Want to take on your next running event? Take a look at our Marathon calendar and find yours today!
So, you would like to attempt a marathon for the first time? Or maybe you want to gain a personal best? Whatever your experience, it’s the best feeling in the world to cross the finish line after conquering one of these best UK marathons!
Best UK Marathons
Your winning moment deserves a winning location, so here’s our selection of the best UK marathons:
The London Marathon
Why we rate it… The cornerstone of the UK running calendar. The jewel in the marathon crown. The bucket list frequenter. The difficult entry process is a testament to the popularity of this televised event. It is well worth trying your luck with the ballot!
The London Marathon is almost universally popular with runners of all kinds, from charity runners to elites, club runners to first time marathoners. If you love that big race feeling, the London Marathon is the one for you.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 21st April 2024
Great for… everyone! The London marathon is one of the most inclusive marathons in the world!
Men’s Record: 2:02:37 (Eliud Kipchoge, 2019)
Women’s Record: 2:15:25 (Paula Radcliffe, 2003)
Whilst the entry ballot has closed, charity places and entries for the virtual London Marathon remain open.
Want to sign up? Enter here
Edinburgh Marathon
Why we rate it… The place to achieve your PB dreams! Voted the fastest marathon in the UK in 2008, this speedy course includes a descent to near sea level and whizzes you through the city centre and the Royal Mile, all with Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop! The course gets its reputation from its net-downhill elevation profile and a route that hugs the coastline, finishing in Musselburgh.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 26th May 2024
Great for… Runners looking for a PB course for their next marathon.
Men’s Record: 2:13:33 (Joel Kiptoo, 2018)
Women’s Record: 2:33:36 (Zinaida Semenova, 2005)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Milton Keynes Marathon
Why we rate it… This multi award winning marathon starts at Stadium MK for the 2024 edition but promises the same race day experience as in previous years. Finishers can expect a post-race music festival to celebrate their achievements. Is there a better way to spend your bank holiday?
Feeling keen? The next race is on 6th May 2024
Great for… Those looking to qualify for London or Boston
Men’s Record: 2:31:05 (Joshua Teece, 2021)
Women’s Record: 2:52:44 (Melissah Gibson, 2021)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Adidas Manchester Marathon
Why we rate it… Boasting a crowd of over 20,000 runners, this marathon is one of the fastest and biggest in Europe! The 2023 course had participants running through the city centre, passing landmarks like the Manchester Opera House en route, the new course for 2024 should be released soon!
Feeling keen? The next race is on 14th April 2024
Great for… Those who missed out on London but are still hungry for the electricity of a massive event.
Men’s Record: 2:10:46 (Jonny Mellor, 2022)
Women’s Record: 2:29:06 (Becky Briggs, 2022)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Blackpool Marathon
Why we rate it… This flat course is awesome for beginners but the 2 laps style may demand extra stamina and determination! Whilst the course is flat, don’t be deceived. The seaside location means that the Blackpool Marathon can provide a significant challenge with at least half of the route almost guaranteed to be run into a headwind!
Feeling keen? The next race is on 21st April 2024
Great for… Running families looking for a weekend away and keen marathoners looking for something different from a city centre route.
Want to sign up? Enter here
Brighton Marathon
Why we rate it… London Marathon Events have taken over the Brighton Marathon for 2024. So what can runners expect from the revamped marathon weekend? Expect enthusiastic crowd support, live music and a sparkling sea view to see you along the flat promenade! The marathon also benefits from a route change this year which aims to make the event more runner friendly towards the business end of the race.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 7th April 2024
Great for… Those wanting a break from the city centre runs
Men’s Record: 2:09:25 (William Chebor, 2014)
Women’s Record: 2:28:50 (Eunice Kales, 2013)
Want to sign up? Enter here
MBNA Chester Marathon
Why we rate it… The first of our autumn marathons, Chester offers a flat race route through city and North Wales countryside. A crazy 70% of their 2014 entrants bagged PBs as they crossed the River Dee finish- how’s that for motivation?! Perhaps it’s less surprising with an event team staffed by runners who know what a good race experience feels like. Oh, and did we mention that this is the only marathon to straddle the England/Wales border? 19 miles of the route are in England with 7 in Wales, another unique element to this well-regarded marathon.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 6th October 2024
Great for… Those looking for a fast marathon event with PB potential before entering the dreary Winter months.
Men’s Record: 2:20:26 (David Bishop, 2022)
Women’s Record: 2:40:26 (Julie Briscoe, 2013)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon
Why we rate it… The Belfast City Marathon has a rich history and is now in its 42nd year in 2024. The race begins on the Stormont estate and spans the four corners of Belfast. Be prepared for the climb towards Mile 14, you will need plenty in the tank once you are over the hill to run through the notoriously tough closing miles before finishing at Ormeau Park.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 5th May 2024.
Great for… Runners seeking an adventure to somewhere new. The route gives you plenty of opportunities to see the sights of Belfast.
Men’s Record: 2:13:41 (Negewo Ararisa, 2012)
Women’s Record: 2:36:50 (Nataliya Lehonkova, 2013)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Yorkshire Marathon
Why we rate it… The Yorkshire Marathon is set just outside of York City Centre, briefly taking in the city sights in the first few miles before heading east of the city. But the reason the Yorkshire Marathon is in our selection of the 10 best is the atmosphere at the finish line. Expect attentive marshals, plenty of support and an event village that is both well organised and caters to your every need.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 20th October 2024.
Great for… those who crave a well organised event with a great race day atmosphere.
Men’s Record: 2:13:31 (Edwin Korir, 2013)
Women’s Record: 2:0:10 (Helen Koskei, 2013)
Want to sign up? Enter here
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Are you looking for your next marathon? Take a look at our event listings to find the perfect UK Marathon
