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. Read more
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.
Some of the UK's biggest races - this year and next
Flat, fast and an ideal setting for those aiming to achieve a personal best and is a great choice when looking for a marathon that is eligible for good for age for the London 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!
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! Team relay challenge available too.
Secure your marathon place for 2025 and start training!
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.
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 2025.
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 2025.
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.
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 MyWay. Charity places available for 2025.
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.
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 now available for 2025.
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.
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!
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?
Discover the only fully closed road marathon in Wales. Set in the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the finish line has a wild atmosphere with a stunning red carpet finish and great crowds!
Your complete guide to getting a place and taking part in 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!
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.
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!
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!
How to secure a charity place plus tips and advice on fundraising.
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.
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! Team relay challenge available too.
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 2025.
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 2025.
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 MyWay. Charity places available for 2025.
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.
Join #TeamNSPCC for a bespoke training plan, fundraising support, personalised running vest, cheer points, refreshments & massage! Stand with us. Run for us. Together, we can change children's lives.
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!
Looking for a marathon outside the UK? Run a marathon in one of Europe's finest cities.
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 2025.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Guides, tips and advice on training for a 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about marathons.
Select your location for marathons in your area.
