Running 26.2 miles or 42.2km is the ultimate milestone for most runners and a distance that attracts some of the biggest events in the world. Search for your perfect event using the options below or scroll down to discover more about marathons. Read more
Requiring physical and mental strength to complete, running a marathon is no mean feat. If you are running your first marathon, just getting over the finish line will be a great achievement; if you have made it through the wall before, finding a marathon for a PB could be your motivation. Either way, committed training and a healthy dose of grit will be needed!
There are 100's of road marathons in the UK but London Marathon boasts the most participants with over 50,000 runners taking part. Other major cities boasting marathons include Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, York and Brighton. If countryside is more your thing, there are plenty of trail marathons or if you're feeling particularly adventurous and you can navigate in the hills you could try a mountain marathon.
Europe also hosts some fantastic marathons including Paris Marathon in the spring and Dublin Marathon, Berlin Marathon and Amsterdam Marathon in the autumn.
If you're not quite ready for the full marathon distance, there are a number of relay marathons where the 26.2 miles is split between a number of runners or you could try a half marathon. If on the other hand the marathon distance isn't enough of a challenge, you need to be looking at ultra runs which is any run longer than the marathon distance.
For many people, running a marathon is a great opportunity to raise money for a charity close to their heart. Major marathons like London Marathon and Edinburgh Marathon have charity places and over the years have raised millions in fundraising. Events with charity places are clearly marked in listings and search results - on the event page simply select your preferred charity and complete the simple form to secure your place at the start line.
Once you've decided which marathon to take on, you can add this as your goal in MyTOD - you'll then be able to add training and fundraising milestones to help you stay on track. You can also add a link to your fundraising page and post updates as you progress - which means when you share your profile with friends, they can cheer you on and support your fundraising efforts as well.
Featured events are listed below - select a month/region or the map view to see all events.
A new and unique concept where you turn up ready to conquer a Marathon but if you're feeling great tackle an Ultra, or go easy and run a cool 1-2 loops instead, depending on how you feel on the day!
Thousands of runners (and walkers) of all abilities will tackle the flat, traffic-free course past the city's historic sites to a cracking Yorkshire atmosphere! Team relay challenge available too.
A Halloween-themed running event you won't want to miss, bringing together runners of all abilities to share memories in what they love to do. Reach the finish to enjoy tasty Halloween treats.
This Halloween, run as far as you can during the 6-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
A Halloween-themed running event you won't want to miss, bringing together runners of all abilities to share memories in what they love to do. Reach the finish to enjoy tasty Halloween treats.
This Halloween, run as far as you can during the 4-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
Welcome to the Fireworks Festival of Running! Come and tackle the track to see whether you can complete a marathon over multiple laps of the 400m circuit - and how fast you can do it.
Welcome to the Fireworks Festival of Running! Come and tackle the track to see whether you can complete a marathon over multiple laps of the 400m circuit - and how fast you can do it.
An autumnal trail treat to delight the senses and lift your spirit as you clock the miles and enjoy the majestic beauty of Wendover Forest. See you there!
A trail running extravaganza over a beautiful lapped 6.5-mile course from Knaresborough centre through parkland then into beautiful countryside with an awesome medal at the finish line.
Multiple circular loops around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales followed by a bespoke medal and grim treats at the finish line.
Multiple circular loops around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales followed by a bespoke medal and grim treats at the finish line.
Multiple circular loops around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales followed by a bespoke medal and grim treats at the finish line.
Back to Ferry Meadows Country Park for a marathon remembrance running challenge! Run for at least 26.2 miles through the forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for some more.
Multiple circular loops around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales followed by a bespoke medal and grim treats at the finish line.
Multi terrain trail running through the glorious trails surrounding Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds including the beautiful River Aire and Bramley Fall Park for runners of all stripes with a bespoke medal.
Run as far as you can during the 6-hour event through the lovely Hinchingbrooke Country Park on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
Run as far as you can during the 4-hour event through the lovely Hinchingbrooke Country Park on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
A new and unique concept where you turn up ready to conquer a Marathon but if you're feeling great tackle an Ultra, or go easy and run a cool 1-2 loops instead, depending on how you feel on the day!
It's December, so what better way to start the month than with a Christmas event? Come to the Suffolk Running Centre and follow the Windmill Way route then join the finish line festivities!
A wonderfully themed Christmas event finishing and starting just outside Bingley. A challenging and scenic run over towpath, woodland, and fields over a joyous distance.
Run as far as you can during the 4-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, head out for more and enjoy some festive fun!
Run as far as you can during the 6-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, head out for more and enjoy some festive fun!
A new and unique concept where you turn up ready to conquer a Marathon but if you're feeling great tackle an Ultra, or go easy and run a cool 1-2 loops instead, depending on how you feel on the day!
Take on this out and back course to really get in the Christmas spirit. This event isn't just about the race itself, the activities at Race HQ are bound start a jolly atmosphere!
Back to Ferry Meadows Country Park for a festive 6-hour running challenge! Run as much as you want through the forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for some more.
An out and back course to really get you in the Christmas spirit with activities at Race HQ bound start a jolly atmosphere, whether you want a PB or to challenge yourself over marathon distance.
Back to Ferry Meadows Country Park for a festive 4-hour running challenge! Run as much as you want through the forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for some more.
This is an out and back course starting on the cliffs at Sewerby and running along the front at Bridlington. The course is great underfoot.
Happy New Year Run along the flat and even Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath - perfect for runners of all abilities, from novices to PB chasers!
Run as far as you can during the 6-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
Run as far as you can during the 4-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
It's New Year! So what better way to start the year than with an event? Come to the Suffolk Running Centre and follow the Windmill Way route over marathon distance.
A new and unique concept where you turn up ready to conquer a Marathon but if you're feeling great tackle an Ultra, or go easy and run a cool 1-2 loops instead, depending on how you feel on the day!
This event is a huge favourite among the trail running community selling with lovely scenery, challenging hills and a little bit of mud it encompasses everything trail.
Run as far as you can during the 6-hour event through the lovely Hinchingbrooke Country Park on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
Run as far as you can during the 4-hour event through the lovely Hinchingbrooke Country Park on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
Back to Ferry Meadows Country Park for another 4-hour running challenge! Run as much as you want through the forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for some more.
Back to Ferry Meadows Country Park for another 4-hour running challenge! Run as much as you want through the forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for some more.
A trail race event that is flat and fast and perfect for a PB also brilliant for a beginner or the runner who wants to do their own pace with bespoke medal and finish line treats.
A trail race event that is flat and fast and perfect for a PB also brilliant for a beginner or the runner who wants to do their own pace with bespoke medal and finish line treats.
Run as far as you can during the 6-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
A trail race event that is flat and fast and perfect for a PB also brilliant for a beginner or the runner who wants to do their own pace with bespoke medal and finish line treats.
A trail race event that is flat and fast and perfect for a PB also brilliant for a beginner or the runner who wants to do their own pace with bespoke medal and finish line treats.
Run as far as you can during the 4-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
A new and unique concept where you turn up ready to conquer a Marathon but if you're feeling great tackle an Ultra, or go easy and run a cool 1-2 loops instead, depending on how you feel on the day!
In 2023 we had St George's, in 2024 we had St Patrick's so why not come along to St David's Day Challenge with a one-off medal that you will want to add to your collection?
Multiple pretty 5-mile loops through a lovely country park (a former colliery) on good paths with challenging hills to earn your bespoke medal and finish line treats.
Take on a lapped course through the stunning South Yorkshire Park country park of Rabbit Ings and reach the finish to hang your finisher's medal around your neck with pride.
Fast, flat, PB-grabbing event on traffic-free trails and the canal towpath with a bespoke medal and treats at the finish line. All levels of runner welcome.
Run the route of the world's first EVER 26.2 mile marathon from Windsor to London. An historic race with an incredible story. Run in the footsteps of legends and receive a special 1908 replica medal.
Previously rated one of the top 10 UK marathons by Runners World! Stunningly scenic riverside routes along the Thames towpath. Flat, fast and very runnable with great runner support.
A delectable racing experience perfect for those planning a spring marathon, over a pancake flat course using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.
Fast, flat, PB-grabbing event on good trail and canal towpath with a bespoke medal and treats at the finish line.
The Essex 20 is held annually and is an ideal 20-mile race for the build-up to Marathon season, set over a 5-lap, flat, fast, tarmac course. Also hosting the Essex County Road Running Championships.
Join like-minded runners doing different distances, starting from the base camp of Hyde Hall Farm and encompassing the beautiful grounds around it.
Marathon, Half and 10K! Join like-minded runners doing different distances, starting from the base camp of Hyde Hall Farm and encompassing the beautiful grounds around it.
Enjoy a trip up the Leeds and Liverpool Canal this spring over a range of distances, all along the flat and even towpath. This event is perfect for runners of all abilities.
A new and unique concept where you turn up ready to conquer a Marathon but if you're feeling great tackle an Ultra, or go easy and run a cool 1-2 loops instead, depending on how you feel on the day!
Run as far as you can during the 6-hour event through Brandon Country Park in the very heart of Thetford Forest on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
Your complete guide to getting a place and taking part in the TCS London Marathon.
This is the UK's biggest marathon and one of the greatest in the world - here's what you need to know!
This iconic event is always oversubscribed at the ballot but there are plenty of charities to run for and plenty more reasons to do so.
The biggest marathon in the UK - and one of the biggest in the world - is an event that every runner wants to tick off their bucket list. Here, we deal with the most-asked questions on the web!
Whether or not you entered the ballot for the TCS London Marathon, the virtual edition is a fantastic event with plenty to offer. Here's what we learned!
How to secure a charity place plus tips and advice on fundraising.
Whether it's your first or fifth marathon, entering a 26.2-mile race on behalf of a charity will elevate your experience! Here's how to get started.
One of the UK's most popular marathons, boasting a new and beautiful seaside course with superb local support, making it a truly sensational running experience. Charity places now available for 2025.
The second-largest marathon on the planet over a flat course in one of the world's most iconic cities, the Paris Marathon boasts an incomparable backdrop. Charity places now available for 2025.
Be part of the world’s biggest marathon and earn the coveted finisher’s medal and New Balance T-shirt by taking on the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay. Charity places available for 2025.
Experience the UK’s friendliest and flattest major marathon with huge crowd support on a route with PB potential plus chunky medals and relay options.
Experience the renowned atmosphere of the TCS London Marathon, the most popular marathon in the world, with its grand finale on The Mall itself!
Fast, flat and beautifully scenic with Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop, this marathon route takes you along the coastline and sells out every year so go for it and enter!
The relay is a chance for a team of four to join forces and complete the Edinburgh Marathon. The 26.2 miles is split into four legs, each runner will run one leg plus you'll receive matching medals!
The UK’s biggest 24 hour relay race. Epic, Brutal, Relentless. Race against the clock to tackle as many laps of the iconic course as you can. How far can you go in 24 hours?
A world record-breaking road race around a historic city on a route featuring the Brandenburg Gate and iconic sights. Now in its 51st year! Charity places available for 2025.
Looking for a marathon outside the UK? Run a marathon in one of Europe's finest cities.
The second-largest marathon on the planet over a flat course in one of the world's most iconic cities, the Paris Marathon boasts an incomparable backdrop. Charity places now available for 2025.
The second largest marathon in the world, the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon attracts 65,000 runners to the French capital for an incredible route and an international EXPO.
A world record-breaking road race around a historic city on a route featuring the Brandenburg Gate and iconic sights. Now in its 51st year! Charity places available for 2025.
Considered to be the fastest marathon in the world, Berlin is a brilliant choice for any runner, whether it's your first 26.2-mile race or you're looking for a PB!
Starting and finishing in the historic Olympic Stadium, this is the fourth fastest marathon in the world and known for its flat, fast, historic course. Charity places now available for 2025.
Guides, tips and advice on training for a marathon.
Signing up to run 26.2 miles for the first time will be one the most rewarding decisions you ever make! This guide has everything you need to get started, from training tips to a basic kit list.
Chasing a fast marathon time is as much about picking the right course as training hard! Check out our selection of the fastest and flattest marathons in the UK.
Frequently asked questions about marathons.
Select your location for marathons in your area.