Cross-country runs
Cross-country runs serve up the best kind of chaos: soft ground, sharp turns, muddy climbs and fast racing off-road. Use our calendar to find UK XC races by date and location — then get stuck into your next cross-country challenge. Read more
Cross-country running is pure racing — usually on grass, dirt and mud, often with short hills, tight corners and ever-changing underfoot conditions. It’s a brilliant way to build strength and speed, and it’s one of the most welcoming corners of the sport: you’ll find everything from beginner-friendly local events to club leagues and seriously competitive fixtures.
Most XC races are shorter than a road race day — think sharp 5K–10K efforts — but the terrain makes them feel bigger. Expect parks, farmland, woodland trails and open moorland-style sections, plus the occasional boggy surprise (that’s part of the fun).
Use the filters to narrow it down fast: pick a region, choose a date window like this weekend, and scan the map if you’re happy to travel. Want something different? Try trail runs for longer routes in wilder places, or mountain marathons for big-navigation days in the hills.
Got questions? Read our FAQs for answers.
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Cross-country runs in 2026–2027
Discover XC runs and races near you and get ready for your next start line.
- Sat 10 Jan 2026
- £80
Country to Capital Ultra
A fabulous 43-mile point-to-point race, well established as the season opener to the Ultra race calendar and always sells out. From the countryside along the Grand Union Canal into London.
- 43 miles trail running + 1404 ft ascent
- Sat 11 Apr 2026
- £46
The Rosebud Marathon
The Rosebud Marathon is part of the award-winning Rose of the Shires Ultra through Northamptonshire's beautiful countryside, where you can run the final section of the ultra as a marathon.
- 26.2 miles multi terrain running + 1241 ft ascent
- Sat 6 Jun 2026
- £35
Hop Run | 5K
If you like great beer and running on amazing riverside trails then this event is for you! Run 5K through the beautiful valley of the North Esk River to finish at the brewery for a free beer.
- 5 km trail running
- Sun 19 Jul 2026
- £15-£60
Revesby Running Festival
Runs with unparalleled scenery making them some of the most picturesque events in the area, on a private estate. 5K, 10K, half marathon or a totally unique running challenge 'Challenge The Estate'.
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Multi-terrain run
- Wed 24 Dec
- £28.80
Santa Claws 10K
The Santa Claws 10km takes place on Christmas Eve in the beautiful surroundings of the stunning Yattendon Estate, home to the brilliant hosts, the Renegade Brewery.
- 10K run
- CaniCross
- Sun 8 Feb 2026
- £41-£43
The Doynton Hard Half Marathon
The Doynton Hard Half Marathon is a muddy and hilly cross-country half marathon in and around Doynton, on the south edge of the Cotswolds.
- 13.1 miles xc running
- Sun 8 Feb 2026
- £18
Bertha Park Trail Run
10km trail run around Bertha Park Loch and Almondbank.
- 10 km trail running
- Sun 8 Mar 2026
- £39
Leith Hill Half Marathon
A cross-country half marathon from Dorking to the top of the highest point in south-eastern England - Leith Hill - and back. Tough enough?
- 13.1 miles trail running + 1778 ft ascent
- Sat 21 Mar 2026
- £33-£47
Paras'10 Colchester | Roman Rampage
Standby to traverse the Pendulum, wade through Caesar’s Crossing and battle through the Green Zone in this new PARAS’10 event. Get ready for mud, blood, sweat and tears.
- 10 miles multi terrain running
- Sun 22 Mar 2026
- £18-£22
7 Pools Run
The 7 Pools Run is a distinguished 10k cross-country challenge set in the Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, boasting a history of over 25 years.
- 10 km xc running
- Sun 26 Apr 2026
- £7-£40
Bolt Round the Holt
Join the fight against bowel cancer as you take to the trail at Bolt Round the Holt, and with every tantilising twist and turn, with every step, raise valuable funds for GUTS.
- Fun run
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Sun 4 Oct 2026
- £25-£110
Clarendon Marathon
If you are looking for a marathon which is off road, picturesque and challenging then running the Clarendon is the ultimate.
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- Multi-terrain run
Cross-country runs FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about XC runs and races.
A cross-country run is an off-road running race, typically over grass, dirt and mud. Courses often include short hills, tight turns and mixed terrain through parks, woodland or open fields.
Yes. Many XC events welcome first-timers and focus on participation, not just competition. Pick a local race, choose a shorter distance, and treat it as a fun off-road challenge.
UK cross-country races commonly sit around 5K to 10K, though some events go shorter for juniors and longer for seniors depending on the organiser and venue.
Wear kit you don’t mind getting muddy, plus shoes with grip (trail shoes work well). In winter, add a light layer for the warm-up and bring dry socks for after.
Most XC racing peaks in autumn and winter when ground conditions create that classic cross-country feel. You can still find events year-round, but the biggest clusters are in the colder months.
Start with location + date, then narrow by distance. If you’re training for speed, look for flatter park courses; if you want a tougher day out, pick hillier venues and winter fixtures.
Cross-country is usually shorter, faster and more “race” focused, often on grass and parkland-style terrain. Trail runs tend to be longer routes on footpaths and bridleways, often with more climbing and scenery.
Cross-country runs near you
Select your location for XC runs and races in your area.