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 24 Jan
- £23-£27
The Winter Lucky Dip Run | 5K
Come and join in Winter Lucky Dip Run, there is no set medal for this race, instead, you will get to choose your own from a selection of medals from past events!
- 5 km trail running
- Sat 24 Jan
- £22-£27
Spice Up Your Run | Wales | 5K
If you're looking to spice up your run or you need some running like you've never needed running before, then this is the event for you! Come and celebrate all things Spice Girls!
- 5 km trail running + 249 ft ascent
- Sat 24 Jan
- £27-£38
OMG (One Mile 2 Go) Run | 4 Hour
Run as far as you can during the 4-hour event through the lovely Bawsey Country Park on a multi-terrain loop. Run, rest, then head out for more.
- 4 hrs trail running
- Sun 25 Jan
- £14-£16
Bridlington | 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 1 Feb
- £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
- Sat 7 Feb
- £23-£27
The Highland Hotfoot | 5K
Come and join in The Highland Hotfoot because who doesn't love those furry Highland Cows and therefore want a medal of them!
- 5 km trail running
- Sat 7 Feb
- £26-£28
Lincoln Culture Run I | 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, medal and goody bag.
- 5 km trail running + 33 ft ascent
- Sat 7 Feb
- £20
Dark Skies Series | Moonlit Meadow Run | 5K Night Run
The Moonlit Meadow Run 5K is a double Gold award-winning night trail running event and the original inspiration for the ‘Dark Skies Series’ of three night trail running events across Somerset.
- 5 km trail running + 46 ft ascent
- Sun 8 Feb
- £25
Wokingham 5K & 10K & Kids Fun Run | 5K
Race through Wokingham town centre on fast, closed roads, on a one-lap 5K route, and a brilliant community race-day atmosphere.
- 5 km multi terrain running
- Sun 8 Feb
- £33-£38
Run for Cake | 4 Hour
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.
- 4 hrs trail running
- Sat 14 Feb
- £15-£17
Besotted at Bingley | 5K
A trail race event that is flat and fast and perfect for a PB and also brilliant for a beginner or the runner who wants to do their own pace with bespoke medal and treats at the finish line.
- 5 km trail running + 115 ft ascent
- Sat 14 Feb
- £14-£16
Hull Culture Run I | 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 14 Feb
- £23-£27
The Racoon Rocket Run | 5K
Come and join The Racoon Rocket Run 5K and earn yourself a beautiful medal with an adorable picture of a fluffy raccoon on it! What more could you ask for?
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 15 Feb
- £37.50-£39.50
SoBo Series | Volume 2 | My Funny Valentine
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 15 Feb
- £14-£16
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Rodley | 5K
“Your Distance, Your Pace, Your Weekend”. Looking for a friendly, scenic 5K running event in Yorkshire?
- 5 km road running
- Sun 15 Feb
- £17-£25
Smurf 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 fantastic Smurf-themed medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 5 km trail running
- Sat 21 Feb
- £23-£27
The Rubber Ducky Dash | 5K
For this 5K run, not only will you earn a super cute rubber duck themed medal, but also your very own rubber ducky to take home with you!
- 5 km trail running
- Sat 21 Feb
- £25-£27
Any Kind of Weather Runner | 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, medal and goody bag.
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 22 Feb
- £27-£29
Thetford Festival of Running | 5K
New venue! Come and enjoy the paths, trails and woodland of Thetford Forest over 5K distance with fantastic support, community feel, and a medal at the finish!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 22 Feb
- £15-£27
The Doughnut Dash | Northampton | 5K
Come and join The Doughnut Dash 5K! At this event you can earn yourself a super fun medal along with some doughnuts at the finish line to celebrate your achievement!
- 5 km trail running + 26 ft ascent
- Sun 22 Feb
- £23-£27
The Wacky Run | 5K
Time to get nostalgic with the Wacky Run! I'm sure a lot of us can remember this fun cartoon and some of the crazy characters such as Dick Dastardly and Muttley, Penelope Pitstop and The Ant Hill Mob.
- 5 km road running
- Sat 28 Feb
- £23-£27
The Giraffe Gallop | 5K
There's another animal inspired event for you, the featured animal this time is a giraffe! The medal, as always, is incredible and definitely one to add to your animal collection!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 1 Mar
- £19-£21
ATW Great Yarmouth Seafront Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | 5K
Combines the thrill of running and the picturesque charm of Great Yarmouth over a fast-paced course through the town's rich history and vibrant landscapes.
- 5 km road running
- Sun 1 Mar
- £22-£27
St Davids Day Dragon Run | 5K
Come and get involved in the second St David's Day 5K Dragon Run in the beautiful Dare Valley Country Park in, of course, Wales!
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 1 Mar
- £19
Oundle 5K
Get involved in the historic market town of Oundle for the return of the 5K event on gently undulating roads around pretty Northamptonshire villages.
- 5 km road running + 108 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.