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Top Marathons in the UK
Events that our community are currently loving
Sunday, 17 Mar 2024
RunThrough Surrey Half 2024
Woking, Surrey
half marathon, 5k, marathon and more
Sunday, 28 Apr 2024
2024 ABP Newport Wales Marathon & Half
Newport, Newport
marathon, half marathon
Sunday, 11 Feb 2024
Running GP at Goodwood Motor Circuit - February
Chichester, West Sussex
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon and more
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Popular UK Marathons
Sunday, 17 Mar 2024
RunThrough Surrey Half 2024
Woking, Surrey
half marathon, 5k, marathon and more
Sunday, 28 Apr 2024
2024 ABP Newport Wales Marathon & Half
Newport, Newport
marathon, half marathon
Sunday, 11 Feb 2024
Running GP at Goodwood Motor Circuit - February
Chichester, West Sussex
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon and more
Sunday, 21 Apr 2024
Shakespeare Marathon & Half Marathon - April 2024
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
marathon, half marathon and more
Sunday, 10 Dec 2023
'Twas the Run before Christmas 2023
Brandon, Suffolk
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, 30 Dec 2023
Bridlington New Year Bonanza
Sewerby, East Riding of Yorkshire
marathon, 10k, 5k
Sunday, 7 Jan 2024
Sir Titus Pie n Pickle Plod 2024
Shipley, West Yorkshire
5k, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon and more
Sunday, 14 Jan 2024
Skipton Sweetie Suprise Skidaddle 2024
Skipton, North Yorkshire
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10 miles, 10k, 5k and more
Saturday, 24 Feb 2024
TEC Lulworth Cove 2024
West Lulworth, Dorset
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Sunday, 3 Mar 2024
Running GP Oulton Park - March
Little Budworth, Cheshire West and Chester
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon and more
Saturday, 16 Mar 2024
Spring Canal Canter - Day 1
Leeds, West Yorkshire
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 5k, 10 miles, 10k and more
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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.