United Kingdom 2025 Marathons

The ABP Southampton Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey through vibrant cityscapes and lush parks, featuring iconic landmarks like the historic Bargate and the panoramic Itchen Bridge. This event stands out on the South Coast for its inclusive atmosphere, offering distances from a full marathon to a fun run, and fostering a strong sense of community with its charitable focus and enthusiastic support.

The Brighton Marathon's course blends urban energy with coastal splendor, featuring a fast, mostly flat route that offers breathtaking views of the Sussex coastline and iconic landmarks like the Palace Pier. Held each April, this vibrant event attracts over 12,000 runners, creating an electric atmosphere with enthusiastic crowds and a strong community spirit, making it a standout experience in the UK running calendar.

The ABP Newport Wales Marathon is renowned for its remarkably flat and fast course, offering only 26 meters of elevation gain as it weaves through Newport’s historic heart and the scenic Gwent Levels. This marathon is a highlight of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival, drawing runners with its lively atmosphere, supportive crowds, and the opportunity to achieve personal records in a stunning Welsh setting.

The Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon offers a captivating course that meanders through historic landmarks and the picturesque Warwickshire countryside, with highlights like the serene River Avon and Holy Trinity Church. This race, organized with precision by RunThrough and the Stratford Rotary Club, provides runners with a well-supported, flat, and fast marathon experience, perfect for achieving personal bests while enjoying the charm of Shakespearean England.

The Manchester Marathon is celebrated for its flat and fast course, starting near the iconic Old Trafford stadium and winding through the vibrant heart of the city, making it ideal for runners chasing personal bests. This event draws around 20,000 participants, who are met with enthusiastic crowd support and the city's dynamic energy, creating a memorable and uplifting race experience.

The London Marathon offers a predominantly flat course that winds around the River Thames, featuring iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, ideal for those aiming for personal bests. As one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, it combines the thrill of a fast-paced race with the vibrant support of thousands of spectators, creating a truly memorable experience for runners worldwide.

The Langdale Marathon, set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District, is renowned for its grueling two-lap course featuring steep climbs with gradients up to 1:3 and an elevation gain of 3,418 feet. This challenging event, beginning and ending at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, tests runners' endurance and preparation, with its high DNF rate highlighting the formidable nature of this race through the breathtaking Great and Little Langdale valleys.

The Belfast City Marathon takes runners on a captivating journey through the heart of the city, beginning at Stormont Estate and winding through all four corners of Belfast, highlighted by lush parks, iconic landmarks, and the historic Titanic Quarter. This AIMS-certified race not only challenges runners with its varied terrains and climbs but also envelops them in the vibrant local spirit, with enthusiastic crowds and a commitment to community and charity, making it a must-experience event on the UK and Ireland marathon calendar.

The Milton Keynes Marathon takes runners through a scenic blend of urban and natural landscapes, featuring smooth tarmac roads, picturesque lakes, and a unique finish around a football pitch that adds a touch of challenge. Known for its vibrant 'Superhero' theme, the race creates a festive atmosphere with enthusiastic crowds and excellent organization, making it a memorable experience for both participants and spectators.

The Halstead & Essex Marathon takes runners through the serene country lanes of Essex, featuring a 10.5-mile loop completed twice, with a mix of gentle hills and flat stretches that highlight the region's natural beauty. Limited to 500 participants, this marathon offers a warm, community-driven experience with strong local support, making it a beloved event for both seasoned marathoners and newcomers alike.

The Plym Trail Spring Marathon challenges runners with its diverse terrain, featuring dirt trails, grassy fields, and scenic road sections through the picturesque landscapes of Devon. This marathon offers a serene escape from urban races, highlighted by a supportive community atmosphere and the natural beauty of Southern England, making it a memorable experience for all participants.

The White Peak Marathon in Derbyshire offers a stunning 26.5-mile course that winds through Tissington and High Peak Trails, combining firm limestone and cinder paths with gentle hills and exhilarating descents. Limited to just 150 participants, this mid-May race provides an intimate and scenic challenge, drawing runners who seek both natural beauty and a well-organized event supported by dedicated volunteers.

The Worcester Marathon takes runners on a picturesque double-lap journey through the serene countryside of Worcestershire, featuring charming villages and a mostly flat course with minor inclines. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the race supports St Richard’s Hospice and offers participants bespoke medals, ample parking, and the chance to capture memorable moments with post-race photography.

The Edinburgh Marathon offers a lightning-fast, flat course that descends nearly 90 meters, taking runners from the historic city center past iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and along the picturesque Portobello Promenade. As part of the vibrant Edinburgh Marathon Festival, it attracts thousands with its blend of cultural charm and stunning coastal views, providing an ideal setting for personal bests or a memorable marathon experience.

The Giants Head Marathon challenges runners with its hilly course that winds through the picturesque Sydling and Cerne valleys, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Cerne Giant. Set in the charming village of Sydling St. Nicholas, this marathon combines a demanding terrain with a lively community atmosphere, including local festivities and diverse race options, making it a memorable experience steeped in the beauty of rural Dorset.

The XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri challenges runners with a 27-mile course featuring a 1,685-meter elevation gain through the breathtaking landscapes of Eryri National Park, culminating in an ascent of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales' highest peak. As part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series and a UTMB-indexed event, it offers an unforgettable experience with panoramic views and a vibrant event village, making it a must for trail running enthusiasts.

The Great Barrow Challenge offers a unique 10-day running adventure through the picturesque Suffolk countryside, with each day featuring a fresh marathon route that varies in terrain and elevation. This event, based at the Suffolk Running Centre in Bury St Edmunds, provides runners with flexible distance options and comprehensive support, creating an inclusive and community-driven atmosphere perfect for both seasoned athletes and newcomers.

The Two Tunnels Bath Marathon offers a one-of-a-kind experience with over 4 km of underground paths through converted railway tunnels, seamlessly blending Bath's historic charm with the natural beauty of the Avon Valley. This race invites runners of all levels to explore iconic landmarks like Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, while enjoying the diverse terrain that mixes urban streets with serene countryside trails.

The New Forest Marathon takes runners on a diverse and scenic journey through New Forest National Park, featuring a mix of gravel paths, woodland trails, and tarmac, with the enchanting backdrop of roaming ponies. This event is more than just a race—it's a vibrant weekend celebration complete with live music, family-friendly activities, and a commitment to local charity, set in one of the UK's most picturesque landscapes.

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon takes runners on a stunning 26.2-mile journey through the Scottish Highlands, beginning near Fort Augustus and ending in Inverness, with breathtaking views along the south-eastern shores of the iconic Loch Ness. This race is not just a test of endurance through diverse terrain but a celebration of Scottish culture, complete with the lively Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, featuring additional races, live music, and local festivities.

The Thames Meander Marathon offers a picturesque flat course along the scenic Thames Path, where runners can enjoy continuous riverside views while navigating a mix of asphalt and dirt trails. Celebrated as one of the UK's top 10 marathons, this well-organized race features enthusiastic marshals and well-stocked checkpoints, ensuring a memorable experience with the potential for personal bests.

The Chester Marathon takes runners on a scenic 26.2-mile journey through both England and Wales, featuring a predominantly flat course with iconic landmarks like the Roman Walls and Eastgate Clock, and charming countryside vistas. Known for its fast times and over 70% of participants achieving personal bests, this race combines enthusiastic local support with a unique blend of urban and rural landscapes, offering a rewarding challenge for marathoners of all levels.

The Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey through Jersey's diverse landscapes, featuring quiet Green Lanes, coastal paths, and the challenging climb through Waterworks Valley. This race is celebrated for its vibrant community atmosphere, with local support energizing participants as they navigate the island's picturesque route and cross the finish line in St. Helier.

The Clarendon Marathon takes runners on a captivating journey through England’s countryside, following the historic Clarendon Way from Salisbury to Winchester, with over 90% of the course on scenic off-road tracks. This race offers a truly immersive experience, blending picturesque landscapes, challenging terrain, and a rich historical backdrop, making it an appealing adventure for both novice and seasoned athletes.

The Isle of Wight Marathon takes runners on a scenic 26.2-mile journey through the island's picturesque west side, featuring a mix of flat stretches and challenging hills with an elevation gain of 1,149 feet. As one of the UK's longest-standing marathons since 1957, it offers a blend of town, rural, and coastal scenery, allowing participants to immerse themselves in both the race's rich history and the island's natural beauty.

The Eden Project Marathon takes runners on a challenging multi-terrain adventure through Cornwall's stunning landscapes, including the dramatic 'Cornish Alps' and historic Luxulyan Granite Works. This race is a unique blend of natural beauty and ecological commitment, offering participants not only a test of endurance but also the chance to support environmental projects while enjoying Cornwall's warm hospitality with a traditional pasty and beer at the finish line.

The Yorkshire Marathon takes runners on a captivating journey through the historic city of York, showcasing landmarks like the York Minster and ancient city walls against a backdrop of picturesque countryside. With a predominantly flat course and a vibrant atmosphere fueled by enthusiastic local support, this event offers both an opportunity for personal bests and a memorable experience steeped in British heritage.

The Beachy Head Marathon challenges runners with its rugged, scenic course through the South Downs National Park, featuring 1,318 meters of elevation gain, 300 steps, and 14 gates. This race offers an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of the English Channel and iconic landmarks like the Seven Sisters cliffs, making it a favorite for those seeking both physical and mental endurance in the heart of Sussex's natural beauty.

Marathon Eryri offers a thrilling 26.2-mile adventure around Wales' Snowdon, featuring challenging climbs like the 270-meter ascent at Waunfawr and breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park. Celebrated for its stunning scenery and community spirit, this race is a favorite among runners seeking both a formidable challenge and the warm support of local spectators.