PB or running for the vibes, this summer race offers a unique blend of speed, celebration, and community support.
WHAT MAKES THIS 5K RACE SPECIAL?
- Fully Closed Roads – Race through the charming streets of Newport Pagnell with no traffic to worry about. It’s a rare chance to run on roads normally open to cars!
- Carnival Crowds – Thousands of spectators line the course in anticipation of the parade, giving you an adrenaline-boosting cheer squad like no other.
- Fast & Flat UKA-Affiliated Route – A well-measured, single-lap 5K course that’s ideal for beginners and PB-chasers alike.
- Riverside Finish Line – Cross the line at Riverside Meadow, the buzzing centre of Carnival Day, and soak up the celebration.
- Family-Friendly Option – Take part in the Fun Run and make unforgettable memories running with your kids.
Whether you’re an experienced club runner or joining your first-ever race, the Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K promises a lively, unforgettable running experience in one of Buckinghamshire’s most historic towns.
THE ROUTE
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE CATTLE CREEP 10K?
AWESOME MEDAL
WATER STATION ON COURSE
FULLY MARKED ROUTES
FRIENDLY MARSHAL SUPPORT
MEDICAL SUPPORT ON COURSE
CHIP TIMING
ONLINE RESULTS
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
FAMILY FUN RUN
1-LAP ROUTE
BUZZING ATMOSPHERE
CLOSED ROADS
VENUE AND PARKING
The Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K Starts at Tanners Drive Industrial Estate and Finishes at Riverside Meadow.
VENUE
Tanners Drive
Blakelands
Milton Keynes
MK14 5BW
PARKING
We would advise runners to walk to the start or get dropped off if possible to reduce traffic in the start area.
For anyone coming from outside town there will be ample parking a few minutes from the start line in Tongwell (details will be confirmed in your athlete information pack.)
There is limited parking at the finish on Riverside Meadow via Wellend Drive. Please do not park in the roads surrounding the meadow. Once you've enjoyed all the offerings of the Carnival event, its an easy 3K walk or jog back to the start and your vehicle.
EVENT INFORMATION
Race packs can be collected in advance from the Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K Expo during the week of the event, or picked up on the day at the registration tent located at the race venue.
Please note: Deferrals will not be accepted within 30 days of the event. However, you’re welcome to transfer your entry to another runner, provided the transfer is completed ahead of the final deadline.
An Athlete Guide will be emailed to all registered participants approximately one week before race day. This guide will include everything you need to know – from course information and arrival instructions to safety guidelines and a full written race briefing.
Any last-minute updates or instructions will be communicated at the event during registration.
Whether you’re planning ahead or joining on the day,we’ve made it easy for you to get the information and support you need for a great race experience!
OUR EVENT PARTNERS
THE FAMILY FUN ONE
FUN RUN-
Ages 0 - 11
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CHILDREN UNDER 11 MUST RUN WITH AN ADULT
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CLOSED ROAD EVENT
Volunteer Here
Join us as a Volunteer at the Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K!
Volunteering at our events is a fantastic way to support runners, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of something special!
We’re looking for Finish Line volunteers for the Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K on Saturday 5th July 2025.
You’ll receive free entry to next year’s Newport Pagnell 5K as a thank you!
Interested? Sign up below!
FAQs
The Serious 5K
The wearing of any in-ear or over ear headphones are BANNED as per UKA Rule 240 S 5. This includes any noise cancelling ear buds.
You will be disqualified from the race if seen using them on the course. This means that you will be removed from the results and prizes you have won will be lost and your time can’t be used.
The reason for this is the event is run under UKA rules and therefore we have to comply with these rules, or we lose our UKA licence, and this will affect all of our events.
BONE CONDUCTING HEADPHONES ARE ALLOWED. (As they don’t cover the ears).
MEDICALLY PRESCRIBED HEARING AIDS
If you are using in-ear medically prescribed hearing aids, then this needs to be declared to the race organisers before the race starts.
Family Fun 5K
The ‘Family Fun 5K’ is not held under UKA rules, so headphones are allowed. However, we strongly advise against wearing any headphones during the event to ensure you can hear instructions from crew members or fellow runners – especially if they need to alert you to anything important.
Yes, but only in the Family Fun 5k.
No. You cannot run with your dog in any of the races.
Yes. All runners taking part in the Serious 5K or Family Fun 5K will need to purchase a race entry to take part in the Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K.
A secure bag drop is available, although all items are left are your risk. Bags will be taken to the finish for collection on the meadow. You must show your race number to collect your belongings.
Bags should be no larger than 45 x 36 x 20cm (about the size of a small rucksack). Large bags will not be accepted.
Please Note: No Entries on the Day
There will be no race entries available on the day. Please do not attend the start line hoping to gain a last minute entry – you will be turned away, and we will not be able to process any payments at the event.
If you would still like the chance to take part, your only option is to join the waiting list (top of the page). Thank you for your understanding.