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. Select your location for marathons in your area or scroll down to see events in the UK & Europe coming up.
Featured events are listed below - select your region to see all events.
Happy New Year Run along the flat and even Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath - perfect for runners of all abilities, from novices to PB chasers!
Starting off in Skipton Market Town and the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales before heading out on the canal to Saltaire allows runners the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful route.
Multiple pretty 5-mile loops through a lovely country park (a former colliery) on good paths with challenging hills to earn your bespoke medal and finish line treats.
This event is a huge favourite among the trail running community selling with lovely scenery, challenging hills and a little bit of mud it encompasses everything trail.
A trail race event that is flat and fast and perfect for a PB also brilliant for a beginner or the runner who wants to do their own pace with bespoke medal and finish line treats.
A trail race event that is flat and fast and perfect for a PB also brilliant for a beginner or the runner who wants to do their own pace with bespoke medal and finish line treats.
Previously rated one of the top 10 UK marathons by Runners World! Stunningly scenic riverside routes along the Thames towpath. Flat, fast and very runnable with great runner support.
Fast, flat, PB-grabbing event on traffic-free trails and the canal towpath with a bespoke medal and treats at the finish line. All levels of runner welcome.
The 20-mile race is two 8-mile laps from the ancient marketplace plus a 4-mile stretch along the river towpath, as part of the wider raceday, with a bespoke medal for every finisher!
Fast, flat, PB-grabbing event on good trail and canal towpath with a bespoke medal and treats at the finish line.
A new marathon to get people running and moving around the spectacular Salcey Forest for all abilities, speeds and experiences as part of the TrailFest events.
Multiple laps of a circular run around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales.
Multiple laps of a circular 6.7 mile loop around Scarhouse Reservoir in the Yorkshire Dales with bespoke medal and finish line goodies.
Multiple laps of a circular loop around Thruscoss Reservoir in the Yorkshire Dales followed by bespoke medal and finish line goodies.
Multiple circular loops around the lovely Grimwith Reservoir in the Yorkshire Dales with a bespoke medal and goodies at the finish line.
Multiple laps of a circular run around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales.
A fabulous event starting in Myrtle Park in Bingley and taking in the magnificent hills and countryside surrounding Bingley.
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.
This 2-lap marathon course offers a spectacular route including green parks, shoreline and riverside views, starting and finishing at the iconic Southampton Guildhall.
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.
The Magna Carta Marathon is based in scenic Runnymede right near the historic site where the treaty of Magna Carta was agreed by King John of England and signed on 15th June 1215.
The Magna Carta Half Marathon is based in scenic Runnymede right near the historic site where the treaty of Magna Carta was agreed by King John of England and signed on 15th June 1215.
Experience the UK’s friendliest and flattest major marathon with huge crowd support on a route with PB potential plus chunky medals and relay options. Charity places now available for 2024.
A scenic out-and-back course alongside the Huddersfield Canal. West Yorkshire with a bespoke medal and goodies at the finish.
Be part of the world’s biggest marathon and earn the coveted finisher’s medal and New Balance T-shirt by taking on the Virtual TCS London Marathon your way. Charity places now available for 2024.
Experience the renowned atmosphere of the TCS London Marathon, the most popular marathon in the world, with its grand finale on The Mall itself! Charity places available for 2024.
Multiple loops around the trails of Temple Newsam, Leeds, West Yorkshire with a bespoke medal and lots of goodies and treats for all finishers.
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.
Previously rated one of the top UK marathons! Scenic mixed-terrain route around Bewl Water on undulating rural wooded trails and quiet country lanes.
The multi-terrain marathon is 12.9 miles on road and 13.7 miles of trails and covers a large part of the ultra distance route.
Sample the delights of the Jurassic Coast on this marathon challenge, taking in 42km of stunning Dorset scenery on a fully supported marathon, with a coastal finish at the iconic Lulworth Cove.
Race over 5 loops in Bronte Country on the spectacular Moors surrounding Haworth, West Yorkshire with a bespoke medal, goodies and treats for all finishers.
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!
The relay is a chance for a team of four to join forces and complete the Edinburgh Marathon. The 26.2 miles is split into four legs, each runner will run one leg plus you'll receive matching medals!
A flat out-and-back event alongside the Leeds and Liverpool canal in the Yorkshire Dales with a bespoke medal and goodies for all finishers.
The pint-sized trail challenge with top reviews on scenic countryside routes with keepsake beer glass, real ale, medal, free photo, prizes, goodies and special Bridgedale socks offer!
Take on this fast and flat summer extravaganza along with the Leeds to Liverpool canal. These out-and-back routes are perfect for all participants looking to run further in a friendly atmosphere.
A new marathon to get people running and moving around the spectacular Cannock Chase Forest for all abilities, speeds and experiences as part of the TrailFest events.
A scenic run on the coastal and cliff trails on the East Coast of Yorkshire, Flamborough, near Bridlington with bespoke medal and goodies for all finishers.
A scenic run on the coastal and cliff trails on the East Coast of Yorkshire, Flamborough, near Bridlington with bespoke medal and goodies for all finishers.
Three-hour lapped challenge over 3.55 miles from the beautiful town of Masham where you'll come in to a bespoke medal and all things Black Sheep at the finish line.
Six-hour lapped challenge over 3.55 miles in the beautiful town of Masham where you'll come in to a bespoke medal and all things Black Sheep at the finish line.
The Round the Rock Marathon delivers unforgettable moments and showcases the natural beauty of the enchanting island of Jersey along the north, west and south coastlines!
Run 'The world's most scenic marathon' through London's greenest borough including Richmond Bridge and the Tow Path. Start inside the Kew Gardens with family fun music festival to finish!
An exciting and spectacular event exploring the beautiful Brecon Beacons and finishing deep in the heart of the Black Mountains with incredible support guaranteed.
A world record-breaking road race around a historic city on a route featuring the Brandenburg Gate and iconic sights. Celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2024 by securing a charity place!
A multi-award event and three time winner of the UK's Best Marathon (up to 5,000 runners) as well as the UK’s only international marathon from the historic Roman/Medieval City of Chester.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Multiple circular loops around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales followed by a bespoke medal and grim treats at the finish line.
Multiple circular loops around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales followed by a bespoke medal and grim treats at the finish line.
Multiple circular loops around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales followed by a bespoke medal and grim treats at the finish line.
Multiple circular loops around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir, within the Yorkshire Dales followed by a bespoke medal and grim treats at the finish line.
This is an out and back course starting on the cliffs at Sewerby and running along the front at Bridlington. The course is great underfoot.
Featured events are listed below - select your region to see all events.
A world record-breaking road race around a historic city on a route featuring the Brandenburg Gate and iconic sights. Celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2024 by securing a charity place!
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.
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.
Guides, tips and advice on running a marathon.
To celebrate Global Running Day, we're rounding the best unsung marathons, half marathons and more in the UK!
Looking for a fresh challenge this year? Sign up to an end-of-season marathon to focus your training through the summer and finish 2023 on a high!
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.
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.
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.
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 from running in 2022!
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!
One of the fastest marathons in the world, Amsterdam is a brilliant fusion of a great running experience and a superb cultural immersion. This is everything you need to know about the 2023 edition!
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.
Alongside the headline 26.2-mile run, there are eight other races to choose from at this vibrant festival in the Scottish capital.
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.
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!
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.
This is the UK's biggest marathon and one of the greatest in the world - here's what you need to know for 2024!
Select your location for marathons in your area.
Requiring physical and mental strength to complete, running a marathon is no mean feat. For many people, getting over the finish line at all will be the pinnacle of their running experiences; for others, chasing a PB time to shout about will be their motivation. Either way, committed training and a healthy dose of grit will be needed!
According to running folklore, the marathon traces its roots back to Ancient Greece, when in 490 BC the Athenian soldier Pheidippides ran 26.2 miles home from the Battle of Marathon to announce the Greek victory. After declaring "Niki" (i.e. victory), he toppled over and died on the spot. To be fair to him, the guy had fought a battle against the Persians before running - not something we recommend before you race.
These days, marathons can be found across the UK and the world, from major events in London, Boston and Berlin to off-road marathons encompassing fells and precarious trails. But whether you're running alongside tens of thousands of people or a few die-hard competitors, crossing the finish line is a brag-worthy feat.
For many people, running a marathon is an opportunity to raise money for a charity close to their heart. Major marathons like London and Yorkshire support countless charities and have raised millions in fundraising. Charities also ensure that these events' routes are crowded with cheer stations, supporting all runners as they head to the finish line.
From its historic roots to massive modern events, the marathon is an iconic running feat. Now's the time to get involved!
A modern marathon is 26.2 miles long (42K). This distance was formally established in 1921 after the marathon in the 1908 Olympics was extended (it had been 25 miles) so that the British Royal Family could better observe the start and finish!
An average runner could expect to finish a marathon in roughly four hours and 30 minutes, which would mean running consistently at 9.5 minutes/mile.
Eliud Kipchoge currently holds the men's marathon record, finishing in 02:01:09 in 2022. For women, the record is 02:14:04, set by Brigid Kosgei in 2019.
There are a huge range of marathons across the UK and abroad, including major marathons like the TCS London Marathon and Edinburgh Marathon, as well as trail races like the Black Mountains Marathon and Shires & Spires. If you want to raise money for charity, go for a major marathon; if you want to explore somewhere new, head off-road!
You can browse a wide variety of marathons on this page or select your local region to view marathons near you on our interactive map. You can also use our advanced search to pick which dates or time of year you are interested in.
