Fun run events
Explore fun runs across the UK — welcoming, low-pressure events designed to get everyone moving. From family-friendly races and fancy-dress runs to colourful charity events, use the filters to find fun runs by date, location and age group. Read more
Fun runs are all about participation, atmosphere and enjoyment rather than finish times. They’re perfect for first-time runners, families, schools, charity fundraisers and anyone who wants to be active without the intensity of a race.
Distances are usually shorter and flexible, often ranging from 1K to 5K, with plenty of walking, jogging and running mixed together. Many events add extra fun through themes like fancy dress, colour powder, music, mascots or festival-style event villages.
Fun runs are also a popular way to raise money for good causes, thanks to their accessible distances and inclusive nature. Whether you’re taking part solo, with friends, or as part of a group, there’s a fun run to suit every age and confidence level. Use the filters to narrow down events by region, date and age requirements — and enjoy running for the joy of it.
Looking for a timed race or a bigger challenge? Jump to the category that matches your goal — 5K runs, 10K runs, trail runs, charity runs or all running events.
Got questions? Read our FAQs for answers.
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Fun runs in 2026–2027
Discover fun runs across the UK and get ready for your next start line.
- Sat 20 Dec
- £9.50
Santa Run Wales
Get your Santa suits, reindeer antlers, and elf ears ready — Christmas is Coming, and so is the most magical fun run of the year!
- Fun run
- 5K run
- Sat 20 Dec
- £6-£22
Christmas Pudding Dash
Back for its 20th year, this cracking, undulating, muddy cross-country trail racing extravaganza would have Santa ditching his sleigh for running shoes!
- Fun run 2
- XC run
- Sun 21 Dec
- £7-£22
Kent Christmas Cracker
Grab your running shoes and put on your Santa hat - it's time for this cracking Christmas race! Come and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and superb racing on this flat and fast course.
- Fun run 3
- Sun 21 Dec
- £26-£30
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
- Thu 25 Dec
- £16-£18
Christmas Day Cracker Run | 3K
Come and join the morning of running and aim to complete a 3K at your own pace on a scenic course then receive a Christmas present, themed medal and goody bag at the finish!
- 3 km trail running
- Sat 27 Dec
- £16-£35
Year End Time Turner
Join the final event of the year and see it out with a bang! You can choose the medal you want from a selection from throughout the year!
- Trail run
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- + 3 more races
- Wed 31 Dec
- £5-£10
Salcombe RNLI Resolution Fun Run
Join in for the Salcombe RNLI Resolution Fun Run — a 7km scenic trail run looping around the beautiful Snape’s Point and back.
- 7 km trail running + 350 ft ascent
- Sat 10 Jan 2026
- £8-£28
Dark Skies Surrey Hills
The Dark Skies returns for an undulating yomp through Surrey’s muddy, rolling hills and feature a thrilling 5K, 10K, 10 Mile, kids races and canicross with hot food and drinks, medals, kit and prizes.
- Fun run 2
- 5K run
- 10K run
- 10 miler
- CaniCross 2
- Sat 17 Jan 2026
- £10-£24
Haldon Night
Popular night-time trail races through Haldon Forest with beer, mince pies and medals for finishers! A range of distances to cater for all ages. Fun for all the family with fancy dress awards too.
- 10K run
- 5K run
- Trail run 2
- CaniCross
- Sun 18 Jan 2026
- £7
Sherwood New Year Junior Run
This race will give aspiring junior racers a chance to take part in their very own, dedicated event where they will receive a medal and can look forward to being cheered across the finish line!
- 1.3 km trail running + 49 ft ascent
- Sun 18 Jan 2026
- £8
ATW Mallory Park Winter Fun Run
Gear up for an adrenaline-packed winter running experience like no other at Mallory Park Motor Racing Circuit!
- 1.25 km road running + 36 ft ascent
- Sun 25 Jan 2026
- £25-£27
ATW Bedford 5
This flat, fast, traffic-free and chip timed event is a sure-fire guaranteed way to give you the best chance of a PB over the 5 mile distance.
- 5 miles road running
- Sun 1 Feb 2026
- £7
Bedgebury Forest Junior Race
A superb and stunning race using the trails that twist and turn beneath the majestic forest canopy of Bedgebury National Forest. With a brand new junior race offering, it's one for the family too!
- 2 km trail running + 128 ft ascent
- Sun 1 Feb 2026
- £12
ATW Watford Family Fun Run
This popular event has a strong history within the running community and has been taking place for over 40 years. Join a day of running, community spirit and exciting experiences!
- 1.8 km road running
- Sun 15 Feb 2026
- £16-£29
Smurf Run | North
Come and join in Smurf Run, who doesn't love those little blue characters and therefore a medal reflecting how adorable they are!
- Trail run
- 5K run
- 10K run
- Half marathon
- Marathon
- + 3 more races
- Sat 28 Feb 2026
- £14
ALTRA Brighton Half Marathon | Youth Races
The event gives youngsters of all abilities a unique opportunity to experience the buzz of a big race day with a 1-mile run along Hove Promenade, as part of the Brighton Half Marathon.
- 1 mile road running
- Sun 1 Mar 2026
- £9.99
Jones o Gymru Anglesey Dragons Dash
Returning for 2026, the hugely popular Dragon’s Dash/Ras y Ddraig junior race welcomes over 200 young runners, The event now takes place at the Anglesey Showground, right in the heart of Anglesey.
- 1.3 miles road running
- Sun 1 Mar 2026
- £7.50
Taunton Half Marathon | Kids Kilometre Fun Run
A brand new fun run part of the highly anticipated Taunton Half Marathon for the running community with the theatre of a traffic-free, town centre start and finish for that great race-day buzz!
- 1 km road running
- Fri 13 - Sat 14 Mar 2026
- £26
Supernova Run Kelpies 5K
Ready... Steady... GLOW! Expect to be swept away on a distinctly magical 5K experience as dusk falls on the home of two 30-metre high horses.
- 5K run 2
- Sun 15 Mar 2026
- £7
Sherwood Pines Junior Run
Taking place on the trails and paths around Sherwood and fully marshalled with medals for all finishers and raucous cheers over the finish line to inspire younger runners in a wonderful environment.
- 1.3 km trail running + 49 ft ascent
- Sun 22 Mar 2026
- £7
Hastings Half Marathon | Claremont Mini Run
The highlight of race day! The mini run takes place after the main half marathon has started and junior finishers receive a medal at the finish!
- 2.5 km road running
- Sun 29 Mar 2026
- £12.50-£15
Mini Kilomathon Scotland
The 2.62K Mini Kilomathon is a fun race and a fantastic opportunity for young runners to step out on their own, and be part of an exciting race experience, with the added bonus of a grandstand finish!
- 2.62 km road running
- Sun 5 Apr 2026
- £7
Chasewater Easter Egg Challenge | Junior Run
Treat yourself to these Easter races around the beautiful Chasewater Reservoir! With a range of races on offer, there's something for everyone!
- 0.6 km multi terrain running
- Mon 6 Apr 2026
- £7-£27
London Easter 10K
Take to the tarmac and join us in London's beautiful Regent's Park for a spectacular Easter celebration race that never fails to disappoint! Did we mention that you get to race past London Zoo...?
- Fun run 2
- 10K run
- Mon 6 Apr 2026
- FREE
ATW Stevenage Spring 400M Childrens Fun Run
A free 400m Children’s Fun Run will take place on the running track 30 mins before the half-marathon start - no need to book, just turn up. Parents are welcome to run with their kids and warm up!
- 400 m track and field
Fun runs FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about fun run events and family fun runs.
A fun run is a relaxed running event focused on participation rather than performance. They’re designed to be welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable for runners, joggers and walkers alike.
Yes — fun runs are ideal for beginners thanks to shorter distances, friendly atmospheres and flexible pacing. Walking is usually welcome.
No. Many fun runs are family-friendly, but plenty are aimed at adults too, including charity events, themed runs and fancy-dress races.
Most fun runs range from 1K to 5K, though some events also include longer options. Check each listing for distance and age guidance.
Some are, but many aren’t. Timing isn’t the focus — enjoyment and participation come first. Event listings will tell you if results or chip timing are included.
No — comfortable trainers and clothes are enough. If you’re wearing fancy dress, make sure it’s safe, breathable and tested before race day.
Absolutely. Fun runs are one of the most popular ways to raise money thanks to their accessible distances and supportive atmospheres.
Browse the listings on this page and filter by location, date and age group to find events close to home.
Fun runs near you
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