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UK Marathons: 2022 - 2023

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The marathon distance is 26.2 miles, or 42.2km. They are often seen as one of the main goals in a runner's lifetime. Completing one is a real feat of mental and physical resilience, and requires a serious amount of commitment and training if you are seeking a bragworthy time. Most marathons in the UK take part in the major cities, taking you through streets lined with cheering crowds and a vibrant atmosphere and passing historic landmarks. The London Marathon is the most famous of these, and is one of the six world marathon majors. Other marathons might take you out of the city and into the UK's stunning rural scenery. Some routes take in the national parks or the rugged coasts, so these races are a great way to see some incredible views while also achieving something incredible. Marathons are also amazing fundraising opportunities if you're feeling charitable. The London Marathon has raised over £1 billion since it started in 1981.

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Top Marathons in the UK

Events that our community are currently loving

Sunday, 2 Apr 2023

ABP Southampton Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k 2023

Southampton, Southampton

marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k and more

4.5

(8 reviews)

£5.37 – £48.33

Booking perksGreat atmosphereRoad

Sunday, 2 Jul 2023

The Veloforte Wales Marathon

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k

(2 reviews)

£20 – £55

Booking perksGreat atmosphereGreat sceneryRoad

Sunday, 9 Jul 2023

XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon

Caernarfon, Gwynedd

ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k

(47 reviews)

£32.99 – £93.94

Booking perksGreat sceneryTrail

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Popular UK Marathons

Sunday, 2 Apr 2023

ABP Southampton Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k 2023

Southampton, Southampton

marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k and more

4.5

(8 reviews)

£5.37 – £48.33

Sunday, 2 Jul 2023

The Veloforte Wales Marathon

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k

(2 reviews)

£20 – £55

Sunday, 9 Jul 2023

XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon

Caernarfon, Gwynedd

ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k

(47 reviews)

£32.99 – £93.94

Sunday, 10 Sept 2023

Bacchus Wine Half Marathon & 10k

Dorking, Surrey

marathon, 10k, 5k and more

4.5

(490 reviews)

£38 – £63

Sunday, 12 Feb 2023

Running GP at Goodwood Motor Circuit - February

Chichester, West Sussex

5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon and more

4.5

(10 reviews)

£23.40 – £47

Saturday, 25 Feb 2023

TEC Lulworth Cove Trail Running Challenge

Wareham, Dorset

ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k

£33 – £68

Sunday, 16 Apr 2023

The PodPlus Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

Ashford, Kent

marathon, half marathon

(99 reviews)

£23 – £34

Saturday, 6 May 2023

TEC Brecon Beacons Trail Challenge

Talybont-on-Usk, Powys

ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k and more

£33 – £68

Sunday, 14 May 2023

The Northants 'Shires and Spires Event' - Ultra 35, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k

Naseby, Northamptonshire

ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k

4.5

(18 reviews)

£35 – £55

Sunday, 2 Jul 2023

Running GP at Goodwood Motor Circuit - July 2023

Chichester, West Sussex

half marathon, 10k, 5k, marathon and more

4.5

(48 reviews)

£23.34 – £44

Sunday, 9 Jul 2023

Ironbourne

Eastbourne, East Sussex

ironman, half ironman, marathon

4.5

(1 reviews)

£38.25 – £331.50

Sunday, 3 Sept 2023

Running GP at Goodwood Motor Circuit - September

Chichester, West Sussex

half marathon, 10k, 5k, marathon and more

4.5

(7 reviews)

£23.40 – £40

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About marathons in the UK

Marathons are 26.2 miles long (or 42.2k) and make up some of the most popular and spectacular races held in the UK. People run marathons for many different reasons, either for a loved one, a personal goal or for a great cause. In 2016, Shannon Foudy became the one millionth runner to complete the London Marathon.

What are the best marathon events?

The most famous is the London Marathon, which last year produced a record 40,000+ finishers and over 800,000 spectators flooded the streets to cheer them on. If you're thinking of running a marathon, London is not only the most popular but also one of the flattest, so it's a great place to push for a PB. If you missed out on a ballot place, other super flat marathons include ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon, Brighton Marathon, and Edinburgh Marathon. These are held in the spring / early summer, around the same time as the London Marathon. If you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, the New Forest Marathon, Baxters Loch Ness Marathon (watch out for Nessie) and Yorkshire Marathon all run from late summer into autumn.

How long will it take me to run a marathon?

The average time for London Marathon finishers in 2018 was 3h48m for males and 4h23m for females. This is significantly faster than the global average of around 4h13m and 4h42m for men and women respectively. Don't focus too much on what others are doing, keep your own pace and don't worry if you're overtaken by an inflatable T-Rex, they can be pretty speedy!

Keep in mind that your finishing time can be greatly affected by the course, some marathons are particularly fast (e.g. Berlin, London), and the average time for different marathons can vary - make sure you check out the course maps and elevation profiles to get a feel for the route.

For trivia fans, the world record for women was set in London by Paula Radcliffe in 2003 at 2h15m25s and is still proving tough to beat. The men's record was beaten in Berlin in 2018 by Eliud Kipchoge and at 2h01m39s is pushing close to breaking the elusive 2 hour barrier.

How do you train for a marathon?

Training for a marathon takes time and dedication. We recommend starting 16 weeks prior to race day, regardless of whether you are entering your first race or looking to hit a new PB.