A UK Carline Half Marathon

UK Carline17th April 2026

What started as a long training run turned into a challenge I’d been planning for years: linking all seven UK Carline signs around Preston in one route.

I got into running in 2018, when I was 31. I wanted something that would get me out of the house, clear my head, and improve my fitness. Since then, I’ve taken on marathons, Tough Mudders, obstacle races, and runs across multiple countries. I’ve always enjoyed keeping things varied and giving myself something to aim for.

In 2020, while working at UK Carline during Covid, we focused on strengthening the business and increasing our presence locally. Part of that was installing a number of UK Carline signs around Preston — three on the main entrances into the city and four on a busy roundabout in an industrial estate.

As a local company, that visibility matters. Preston is a key part of who we are, and those entry points are often where people form their first impression of the area — and of us.

Over time, those signs became familiar. Visitors would mention seeing them when coming into Preston, and they even started appearing in the background of TV shots alongside the “Welcome to Preston” signs.

At the same time, my running routes regularly took me along the Guild Wheel — a loop that circles Preston and takes in everything from riverside paths to industrial estates. I’d often pass one or two of the signs, and gradually the idea formed: could I link all seven together in one run?

The Setback

That plan had to wait.

A combination of injury, Covid, and trying to rush back too quickly set me back significantly. What I thought was a minor issue turned into a long-term problem: a torn hip flexor that took nearly 18 months of physio to properly recover from, followed by another year of rebuilding confidence.

Eventually, I got back to full training and signed up for another marathon.

Training with Purpose

This time, I added more purpose to my long runs — turning them into challenges rather than just distances:

Lytham to Blackpool along the prom
Mawbray to Maryport, where I’m originally from
A timed run to my son’s first haircut
Broughton to Bamber Bridge FC before kick-off
Blackpool to Preston via Lytham

So when I had a 22km run scheduled, I knew exactly what I was going to do.

The UK Carline Half Marathon.

The Run

My wife dropped me off at Asda in Preston, and I started at the first sign on the roundabout before heading onto the Guild Wheel.

Martin Gate at the first UK Carline sign on the roundabout in Preston — Sign 1 — Roundabout start point

From there, the route took me along the River Ribble and through quieter sections of the Guild Wheel. It’s a great way to see Preston — but I was quickly reminded how hilly parts of it are.

At around 9km, I reached the Tickled Trout entrance sign. After a brief wrong turn towards the motorway, I found the correct route and got the photo.

Martin Gate at the UK Carline Tickled Trout entrance sign in Preston — Sign 2 — Tickled Trout entrance

At 14km, I hit London Road — home to one of the most recognisable signs, often seen on TV. That came with a long 1.5km climb that made itself known.

Martin Gate at the UK Carline London Road sign in Preston — Sign 3 — London Road

By 16km, I reached North Road near the bus station, not far from Deepdale Stadium, and ticked off another sign.

Martin Gate at the UK Carline North Road sign in Preston — Sign 4 — North Road

From there, it was about closing the loop. I passed through an area I used to live in, stopped briefly at my old local shop for a drink, and then pushed on.

At 20km, I hit a final climb that I definitely hadn’t planned for — one of those hills that feels far steeper when your legs are already gone.

Back at Asda, I still had distance to make up, so I looped back onto the Guild Wheel. That brought me back to the starting roundabout, where the final three signs were all waiting.

Final UK Carline sign photos from the Preston half marathon challenge — Signs 5–7 — Roundabout finish

Seven Signs. One Run.

With those ticked off, the challenge was complete.

Seven signs. One run. Something I’d been thinking about for years, finally done.

I finished in 2 hours 22 minutes, but the time wasn’t the point. This was about getting the miles in, enjoying the run, and doing something a bit different with it.

Strava route of the UK Carline Half Marathon run around Preston — Strava Route

Looking Ahead: Manchester Marathon

More importantly, it’s part of a bigger goal.

This weekend, I’ll be lining up at the Manchester Marathon alongside fellow UK Carline colleague Natalie Mulrooney. We’ve both put a lot into training to get to the start line, especially after the setbacks along the way.

Martin Gate and Natalie Mulrooney at the One Mile Challenge in Blackpool sponsored by UK Carline — Martin and Natalie at the One Mile Challenge in Blackpool

For me, this run felt like a turning point — proof that I’m back where I want to be. For both of us, it’s about seeing that training through and taking on the challenge together.

Get Involved

If you’re in or around Preston, keep an eye out for the UK Carline signs — you’ll probably spot one without even realising.

And if you do, take a photo and send it in. Whether you’re running, driving (don’t drive and photograph), or just passing through, we’d love to know where you’ve found them.

Who knows — you might even be inspired to take on the UK Carline Half Marathon yourself.

Track Us on Race Day

If you’d like to follow our progress at the Manchester Marathon, you can track us using our bib numbers:

Martin Gate: 33662
Natalie Mulrooney: 36091

Track runners on the Manchester Marathon supporter hub

« « CUPRA’s Raval revealed – here’s everything you need to know |