Ready to turn your running goals into extraordinary achievements? From iconic city marathons to extreme ultra challenges, we’ve curated the ultimate lineup of must-run events for 2026. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, testing your limits, or seeking a life-changing expedition, these runs promise memories, experiences and triumphs you’ll never forget.
Newcastle 10K
Date: 17th January 2026
Location: Quayside, Newcastle
Kickstart the year with the first major road closed event of 2026. Taking in the famous landmarks of the Newcastle Quayside, this fast, flat course boasts real PB potential. Accessible to beginners, the race will be split into 2 waves – a sub 40-minute race, followed by a mass race. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk
Warwick Half Marathon
Date: 1st February, 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 crowds, it’s an ideal early-season goal for beginners and seasoned runners alike. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk
Ice Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate
Date: 17th-23rd February, 2026
Location: Swedish Lapland
A true test of endurance, the Ice Ultra is a 230km self-sufficient ultra marathon across the Arctic Circle. With day time temperatures reaching -40 degrees, runners will battle across snowfields, Arctic tundra and frozen lakes, pushing physical and mental endurance to its limits. Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk
Wolverhampton 10k
Date: 29th March, 2026
Location: Wolverhampton
The much-loved Wolverhampton 10k returns, starting and finishing in the Molineux Stadium – home of Premier League football club, Wolverhampton Wanderers. This event has quickly become a firm favourite in the running calendar. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk
EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Harry Clark on the finish line during the London Landmarks Half Marathon, hosted by the pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s. Picture date: Sunday April 6, 2025. Runners participating for over 700 different charitable causes have raised more than £67 million since the London Landmarks Half Marathon began in 2018. Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Media Assignments
London Landmarks Half Marathon
Date: 12th April 12 2026
Location: London, UK
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 race combines culture, history and an electric atmosphere for runners of all abilities. Find out more: www.llhm.co.uk
Shakespeare Marathon
Date: 26th April, 2026
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Step back in time and run 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 town 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: 28th April-1st May, 2026
Location: Knoydart Peninsula, Scotland
Discover Scotland’s untamed and remote jewel of the West Highlands, reachable only by sea or on foot. Locked away and protected by nature, this 125km coastal mountain ultra takes in rocky ascents, broad glens and vast sea lochs, offering an unrivalled highland experience. Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk
Colchester Zoo 10K
Date: 17th May, 2026
Location: Colchester, Essex
Get ready for a wild run like no other! The Colchester Zoo 10K offers a unique route through one of the UK’s most popular zoos, taking you past animal enclosures and lush parkland. With incredible atmosphere and fun for all the family, it’s a standout event in the spring running calendar. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
Date: 31st May, 2026
Location: Manchester
The city’s original and best-loved running event returns, offering both 10K or half marathon distances. Join tens of thousands of runners as they take to the streets. In true Mancunian style, it’ll 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: 12th August, 2026
Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
Embark on a 5k or 10k route through the incredible grounds of the South Park in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Flat, fast and inspiring, this event is a great opportunity for a quick time and a fun morning out. Find out more: www.runthrough.co.uk
The AJ Bell Great North Run
Date: 11-13th September 2026
Location: Newcastle
The world’s biggest half marathon returns to the North East on Sunday 12 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 a world class elite men’s, women’s and wheelchair races, raises millions for charity each 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 weekend of running, younger runners can also take part in the fun at the AJ Bell Great North Junior & Mini Runs Saturday 12 September. For more info visit greatrun.org/north.
Altra 13 Valleys Ultra
Date: 25th-27th September, 2026
Location: Lake District National Park
A stunning 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 one trail distance: 2 Valleys (22km) and three ultra distances: 5 Valleys (55km), 7 Valleys (110km) and 13 Valleys (180km). 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: 17th-18th October, 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 across the Solent, an incredible atmosphere, and a fast, flat route – it’s the ideal event for experienced and new runners alike. Find out more: http://greatrun.org/south
Desert Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate
Date: 16th-22nd November, 2026
Location: Namib Desert, Namibia
Conquer one of the oldest and most hostile deserts in the world. This 250km, five-stage challenge spans sand dunes and scrubland, with sweltering 50-degree temperatures 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
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