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.
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5K runs 2026–2027
Discover 5K runs near you and get ready for your next start line.
- Sat 13 Dec
- £14-£16
Crikey its the Christmas Cracker | Day 1 | 5K
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!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 14 Dec
- £37.50-£39.50
SoBo Series | Volume 1 | Step into Christmas
Set along the beachfront promenade at Southbourne (SoBo), choose your own distance from 5K to ultra, along this flat, tarmacked, lapped route suitable for all abilities.
- 7 hrs road running
- Sun 14 Dec
- £14-£16
Crikey its the Christmas Cracker | Day 2 | 5K
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 this distance.
- 5 km trail running + 59 ft ascent
- Sun 14 Dec
- £22-£32
A Christmas Carol Bobble Hat Run | North | 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 bobble hat, themed medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 14 Dec
- £20
Salcey Forest Christmas 5K
Watch out Dasher, Comet and Blitzen! It's time to fly around the beautiful Salcey Forest trails. Come for the seasonal atmosphere, the festive cheer and finish-line medals!
- 5 km multi terrain running + 180 ft ascent
- Sun 14 Dec
- £31-£33
Twas The Run Before Christmas | 4 Hour
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!
- 4 hrs multi terrain running + 299 ft ascent
- Sat 20 Dec
- £27-£29
Christmas Canter | 5K
It's December, so what better way to finish the year than with a Christmas event? Follow the Windmill Way route for 5K.
- 5 km road running + 358 ft ascent
- Sat 20 Dec
- £20-£22
Rumble In The Jumble II | 5K
Welcome to a 6-hour timed running event where you can run a 5K all the way up to an ultra marathon on an out-and-back route within the time limit, with fuel stations, pick-and-mix medal and goody bag.
- 5 km trail running + 33 ft ascent
- Sat 20 Dec
- £9
Santa Run Wales | 5K
Get your Santa suits, reindeer antlers, and elf ears ready — Christmas is coming, and so is the most magical 5K fun run of the year!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 21 Dec
- £27-£32
A Christmas Carol Bobble Hat Run | Wales | 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 bobble hat, themed medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km road running
- Sun 21 Dec
- £18-£20
ATW Nottingham Holme Run | 5K
Organised by ATW Events, this fantastic, traffic-free 5K takes place at the scenic National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, offering a perfect setting for runners of all abilities.
- 5 km road running + 16 ft ascent
- Thu 25 Dec
- £23-£27
Christmas Day Cracker Run | 5K
Come and join the morning of running and aim to complete a 5K at your own pace on a scenic course then receive a Christmas present, themed medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running + 0 ft ascent
- Fri 26 Dec
- £16-£18
Boxing Day Challenge | 5K
Come and join the day of running and aim to complete a 5K at your own pace on a flat, out-and-back route along the River Thames then receive a bespoke medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running + 0 ft ascent
- Sat 27 Dec
- £23-£27
Year End Time Turner | 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 pick and mix medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running + 0 ft ascent
- Wed 31 Dec
- £16-£18
River Thames Run | 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 the River Thames then receive a medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running + 0 ft ascent
- Thu 1 Jan 2026
- £23-£27
New Years Day Run | 5K
Kick off the year with a motivating run—5K, marathon, or 50K! Shake off festive indulgence, spark your New Year’s resolutions, and embrace the challenge together and start strong this day.
- 5 km trail running + 0 ft ascent
- Sat 3 Jan 2026
- £16-£18
Rhino Run | 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 (quite flat) then receive a Rhino medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running + 0 ft ascent
- Sun 4 Jan 2026
- £14-£16
Bridlington | Day 2 | 5K
Brace yourself for this out-and-back course starting on the cliffs at Sewerby and running along the front at Bridlington. The course is great underfoot.
- 5 km multi terrain running + 118 ft ascent
- Sun 4 Jan 2026
- £19
Oundle New Year 5K
Kick start your New Year resolutions with this popular New Year race which is returning to the historic town of Oundle! Enjoy the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and the crisp winter air.
- 5 km road running + 108 ft ascent
- Fri 9 Jan 2026
- £20-£27
Midweek Chasing Numbers Jan | 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 + 0 ft ascent
- Sat 10 Jan 2026
- £23-£27
The Rise From The Ashes Run | South | 5K
Come and get involved in this Rise From The Ashes Run at The Last Hop in Staines, as long as you complete at least 3km you will be rewarded with one of the incredible phoenix medals!
- 5 km trail running + 0 ft ascent
- Sat 10 Jan 2026
- £19
Dark Skies Surrey Hills | 5K
The Dark Skies returns for an undulating yomp through Surrey’s muddy, rolling hills in Dorking. A thrilling nighttime 5K trail race with canicross. Medal, branded kit and hot food available too.
- 5 km trail running + 139 m ascent
- Sun 11 Jan 2026
- £15-£17
Skipton Sweetie Skedaddle | 5K
Enjoy a trip up the Leeds and Liverpool Canal this winter on your choice of distance, along the flat towpath for runners of all abilities, from novices to PB chasers!
- 5 km trail running + 56 ft ascent
- Sun 11 Jan 2026
- £17
Vale of Clwyd 5K
The route is exactly 5K, multi-terrain in nature, with a nice mix of minor road and trail to make for an interesting run in lovely surroundings, with fantastic views. Chip timing, prizes and medal!
- 5 km multi terrain running
- Sun 11 Jan 2026
- £32-£38
WTF Where's The Finish? | 4 Hour
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.
- 4 hrs trail running + 299 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.