The best runs that you've never heard of
To celebrate Global Running Day, we're rounding the best unsung marathons, half marathons and more in the UK!
Global Running Day takes place on Wednesday 5 June and there are free events and virtual challenges happening across the UK throughout the week to mark this international celebration of running.
While Global Running Day may only come round once a year, we take to the streets and trails in our thousands everyday to head out for a run. British Cycling may have made more headlines in the past decade or so but it's running that we have a national obsession with, which is why you can more runs on TimeOutdoors than any other type of event.
That means that as well as hugely popular events like the TCS London Marathon and AJ Bell Great North Run, you can discover a massive range of local races and fun runs that don't have a title sponsor but do have willing and enthusiastic organisers hosting a great experience.
Here, we're celebrating some of the best runs that you've likely never heard of, all of which you can sign up to right now!
Half marathons
One of the UK's most popular distances, these 13.1-mile (21K) runs can be found across the country, both on road and on trails.
Beacons to the Blacks
Perth y Pia, Crickhowell
September
The Black Mountains in Wales features some rugged and unforgiving ascents, but also some of the most sensational views to be found in the UK. This off-road half marathon includes some punishing climbs, fast trails and a fantastic event HQ at the finish line!
The Ciderthon
Henley-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire
August
If the name isn't enough to draw you in, here's what you need to know: this half marathon heads out from the Culden Faw Estate and takes in a varied, multi-terrain route that culminates at an event village complete with music, bars and entertainment. Sound good?
The Great Barrow Half Marathon Challenge | 10 in 10
Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk
July/August
Half marathon runners are challenged to complete 10 half marathons in 10 days in the 10th Anniversary of this unique endurance challenge. If that sounds a step too far, it's easy to mix in a few 10Ks or 5Ks and still earn your 10 medals!
Marathons
Running 26.2 miles is often seen as the pinnacle of an amateur athlete's running experience and these local marathons provide a fantastic experience for doing so!
Yorkshireman
Keighley, West Yorkshire
September
Running out of Haworth in West Yorkshire, the Yorkshireman is, aptly enough, a properly tough marathon. You can expect over 3,000ft of ascent over 26.2 miles of fell running, including some steep ascents but also some spectacular views! There is also a half marathon(ish) on offer, too.
The Veloforte Wales Marathon
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
June
Marketed as the only fully closed road marathon in Wales, this is one to target if you're hunting for a PB! The race departs from Tenby and heads to Pembroke, returning to the coast for a red carpet finish with a sensational crowd atmosphere.
10K runs
There are hundreds of 10K runs across the UK, including some epic local races - find a small selection of them below.
Crackpots Trail Run
Ripon, North Yorkshire
June
This is the first time that the Crackpots run has been held and there's plenty of reasons to get involved, from the wild route that crashes through forests and streams to the truly epic prizes on offer to all runners, including a spa day at Grantley Hall.
Shoreditch Street Art 10K
Aldgate, London
September
Run through the amazing street art of Shoreditch on a 10K guided running tour.
The Sunset Running Festival
Edinburgh
July
This is actually a 7K race, with a half marathon and marathon on offer at the same time, but the event looks too interesting to leave out! Held at Gipsy Brae Recreation Ground on the coast north of Edinburgh, this evening race is held over a four-mile loop and returns to an event village with hot food and cold drinks as the sun goes down.
10-mile races
Running 10 miles a classic challenge and this distance remains popular, with both road and trail options available.
Man vs Moor
Minehead, Somerset
June
If you're after a straight-up 10-mile run, keep scrolling. If you're interested in an epic running challenge complete with a variety of natural obstacles, this is where you'll find it! Expect tough hills, tarns to swim across, waterfalls to jump down and much more in Exmoor.
The Cabbage Patch 10
Twickenham, London
October
Named after the infamous rugby pub in Twickenham, close to the England Rugby stadium, this 10-mile road run has sold out for the past eight years and shows no sign of stopping. Enjoy a scenic route along the River Thames and over both Richmond Bridge and Kingston Bridge.
5K runs
It's just parkrun that you can find all over the UK - there are local 5K races happening for beginner runners and seasoned athletes alike.
Two Tunnels Railway Races
Bath, Somerset
August
This exciting event not only explores some of Bath's most beautiful historic architecture but also includes the longest underground section for any 5K in the UK, creating a completely unique race experience. Run through the Devonshire Tunnel and Combe Down Tunnel, returning to Bricksfield Park afterwards.
Yorkshire Dales 5K
Masham, North Yorkshire
September
A brand new race for 2024, this run benefits from the mega atmosphere of the Long Course Weekend Yorkshire which celebrates the launch of the famous three-day event format in England for the first time! Come for the closed roads, shiny bling and party atmosphere.
Ultra marathons
Fancy something a little more challenging? Ultra marathons are some of the most demanding events out there!
Sidlaw Ultra
Forfar, Angus
November
Challenge yourself to an ultra over the impressive Sidlaw Mountain Range by Perthshire, eastern Scotland, not far from St Andrews and Dundee then come in to chilli, hot pudding and medal to prove it.
Make my Day Mother Flecker
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
March
Brand new for 2025, this trail running extravaganza funnels you through a beautiful multi-lap route so you can enjoy the characterful scenery time and time again.
Summit Wild Ultra
Kingsbridge, Devon
August
A stunning ultra trail race taking in the South West Coast Path on a fully-marked route with chip timing and medals for all plus an uplifting festival vibe!