With so many incredible options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which marathon to register for in the UK. To make things easier for you, we have compiled a list below of our favourite 7 UK marathons in no particular order, along with the month of the race.
TCS London Marathon (April)
The London Marathon’s reputation precedes it. This world-famous race is an incredible event to take part in. As the largest race in the UK, the London Marathon is also known for its popularity and therefore difficulty to enter. Prospective racers can enter the ballot, where between 17,000 and 20,000 lucky people are randomly selected to receive a race entry. However, in 2020 the ballot included 457,000 people, and therefore the odds are low. For UK residents with a fast recent marathon time, you can enter with a Good For Age time, allowing an additional 6,000 participants to enter, and charity entries are also available. Additionally, a virtual option was added in 2020, and will likely be available for 2023 which would provide another racing option. If you are lucky enough to get an entry, the race finishes with an iconic dash down the mall by Buckingham Palace. The inagural race took place in 1981, and while the event was temporarily moved to October due to COVID-19, it will be occuring at its typical time in the Spring for 2023. This year's main charitable partner is the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
The 2023 ballot has closed: apply for a charity place here
Great Welsh Marathon (April)
This is the perfect race for a first time marathoner or for hitting your personal best time. The Great Welsh Marathon and Half Marathon will be taking place on the 2nd of April, starting and finishing at Pembry Country Park in Carmarthenshire. Runners get to take in the beautiful Millennium Coastal Path scenery on this fully closed road event. The welsh charity 2Wish is the headline charitable partner, which provides support for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young adult.
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon (October)
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is known for its scenic route, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful marathons in the UK. Run along the scenic Loch Ness thorugh the Scottish highland scenery, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster! The race will be taking place on the 1st of October, 2023, and its finish is in Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands. The Loch Ness Marathon has four principle charitable partners that racers can raise money for, which are Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer Scotland, Cancer Research UK and Highland Hospice. Runners can also choose additional charity partner options. For those that do not wish to run the full marathon distance, the Baxters River Ness 10k, 5k, and Wee Nessie run for children 5 and under are great alternatives!
The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon (April)
The 41st Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon starts at Stormont Estate (Prince of Wales Avenue) and finishes in Ormeau Park. The 2023 race will take place on the 30th of April, and also offers a wheelchair race, team relay and 8 mile walk, as well as a half marathon in September. The race weekend includes an Expo at the Titanic Exhibition Centre.
MBNA Chester Marathon (October)
For those looking for a smaller marathon experience, the Chester Marathon is the perfect race. With around 5,000 participants, more than 70% of runners hit their personal best time while racing on this fast and flat course. The 2023 race will be taking place on the 8th of October, and the race is a three time winner of the UK’s Best Marathon Up to 5,000 Runners. There is also a 1 mile mini marathon, so that future marathoners can join in the fun!
Adidas Manchester Marathon (April)
The Manchester Marathon is the flattest major marathon in the UK, and the 4th largest marathon in all of Europe. A variety of racing options make this race accessible for those who want to participate but not run the full distance, as the race can be run as a relay in teams of two or four. Additionally, there is an option for discounted entry with a two-person ticket, or with the purchase of both the Manchester full and half marathon entries. The 2023 race will be taking place on the 16th of April, and is one of the largest marathons in Europe.
Edinburgh Marathon Festival (May)
Voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner’s World, the Edinburgh Marathon has sold out every year since 2008. It was rated 4th best marathon in the UK by Hoka, and has approximately 16,000 participants annually. Junior races, a 5k, 10k and half marathon are also a part of the festival weekend, and the official charity is Macmillan Cancer Support. The course starst on Holyrood Park Road, and takes runners past historical locations such as Surgeons’ Hall, Festival Theatre and Scottish Parliament building, along with passing the oldest golf course in the world and finishing along the coast.
No matter where you live or want to visit in the UK, whether you are seeking crowds or a quieter environment and whether you want a flat or challenging course, there is something out there for you. Both the Manchester and Edinburgh Marathons claim to be the second largest marathon in the UK; what do you think? Let us know which you prefer, and what your favourite UK marathon is in the comments below!
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