The Top 10 10K Runs in the UK
Over the past year we’ve been chatting to athletes nationwide to discover some of the best 10k races in the UK, and below we’ve given you a rundown of our top picks. These range from scenic to urban; hilly to flat; local to global; community-driven to mass-participation. From the simple “let’s crack out this pre-breakfast Sunday morning 10k” to the runs that are closer in tempo to a rock concert. We hope it opens your eyes to what’s out there and inspires you to try something a bit different.
1. Weybridge 10k
Where? Weybridge – 20 mins south west of London
The route: One big flat loop, running through the historical town of Weybridge and along the river Thames.
Why Run it?
Accessibility and atmosphere. It’s also a great place to aim for your 10k PB
With Weybridge being just 20 mins outside London, this is a super accessible race to get to. The start line is like a daytime party with nearly 2,000 athletes of all abilities lining up to blaring music creating a great atmosphere. Once the gun goes you can run at your own pace on closed road along the Thames and through Weybridge and you receive what we think is a pretty sweet medal at the end.
2. Simply Health Great North 10k
Where? Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
The route: A scenic course up and down the River Tyne, under the Tyne bridge and finishing in the Gateshead International Stadium.
Why Run it?
It’s an iconic and community powered 10k with great scenery and atmosphere
This really is one of the marquee 10k’s of the North with an epic turnout, a great family atmosphere with the whole city turning up to support you on – you will feel like a rockstar! Logistically it’s easy to get to, park, collect your race packs and (once you’re done) get to the pub for a big jar of warm Newcastle Brown. Really fun race, just as it should be.
3. Wakefield 10k – (North, Leeds)
Where? Wakefield, Leeds
The route: It’s an out-and-back course on closed roads
Why Run it?
Cracking community-driven atmosphere in aid of a great cause
This is a real ‘feel good’ 10k. It’s a back-to-basics epic and all for a great cause (Wakefield Hospice). The route is on closed roads with overexcited spectators cheering you on the whole way. From the outside it looks like a pokey little event, but the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Just check out the reviews we received here! Easy to get to and a great day out. If you’re local, it’s a must.
4. Running Grand Prix Oulton Park
Where? Oulton Park, Cheshire
The route: Laps around the actual motor circuit
Why Run it?
Super enjoyable/niche course, easy to park and well organised
Did you always want to be an F1 driver but realised the barriers to entry are ridiculous? This could be the race for you. Really cool and novel course, great atmosphere and overall something a bit different from the usual park or city set up. Really easy to access and well-organised. It rained this year which didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit as the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
5. Hyde Park 10k
Where? Hyde Park, London
The route: Two laps around the iconic Hyde Park
Why Run it?
It’s an iconic and affordable run – a must-do wherever you are from in the UK
This is one of our personal favourites as its defines a great evening of running with over a thousand other like-minded runners looking for a bit of post-work fun. It has fantastic views in the heart of London and one of the most accessible 10k’s out there. The Race Organiser is known for putting on well-organised and affordable events and this is exactly what they have delivered. (It’s also very easy to get to the pub afterwards.)
6. The Hadleigh Legacy 10k
Where? Hadleigh, Suffolk
The route: Hill and muddy 10k following the 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike course.
Why Run it?
A great course and atmosphere – run around a piece of Olympic history
For many this is the ‘must-do’ race of the year. The feedback is that the course is a true epic as it’s both challenging and scenic. We talked to runners in their teens and some in their late 60’s who couldn’t stop banging on about how well-organised the whole event was and how friendly the marshals were. It’s a perfect trail run.
7. Mapledurham 10k
Where? Mapledurham, Reading
The route: Hilly loop along the Thames
Why Run it?
Challenging course and great atmosphere.
Get some hill training as it’s short, sharp and muddy. It’s a testing yet digestible trail run, with no huge frills. You rock up and park next to the start line, run around the beautiful English countryside and get a pretty epic medal at the end. With the option to do 10 miles if you’re feeling fresh, you make what you want of it. It’s a great morning activity and we can’t recommend it more.
8. Burrator 10k
Where? Burrator Reservoir, Plymouth
The route: Flat loop around the Burrator Reservoir in Dartmoor
Why Run it
Scenic and a fast course on traffic free roads with a great atmosphere.
We love the Burrator 10k as it ticks all the boxes for a ‘great little 10k’. The course is free of all traffic and mostly flat so you can set down a sweet PB. It’s affordable with prices kicking off at £18 and super easy to park so convenient too. It also has a great atmosphere with a load of supporters cheering you on to the finish where you get a medal and snacks. We loved it and I’m sure you will too.
9. Rugged Radnage
Where? Radnage, Buckinghamshire
The route: Big loop around the Chiltern Hills – Half tarmac, half muddy hills.
Why Run it?
A fun and scenic course with a great atmosphere
‘Rugged by name, rugged by nature’ was one bit of feedback we got from this hybrid course of tarmac and muddy hills. It is testing and the debate over whether to wear trail or road shoes rages on. It does however cater for all abilities with friendly marshalls helping you along the way. Set in High Wycombe, its very close to the train station and easy to park. It’s a fun and well-organised 10k that we all think you’ll love.
10. Medway 10
Where? Medway, Kent
The route: One loop around Medway’s parkland and roads
Why Run it?
“It’s just a great event all-round.” This is one review we received from Sue Nel which perfectly sums it up. “Driving for an hour to compete in a 10km comes with a checklist & expectations, this race is now a must do on my list, perfect venue with the start & finish on a super track, changing facilities, and adequate parking. Good water points & marshals. Enjoyed the different components of the route, always like a challenge!” We loved it; Sue loved it; we think you’ll love it too.
