As the popularity of running continues to grow, more and more people are choosing to challenge themselves by participating in marathons. The UK is home to some of the world’s most scenic and well-organised marathons, making it a top destination for runners looking to push their limits. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best UK marathons taking place in 2025.
Many marathons in the UK incorporate festive themes, enhancing the overall experience for participants and spectators. Here are some of the most iconic marathons in the UK that you won’t want to miss:
Starting with one of the most iconic and highly-anticipated marathons in the world, the TCS London Marathon is a must for any avid runner. With its flat and fast route, runners can take in some of London’s most famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
The London Marathon is recognised as the biggest marathon in the UK, attracting over 48,000 finishers. The marathon was founded by Chris Brasher and John Disley, highlighting its rich history. It is one of the renowned World Marathon Majors.
The London Marathon also has a festive atmosphere as spectators line the streets to cheer on participants, creating an electric energy that will keep you going until the finish line. In 2025, the marathon will be celebrating its 45th year and is expected to draw even more international participants.
The Edinburgh Marathon is Scotland’s largest marathon and also one of the fastest marathons in the UK. The first half of the route takes runners through the beautiful city of Edinburgh, passing by iconic landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Palace.
The Edinburgh Marathon takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was established in 2003. In addition to the full marathon, there is also a half marathon, 10k and 5k race options, making it accessible for runners of all levels. The event attracts over 30,000 participants each year and has been voted as one of the best marathons in the world by Runner’s World magazine.
The Edinburgh Marathon features a largely downhill profile, making it ideal for runners looking to achieve personal bests. The marathon finishes close to the oldest golf course in the world, adding a unique touch to the event.
The Adidas Manchester Marathon is one of the most popular marathons in the North of England and attracts thousands of runners each year. The flat and fast route takes runners through some of Greater Manchester’s iconic landmarks, including Old Trafford Stadium and the Etihad Stadium.
The marathon was established in 1908 and has grown in popularity over the years. In addition to the full marathon, there are also half marathon and relay options for participants. The event boasts a great atmosphere with live music along the course to keep you motivated.
The Brighton Marathon takes place in East Sussex, on the South coast of England. This relatively new marathon was established in 2010 but has quickly gained popularity due to its scenic route along the coast. The course is mostly flat, with a few small hills, and takes runners past the iconic Brighton Pier.
The Brighton Marathon offers an inclusive atmosphere, with options for wheelchair participants and visually impaired runners. It also supports local charities and encourages fundraising as part of the event. The race has been named one of the best marathons in the UK by both Runner’s World magazine and The Guardian newspaper.
Aside from the iconic marathons mentioned above, the UK is also home to some of the most scenic marathon routes in the world. If you’re looking for a visually stunning and challenging marathon experience, consider adding these races to your list:
The Marathon Eryri takes place in North Wales and offers runners a unique opportunity to run through beautiful Welsh landscapes, including the scenic Snowdonia National Park, a renowned country park. The route takes runners around the foothills of Snowdonia National Park, offering breathtaking views of mountains and lakes. The Eryri Marathon is recognised for its picturesque route that encircles Yr Wyddfa, one of the highest peaks in Wales.
This marathon is not for the faint-hearted, as it includes over 1,300m of ascent throughout the course. However, it has been voted as one of the most beautiful marathons in the world by Runner’s World magazine. The picturesque scenery and challenging terrain make this a popular race for experienced runners.
The Three Forts Marathon takes place in West Sussex, within the South Downs National Park, offering runners stunning countryside and coastline views. The course takes runners through three historic forts, Cissbury Ring, Chanctonbury Ring and Devil’s Dyke, making it a unique experience for participants.
The Three Forts Marathon is set in the scenic South Downs, providing a beautiful but demanding environment. This marathon is known for its challenging hills and varied terrain, including trails, roads and grassland. It has been described as one of the toughest marathons in the UK and one of the most rewarding. Participants can choose between a full or half marathon option, both taking in the beautiful scenery of the South Downs.
The Loch Ness Marathon is a must for any runner who wants to experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The race starts in the city of Inverness, taking runners through stunning Scottish landscapes and alongside the famous Loch Ness.
As one of Scotland’s most scenic marathons, this event attracts runners from all over the world. This event is an undulating 26.2-mile race that offers a scenic beauty and friendly atmosphere. It has been voted as one of the best UK marathons by Runner’s World magazine and offers both a marathon and 10k options for participants. The challenging but beautiful route makes this marathon an unforgettable experience.
The Beachy Head Marathon is a challenging off-road marathon that takes runners through the scenic South Downs National Park. The second half of the route includes steep ascents and descents, with breathtaking views of the coastline. The Beachy Head Marathon is recognised for its off-road course that runs along the Seven Sisters cliffs.
This marathon offers breathtaking coastal vistas and has been named one of the most picturesque marathons in the UK by both Runner’s World magazine and The Guardian newspaper. It also offers a unique challenge for participants, with over 3,000 feet of ascent throughout the course. If you’re looking for a stunning and demanding marathon experience, this event is not to be missed.
The Cybi Coastal Marathon takes place in Ynys Cybi, Wales. The Cybi Coastal Marathon showcases a varied landscape and captivating coastal scenery, making it a great choice for runners seeking beautiful surroundings. This marathon features a two-lap course, starting at the iconic South Stack lighthouse and making its way along the beautiful coastline of Anglesey. This marathon is known for its stunning views of the Irish Sea and Snowdonia National Park.
In addition to the stunning scenery, this event also offers a friendly atmosphere and camaraderie among participants. It has been voted as one of the best marathons in Wales by Runner’s World magazine and is a popular choice for runners looking for a picturesque but challenging race.
If you’re a runner looking to achieve a personal best time, there are several fast and flat marathons in the UK that may be perfect for you. These races offer a smooth course with minimal elevation, making them ideal for achieving your fastest marathon time:
The Abingdon Marathon, established in 1982, is a flat and fast course ideal for personal bests and first-time marathoners. Despite its growth, it remains a small, community-focused race. It is one of eight UK qualifiers for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group Rankings and attracts runners from over 300 UK clubs and increasing numbers from overseas.
The Boston UK Marathon in Lincolnshire offers runners a primarily flat and fast course with only a few small hills. This marathon has a maximum elevation of only 18 metres, making it a flat and accessible course.
This race is perfect for beginner marathoners or experienced runners looking to achieve a personal best time. The route takes participants through the scenic countryside of Lincolnshire and is known for its friendly atmosphere and supportive spectators.
The APB Newport Wales Marathon is another fast and flat course that takes place in the scenic city of Newport and is acclaimed for having a high percentage of finishers claiming personal bests. This race offers runners a mostly flat route with only a few small hills, making it ideal for achieving a personal best time.
Participants will pass through iconic landmarks such as the Transporter Bridge and the historic Roman town of Caerleon while taking in views of the beautiful Welsh countryside. The supportive atmosphere and smooth course make this marathon a popular choice for runners seeking to achieve their fastest marathon time.
The Yorkshire Marathon offers a flat and fast course with friendly crowds, making it perfect for achieving personal bests. The course features a flat, fast layout through historic streets and idyllic countryside, with the highest point around 40m above sea level.
Runners enjoy a scenic and traffic-free environment along the country lanes during the marathon. The Yorkshire Marathon is highly regarded for its support of first-time marathon runners, with the race often selling out months in advance. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or running your first marathon, this event has something to offer everyone.
The Milton Keynes Marathon is known for its fast and flat course, offering runners the opportunity to achieve a personal best time. This race takes place on the May Day Bank Holiday and offers a scenic route through picturesque villages and beautiful parks.
With only a few small inclines throughout the course, the Milton Keynes Marathon is perfect for first-time marathoners or experienced runners seeking to beat their personal record. The race also offers a half marathon option for those looking for a shorter-distance event. Whether you’re aiming for your fastest time yet or simply want to enjoy the scenic route, this marathon is not one to miss.
For those looking for a marathon challenge unlike any other, there are several unique and demanding races in the UK that offer a one-of-a-kind experience. These marathons may not be the easiest, but they will certainly give you a sense of accomplishment and bragging rights:
The Brecon Beacons Marathon takes place in one of the most challenging terrains in the UK, with participants facing steep ascents and descents throughout the route. This marathon offers truly breathtaking views of the rugged Welsh landscape and is not for the faint-hearted.
The race starts at Glynneath Golf Club and takes runners through Penwyllt Quarry, a former limestone quarry that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. With over 1,600 meters of ascent, this marathon is considered one of the toughest in Wales but also one of the most rewarding.
The Farnham Pilgrim Marathon is an off-road trail marathon that takes runners through the beautiful Surrey Hills, including parts of the North Downs Way and the Greensand Way. This hilly course offers challenging terrain and stunning views of the countryside. The course features challenging ascents along the historical Pilgrim’s Way.
Following the historical Pilgrim’s Way adds cultural significance to the challenge. Participants will also pass through historic villages and cross over rivers, making this marathon not only physically demanding but also culturally enriching. The friendly atmosphere and supportive volunteers make this race a unique experience for those seeking a challenge.
While some marathons may be known for their challenging courses, there are also several races in the UK that are perfect for first-time marathoners. These events offer a supportive and welcoming environment for those taking on the monumental task of completing 26.2 miles:
The Great Welsh Marathon, the oldest marathon in Wales, takes place in the beautiful coastal town of Llanelli and offers a scenic route along the Millennium Coastal Path. The course is relatively flat, with only a few small hills, making it perfect for first-time marathoners.
This race prides itself on being beginner-friendly, with plenty of support and encouragement from volunteers and spectators alike. Runners will also have the option to run a half marathon or 10k distance if they are not quite ready for a full marathon yet.
The Blackpool Marathon offers a flat and fast course that takes runners along the iconic Blackpool promenade, offering stunning views of the famous seaside resort. This race is perfect for first-time marathoners, with a fast and achievable route and plenty of support from volunteers and spectators, making it a great opportunity for runners to aim for a world record.
The event also offers a half-marathon option for those looking for a shorter-distance challenge. After crossing the finish line, participants are welcomed to enjoy the traditional seaside attractions and celebrations in Blackpool. The friendly atmosphere and scenic route make this marathon an ideal choice for beginners.
The Richmond Marathon takes runners through the beautiful countryside, starting at Preston Park and along the scenic River Thames. This race offers a flat and fast course, making it perfect for first-time marathoners looking to achieve their personal best time.
The event also offers a half marathon distance as well as a family-friendly fun run, making it a great option for all fitness levels and ages. With plenty of support from volunteers and stunning views along the way, this marathon is an ideal choice for beginners seeking a memorable race experience.
For those looking for a marathon with a unique and festive atmosphere, there are several races in the UK that offer an unforgettable experience:
The Mid Sussex Marathon consists of three days, with participants covering 10 miles each on Saturday and Sunday, culminating in a 10K race.
This race fosters a strong community spirit, making it a unique event that encourages camaraderie among participants. Runners are encouraged to dress up in costumes and enjoy the scenic countryside route. The race also offers camping options for a fun and festive weekend experience.
The Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon offers a festive twist to the traditional marathon, taking place during December and featuring a beach-themed course. Runners are encouraged to dress in festive attire and enjoy the views of Portsmouth’s coastline.
The race is also known for its fun and relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for participants to take photos with Santa and other holiday-themed characters along the route. The scenic route along the coast makes this race not only a unique experience but also one of the most picturesque marathons in the UK.
Training for a full marathon is a significant commitment, typically requiring 16 to 20 weeks of dedicated preparation. A well-structured training plan is crucial to gradually build up your fitness and endurance. Most plans recommend running four to five days a week, with a total weekly mileage of around 45 miles. It’s important to remember that your training runs won’t be as long as the marathon distance itself. Incorporating cross-training activities, such as cycling or swimming, can also help improve your speed and endurance while reducing the risk of injury.
Embarking on your first marathon journey can be both exciting and daunting. The key to a successful first marathon is a solid training plan that gradually increases in intensity and distance. Listening to your body is essential; rest when needed to avoid overtraining and potential injuries. Choosing a marathon with a supportive atmosphere, like the London Marathon or the Brighton Marathon, can make the experience more enjoyable and memorable. These events are known for their enthusiastic crowds and well-organised support, providing a boost when you need it most.
If you’re aiming to set a new personal best (PB), selecting the right marathon is crucial. The London Marathon and the Boston Marathon are renowned for their fast and flat courses, making them ideal for PB attempts. Both are part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, attracting elite runners and offering a world-class race experience. The Manchester Marathon is another excellent choice, known for its flat route and supportive atmosphere. Additionally, the Edinburgh Marathon and the Chester Marathon are popular for their scenic routes and potential for fast times, providing a perfect blend of beauty and speed.
The UK Marathon Calendar for 2025-2026 is packed with exciting events for marathon runners of all levels. Some of the most anticipated races include the London Marathon, the Brighton Marathon, and the Manchester Marathon.
These events are known for their vibrant atmospheres and well-organised courses. Additionally, the Edinburgh Marathon, the Chester Marathon, and the Yorkshire Marathon are also popular choices, offering scenic routes and supportive crowds. For those looking for shorter distances, many of these events also feature half marathons, providing a great opportunity to test your endurance. Be sure to check the calendar regularly for updates and plan your training and racing schedule accordingly.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for a new challenge or a beginner seeking to accomplish your first marathon, there are plenty of exciting and unique races in the UK that offer an unforgettable experience. From challenging terrains to beginner-friendly courses, there is something for everyone.
So why wait? Register for one of these great events today, download one of our Coach the Run Marathon Training Plans and start training for an unforgettable race in 2025!
So lace up those running shoes and let’s hit the road!
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