5K runs in the UK
Explore hundreds of 5K runs across the UK — from flat, fast road races to friendly charity events and scenic trail runs. Use the filters to search by date, location or terrain and find a 5K that fits your goals. Read more
A 5K is one of the most accessible and rewarding running distances. It’s short enough for beginners to enjoy, fast enough for experienced runners to push their pace and varied enough to offer something new each time you race. You’ll find relaxed fun runs, charity events with big atmospheres, sharp PB-chasing routes and scenic off-road trails.
Many events welcome runners of all abilities, with comfortable start waves and plenty of support along the route. If you’re chasing a time, look for flat road courses or evening runs designed for speed. If you’re after something different, trail 5Ks, night runs and themed events add an extra sense of adventure.
Browse the full calendar or explore events in your region. With 500+ 5Ks across the year, your next start line is never far away.
Want to read more? Read the guides, tips and advice from our blog.
Got questions? Read our FAQs for answers.
Filter by place
London
South East
South West
East of England
East Midlands
West Midlands
Yorkshire
North East
North West
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Jersey
Guernsey
Europe
Filter by date
This week
This weekend
Next week
Next weekend
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Filter by category
5K runs 2026–2027
Discover 5K runs near you and get ready for your next start line.
- Thu 2 Apr
- £15-£27
Eggcellent Easter Orange Run | 5K
Come and join the day of running and aim to complete a 5K at your own pace on a scenic course then receive a fantastic Easter egg themed medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running
- Fri 3 Apr
- £33-£35
Easter Challenge
Run as far as you can during the 6-hour event at Suffolk Running Centre on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
- 6 hrs multi terrain running
- Fri 3 Apr
- £15-£27
Eggcellent Easter Pink Run | 5K
The Eggcellent Easter Pink Run is the second event in the five-day series where you can earn the fantastic easter egg medal in pink!
- 5 km trail running
- Sat 4 Apr
- £26-£28
Spring Run | Hull | 5K
Come and join the day of running and aim to complete a 5K at your own pace on an out-and-back route along an old railway line (nice and flat) then receive a medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running + 143 ft ascent
- Sat 4 Apr
- £15-£27
Eggcellent Easter Green Run | 5K
The Eggcellent Easter Green Run is the third event in the five-day series where you can earn the fantastic easter egg medal in green!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 5 Apr
- £15-£27
Eggcellent Easter Purple Run | 5K
The Eggcellent Easter Purple Run is the fourth event in the five day series where you can earn the fantastic easter egg medal, this time in purple!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 5 Apr
- £20
Chasewater Easter Egg Challenge | 5K
Treat yourself to these Easter races around the beautiful Chasewater Reservoir! With a range of races on offer, there's something for everyone!
- 5 km multi terrain running + 380 ft ascent
- Mon 6 Apr
- £15-£27
Eggcellent Easter Blue Run | 5K
The Eggcellent Easter Blue Run is the fifth and final event in the five day series where you can earn the fantastic easter egg medal, this time in blue!
- 5 km trail running
- Sat 11 Apr
- £15-£27
Love it or Hate it Run | 5K
Whether you are in the love it or hate it camp, I think we can all agree that the 5K medal is super cute and definitely one which you need to add to your collection!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 12 Apr
- £27-£29
Haughley Festival of Running | 5K
Join in at the beautiful Haughley Park for the Haughley Festival of Running and join like-minded runners tackling a variety of distances on the day within the 4 or 6-hour time limit.
- 5 km trail running + 230 ft ascent
- Sun 12 Apr
- £17-£32
The Dashing Dog Charity Run | North | 5K
Come and join the Dashing Dog Charity run along the picturesque River Wear. Not only is the scenery beautiful but you will earn one of these awesome medals for your 5K!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 12 Apr
- £22-£24
ATW Mallory Park Runs | 5K
Gear up for an adrenaline-packed 5K running experience like no other at Mallory Park Motor Racing Circuit with fast laps, great support and distances suited to every runner’s goals.
- 5 km road running + 141 ft ascent
- Fri 17 Apr
- £15-£27
Midweek Medal Madness Run April | 5K
The aim of the midweek runs is to hold events as cheaply as possible in order for people to be able to build their numbers or simply to help people achieve their own goals at an affordable price.
- 5 km trail running
- Sat 18 Apr
- £15-£17
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Saltaire | 5K
“Your Distance, Your Pace, Your Weekend” Looking for a friendly, scenic 5K running event in Yorkshire?
- 5 km road running + 82 ft ascent
- Sat 18 Apr
- £15-£27
The London Run | 5K
Not made it into The London Marathon but still fancy getting a super awesome medal based on the iconic race set in the capital city? Come and enjoy a 5K instead!
- 5 km trail running
- Sat 18 Apr
- £25-£27
Spring Run | 5K
Come and join the day of running and aim to complete a 5K at your own pace on a beautiful route then receive a medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 19 Apr
- £27-£29
The Roman Ramble | 5K
A relaxed, lap-based 5K trail run through picturesque countryside, giving you complete control over your distance — perfect for beginners, returning runners or those chasing longer goals.
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 19 Apr
- £15-£27
Who You Going To Call? - Northampton | 5K
Come and join in for the Who You Going To Call? event! Whether you run 3km or for the whole 7 hours, you will earn yourself one of the incredible medals to celebrate your achievement!!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 19 Apr
- £2-£19
Cambridge Biomedical Campus 5K
Run, walk or cheer on family at this traffic-free campus event, with a 5K option, supporting local charities and welcoming all ages.
- 5 km road running
- Sun 26 Apr
- £37.50-£39.50
London Calling
Missed out on the London Marathon Ballot? No probem! 'London Calling' is the special 'Not London' event!
- 7 hrs multi terrain running + 33 ft ascent
- Sun 26 Apr
- £27-£29
The Other Run | 5K
On the same day as the famous marathon in London, why not come along to The "Other" Run? Complete 5K and earn a Zig Zag medal too.
- 5 km road running
- Sun 26 Apr
- £15-£27
The Nearly But Not Quite London Marathon | Wales | 5K
Didn't get a ballot entry into The London Marathon? Don't panic, come and experience this 5K event instead and earn a fantastic London-themed medal!
- 5 km trail running
- Wed 29 Apr
- £22
Piglove by the River 10K & 5K | 5K
An evening 5K ending at a lovely beer garden in the heart of Citu’s Climate Innovation District - grab a picnic bench, a pint of craft beer and admire the views. The perfect spot for a sunny evening!
- 5 km trail running
- Fri 1 May
- £15-£27
Midweek Chasing Numbers May | 5K
The aim of the midweek runs is to hold events as cheaply as possible in order for people to be able to build their numbers or simply to help people achieve their own goals at an affordable price.
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 3 May
- £18-£28
MK Marathon Weekend | Rocket 5K
Shoot for the stars on the rapid Rocket Run! Join this fast rocket-fueled 5K with an 'out of this world' bling on a fast and flat point-to-point course from central Milton Keynes to Stadium MK.
- 5 km road running + 89 ft ascent
5K run blog
Guides, tips and advice on doing a 5K run.
- 10 mins read
The best runs that you've never heard of
To celebrate Global Running Day, we're rounding the best unsung marathons, half marathons and more in the UK!
5K run FAQs
Answers to common questions about running 5km.
Yes — 5K is one of the most beginner-friendly race distances, with many events offering relaxed waves and supportive atmospheres.
Most people can train for a 5K in 4–8 weeks, depending on current fitness. If you're starting from scratch, there's a free NHS Couch to 5K programme which guides you from the couch to running 5km in just 9 weeks.
Many beginners aim to complete a 5K in 30–40 minutes, but every course and runner is different.
Most organised 5Ks use chip timing, while some fun runs focus on participation rather than recording a time.
Yes — plenty of 5Ks take place on trails, parks and mixed terrain for runners who prefer scenic or softer surfaces.
Absolutely — many 5K events offer charity places or dedicated fundraising waves.
parkrun is a free, weekly 5K community run held in parks across the UK and around the world. It isn’t a race — there are no entry fees, winners or cut-off times — but it’s a brilliant way to enjoy a timed 5K, build confidence and train for organised 5K events. You can find out more about parkrun here.
Yes — many runners start with parkrun or local 5Ks before trying CaniCross events, which are designed for runners and their dogs.
Most runners progress from running 5K to 10K runs and eventually half marathons. Each step builds confidence and endurance — explore our range of half marathon events when you’re ready for 13.1 miles.
5K runs near you
Select your location for 5K runs and races in your area.