The Best Running Events to Sign Up for in 2026

Ready to turn your running goals into extraordinary achievements? From iconic city marathons to ultra-extreme challenges, we’ve curated the ultimate lineup of must-run events for 2026. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, testing your limits, or looking for a life-changing expedition, these races promise memories, experiences and triumphs you’ll never forget.

Newcastle 10K
Date: January 17, 2026
Location: Quayside, Newcastle
Kickstart the year with the first closed main road event of 2026. Taking in the famous landmarks of Newcastle Quayside, this fast and flat course boasts real PB potential. Accessible to beginners, the race will be divided into 2 waves – a race under 40 minutes, followed by a mass race. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk

Warwick Half Marathon
Date: February 1, 2026
Location: Warwick, Warwickshire
Starting and finishing at Warwick Racecourse, this closed road half marathon takes runners on a picturesque journey through the historic market town and surrounding countryside. With a welcoming atmosphere and supportive crowd, it’s an ideal early season destination for beginners and experienced runners alike. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk

Ice Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate
Date: February 17-23, 2026
Location: Swedish Lapland
A true test of endurance, the Ice Ultra is a 230km self-sufficient ultra marathon across the Arctic Circle. With daytime temperatures reaching -40 degrees, runners will battle through snowfields, arctic tundra and frozen lakes, pushing physical and mental endurance to their limits. Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk

Wolverhampton 10k
Date: March 29, 2026
Location: Wolverhampton
The much-loved Wolverhampton 10k is back, starting and finishing at Molineux Stadium – home of Premier League football club Wolverhampton Wanderers. This event has quickly become a firm favorite on the racing calendar. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk

London Landmarks Half Marathon
Date: April 12, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom
Take in some of London’s most famous sights on this unique half marathon through the capital. From Big Ben to St Paul’s Cathedral, this run combines culture, history and an electric atmosphere for runners of all abilities. Find out more: www.llhm.co.uk

Shakespeare Marathon
Date: April 26, 2026
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Step back in time and scroll through the birthplace of England’s greatest playwright. The Shakespeare Marathon takes you on a scenic route through Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. With a mix of city and rural roads, friendly marshals and a touch of literary magic, it’s a charming spring race with real character. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk

Highland Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate
Date: April 28-May 1, 2026
Location: Knoydart Peninsula, Scotland
Discover Scotland’s wild and remote jewel of the West Highlands, accessible only by sea or on foot. Enclosed and protected by nature, this 125 km ultra coastal mountain takes in rocky climbs, vast expanses and vast sea lakes, offering an unrivaled high altitude experience. Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk

Colchester Zoo 10K
Date: May 17, 2026
Location: Colchester, Essex
Get ready for a wild ride like no other! The Colchester Zoo 10K offers a unique route through one of the UK’s most famous zoos, taking you past animal enclosures and lush parks. With an incredible atmosphere and fun for the whole family, it is an outstanding event in the spring racing calendar. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk

AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
Date: May 31, 2026
Location: Manchester
The city’s original and most beloved running event returns, offering distances of 10K or half marathon. Join tens of thousands of runners as they take to the streets. In true Mancunian style, it will be a party from start to finish, with high-energy soundtracks and live music and entertainment zones at every turn. Find out more: greatrun.org/manchester

Chase The Sun Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 5k & 10k
Date: August 12, 2026
Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
Embark on a 5k or 10k route through the incredible grounds of South Park in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Flat, fast and inspiring, this event is a great opportunity for a fast time and a fun morning. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk

The AJ Bell Great North Run
Date: September 11-13, 2026
Location: Newcastle
The world’s biggest half marathon returns to the North East on Sunday 12th September with over 60,000 eager participants taking on the famous 13.1 mile course from Newcastle to South Shields. Renowned for its incredible Geordie atmosphere and roaring crowd support, the event, which also boasts world elite men’s, women’s and wheelchair racing, raises millions for charity every year and is televised live on the BBC. The AJ Bell Great North 5K on Friday 11 September As the curtain raiser for the North East’s biggest running weekend, younger runners can also join in the fun at the AJ Bell Great North Junior & Mini Runs on Saturday 12 September. For more information visit greatrun.org/north.

Another 13 Valleys Ultra
Date: September 25-27, 2026
Location: Lake District National Park
A wonderful trail running challenge celebrating the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the UK’s most breathtaking settings. Choose between a trail distance: 2 Valleys (22 km) and three ultra distances: 5 Valleys (55 km), 7 Valleys (110 km) and 13 Valleys (180 km). The 13 Valleys Ultra ranks alongside some of the toughest tests of ultra running in the world. Find out more: www.13valleysultra.com

AJ Bell Great South Run
Date: October 17-18, 2026
Location: Portsmouth
Offering a 5K distance on Saturday 18th October and a 10 mile distance on Sunday 18th October – it’s a great end to the UK running season. With beautiful views over the Solent, an incredible atmosphere, and a fast, flat course – it’s the ideal event for both experienced and new runners. Find out more: http://greatrun.org/south

Desert Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate
Date: November 16-22, 2026
Location: Namib Desert, Namibia
Conquer one of the oldest and most hostile deserts in the world. This 250 km challenge, in five stages, covers sand dunes and scrub, with sweltering temperatures of 50 degrees during the day, and freezing temperatures at night. This incredible foot race through the Namib Desert is a thrilling test of endurance and spirit. Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk