Marathons

Marathons

The UK's most comprehensive calendar of marathons with 300+ event listings. Search by date, location or map to find a marathon near you or browse to discover your perfect race.

View all UK marathons

314 Events in 2024/25

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.

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.

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Major marathons in 2024

Some of the UK's biggest races which still have entries open for 2024.

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 2024.
  • Sun 7 Apr
  • FREE-£69.99
  • Entries close soon
Brighton, East Sussex, UK

Brighton Marathon

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 2024.

  • Entries close soon
  • 26.2 miles road running
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!
  • Sun 26 May
  • £68
  • Entries closed
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

Edinburgh Marathon

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!

  • Entries closed
  • 26.2 miles road running
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! Relay team challenge available too.
  • Sun 20 Oct
  • £65-£67
  • 2 charities
York, North Yorkshire, UK

Yorkshire Marathon

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! Relay team challenge available too.

  • 26.2 miles road running

Spring marathons

Events taking place in March, April and May.

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 2024.
  • Sun 7 Apr
  • FREE-£69.99
  • Entries close soon
Brighton, East Sussex, UK

Brighton Marathon

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 2024.

  • Entries close soon
  • 26.2 miles road running
One of the flattest marathon courses in the UK with over 70% of all finishers claiming a PB! The route features the city's Transporter Bridge, coastal wildlife and picturesque medieval villages.
  • Sun 28 Apr
  • £42-£52
Newport, Newport, UK

ABP Newport Wales Marathon

One of the flattest marathon courses in the UK with over 70% of all finishers claiming a PB! The route features the city's Transporter Bridge, coastal wildlife and picturesque medieval villages.

  • 26.2 miles road running
A multi-award-winning marathon consistently ranked in the top 10 UK marathons with a stadium finish to give you goosebumps! AIMS-certified and BARR Gold accreditation for outstanding race management.
  • Mon 6 May
  • £52-£54
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK

MK Marathon

A multi-award-winning marathon consistently ranked in the top 10 UK marathons with a stadium finish to give you goosebumps! AIMS-certified and BARR Gold accreditation for outstanding race management.

  • 26.2 miles road running
Race through the beautiful castle grounds over marathon distance for all levels from first-timers to elite then celebrate with friends and family in the festival village.
  • Sun 26 May
  • £49-£80
Gort, Ireland

Lough Cutra Castle | Marathon

Race through the beautiful castle grounds over marathon distance for all levels from first-timers to elite then celebrate with friends and family in the festival village.

  • 42.2 km trail running
Your guide to the Edinburgh Marathon 2023
  • 10 mins read
  • 28 Sep 2022

Your guide to the Edinburgh Marathon 2023

Alongside the headline 26.2-mile run, there are eight other races to choose from at this vibrant festival in the Scottish capital.

Your guide to the adidas Manchester Marathon 2023
  • 5 mins read
  • 28 Sep 2022
Best events

Your guide to the adidas Manchester Marathon 2023

Known as one of the UK's fastest, flattest and friendliest marathons, this popular 26.2-mile race attracts thousands of runners each year to the North West's biggest city.

Summer marathons

Events taking place in June, July and August.

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?
  • Sat 29 - Sun 30 Jun
  • £90-£120
  • 2 charities
Wetherby, West Yorkshire, UK

Endure24 | Leeds

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?

  • 24 hrs multi terrain running
Run through beautiful castle grounds and into surrounding countryside over marathon distance for everyone from first-timers up to elite then celebrate with friends and family in the festival village.
  • Sun 28 Jul
  • £52-£80
Grantham, Leicestershire, UK

Belvoir Castle | Marathon

Run through beautiful castle grounds and into surrounding countryside over marathon distance for everyone from first-timers up to elite then celebrate with friends and family in the festival village.

  • 42.2 km trail running
Where adventure meets wellness! Embark on a breathtaking journey through Thoresby Park's enchanting landscapes in the exhilarating marathon - the pinnacle of the weekend along with the half marathon.
  • Sun 28 Jul
  • £35-£37
  • Cancelled
Newark, Nottinghamshire, UK

ATW Thoresby Park Running Festival | Marathon

Where adventure meets wellness! Embark on a breathtaking journey through Thoresby Park's enchanting landscapes in the exhilarating marathon - the pinnacle of the weekend along with the half marathon.

  • 26.2 miles trail running

Autumn marathons

Events taking place in September, October and November.

Circumnavigate the largest man-made lake in northern Europe, Kielder Water, on an off-road marathon which is one of the most stunning marathon races around!
  • Sun 6 Oct
  • £39-£44
Hexham, Northumberland, UK

Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon

Circumnavigate the largest man-made lake in northern Europe, Kielder Water, on an off-road marathon which is one of the most stunning marathon races around!

  • 26.2 miles trail running
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 2024.
  • Sun 20 Oct
  • FREE-£95
  • 6 charities
Amsterdam, Netherlands

TCS Amsterdam Marathon

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 2024.

  • 26.2 miles road running
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! Relay team challenge available too.
  • Sun 20 Oct
  • £65-£67
  • 2 charities
York, North Yorkshire, UK

Yorkshire Marathon

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! Relay team challenge available too.

  • 26.2 miles road running
Europe's 5th largest marathon follows a city centre lap perfect for marathon running. Much-loved and always oversubscribed, it's super-friendly and unmissable.
  • Sun 27 Oct
  • €110
Dublin, Ireland

Irish Life Dublin Marathon

Europe's 5th largest marathon follows a city centre lap perfect for marathon running. Much-loved and always oversubscribed, it's super-friendly and unmissable.

  • 26.2 miles road running

Running London Marathon 2024

Your complete guide to getting a place and taking part in the TCS London Marathon.

How to secure your place

Not sure how to secure your place in the London Marathon. Read our guide to find out.

Read more
Your guide to the TCS London Marathon
  • 5 mins read
  • 15 Sep 2022
Best events

Your guide to 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!

Run for charity in the TCS London Marathon
  • 5 mins read
  • 15 Sep 2022
Do it for charity

Run for charity in the TCS London Marathon

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.

Race 101: the TCS London Marathon
  • 5 mins read
  • 15 Sep 2022
Ready to race

Race 101: the TCS London Marathon

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!

5 reasons to run the Virtual TCS London Marathon
  • 3 mins read
  • 20 Oct 2022
Best events

5 reasons to run the Virtual TCS London Marathon

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!

Run a marathon for charity

How to secure a charity place plus tips and advice on fundraising.

What is a charity place?

A charity place is a place in the event that has been bought by a charity. The charity allocates this place to a runner in return for the runner raising funds for the charity. The runner is usually asked to pay a small registration fee although some charities offer 'free' places in return for the fundraising commitment.

How do I secure a charity place?

It's easy to secure a charity place in a marathon (unless it's London Marathon where competition is fierce). On TimeOutdoors, charities with places are listed on the main event listing - just select your preferred charity and complete the simple form to start the application process.

Run a marathon for charity
  • 5 mins read
  • 7 Dec 2022

Run a marathon for charity

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 2024.
  • Sun 7 Apr
  • FREE + £500 fundraising
  • Entries close soon
Brighton, East Sussex, UK

Brighton Marathon

Missing People

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 2024.

  • Entries close soon
  • 26.2 miles road running
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?
  • Sat 29 - Sun 30 Jun
  • £45 + £250 fundraising
Wetherby, West Yorkshire, UK

Endure24 | Leeds

Alzheimer's Research UK

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?

  • Multi-terrain run
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 2024.
  • Sun 20 Oct
  • £35 + £250 fundraising
Amsterdam, Netherlands

TCS Amsterdam Marathon

Cats Protection

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 2024.

  • 26.2 miles road running
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! Relay team challenge available too.
  • Sun 20 Oct
  • £30 + £400 fundraising
York, North Yorkshire, UK

Yorkshire Marathon

Dreams Come True

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! Relay team challenge available too.

  • 26.2 miles road running

Marathons in Europe in 2024

Looking for a marathon outside the UK? Run a marathon in one of Europe's finest cities.

Your guide to the TCS Amsterdam Marathon
Ready to race

Your guide to the TCS Amsterdam Marathon

Enjoy a fantastic European marathon combined with a city break - find out how in this guide.

Read more
A world record-breaking road race around a historic city on a route featuring the Brandenburg Gate and iconic sights. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024, this is going to be a race to remember!
  • Sun 29 Sep
  • €205
  • Entries closed
Berlin, Germany

BMW Berlin Marathon

A world record-breaking road race around a historic city on a route featuring the Brandenburg Gate and iconic sights. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024, this is going to be a race to remember!

  • Entries closed
  • 26.2 miles road running
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 2024.
  • Sun 20 Oct
  • FREE-£95
  • 6 charities
Amsterdam, Netherlands

TCS Amsterdam Marathon

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 2024.

  • 26.2 miles road running
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 2024.
  • Sun 7 Apr
  • FREE-£62.50
  • Entries closed
Paris, France

Schneider Electric Paris Marathon

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 2024.

  • Entries closed
  • 26.2 miles road running
Your guide to the Paris Marathon
  • 5 mins read
  • 13 Oct 2022
Best events

Your guide to the Paris Marathon

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.

Your guide to the BMW Berlin Marathon
  • 5 mins read
  • 20 Oct 2022
Best events

Your guide to the BMW Berlin Marathon

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!

Training for a marathon

Guides, tips and advice on training for a marathon.

How long does it take to train for a marathon?

This will depend on the current fitness level of the runner but could be anything from 12 weeks to 6 months to do it safely.

Running your first marathon
  • 10 mins read
  • 1 Dec 2022

Running your first 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.

What is the best marathon for running a PB?
  • 12 mins read
  • 26 Jan 2023

What is the best marathon for running a PB?

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.

How long does it usually take to run a marathon?

According to an analysis by RunRepeat, the average male pace for marathons is 6:43 mins/km and the average female pace is 7:26 mins/km but these averages mask variations between ages.

Read more

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about marathons.

Why 26.2 miles?

The exact marathon distance is 26.2188 miles or 42.195 kilometers. But why?

Read more

Which is the oldest marathon?

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest marathon and is regarded as one of the world's most prestigious events. It was first run on 19 April 1897 inspired by the marathon at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens.

Who is the fastest marathon runner in the world?

The current world record for men is 2:00:35, set in the 2023 Chicago Marathon by Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya who died in a tragic car crash in 2024. The fastest female marathon runner is Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia who ran Berlin Marathon in 2:11:53 in 2023.

What are the World Marathon Majors?

When it comes to marathons, there are few events as renowned as the World Marathon Majors.

Read more