Best running events for beginners, improvers and … adventurous types

Great North Run, 10 September 2017

The world’s biggest half-marathon, with 57,000 runners taking part. It’s pretty hilly (thank Brendan Foster, the former long-distance runner, who created the route), but there’s the famous Tyne bridge and a seaside finish to look forward to. Entries for this year’s race are now closed. Visit www.greatrun.org.

Colour run, 5k, Brighton, 23 September 2017

Get covered head to toe in powder paint while running, dancing or walking 5k. All participants wear white – by the end you’ll be a kaleidoscope of colour. Entries for Brighton (there are other events in Manchester and London) cost £28 for a single adult runner, or £26 pp for a team of four.

Blenheim Palace half-marathon, 10k and family fun run (2k), Oxfordshire, 1 October 2017

Take in views of the Unesco world heritage site and raise money for the British Heart Foundation. A post-event massage is also offered to all runners (small donation optional).Entries for this year’s race cost £30 for a half-marathon place, £22 for 10k and £10 for the family fun run.

Cardiff Half-Marathon, 1 October 2017

A fast and flat course that starts outside Cardiff castle, taking in views of Penarth Marina and Cardiff Bay, before finishing at the civic centre. There’s also a 100m toddler dash, for children aged three and under, on the same day. Entries for this year’s race have sold out, but charity places are still available.

Royal Parks Half, 8 October, London

An autumnal race through four of London’s royal parks – Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park, and Green Park – which passes some of the capital’s most significant landmarks. It’s not too hilly, so is perfect for a first-time half-marathoner. Entries for this year’s race are now closed, but you may still be able to get a charity or corporate place.

Kiedler Marathon, Northumberland, 8 October 2017

Claiming to be “the most beautiful marathon race in the UK”, this follows an almost entirely off-road route around one of northern Europe’s largest manmade lakes, Kielder Water in Northumberland. Shorter races, including a half-marathon and 10k, are also held. Entries for this year’s race cost £41. Visit kieldermarathon.com for more information.

Great South Run, Portsmouth, 22 October 2017

A 10-mile run through Southsea and Portsmouth, which finishes with views of the Isle of Wight. Entries for this year’s race cost £41.

Leicester 5k Winter Series, 1 November 2017 to 6 February 2018

The evening winter series is set in Victoria Park, Leicester, and comprises four 5k races on the first Wednesday of each month. Suitable for beginners as well as serious runners. Entries for the series cost £11 per event or £35 for all races. Visit www.nice-work.org.uk/races/leicester-winter-1 for more information.

Liverpool Santa Dash, 3 December 2017

Last Christmas more than 7,000 Santas took part. A Santa suit – red or blue – is included in the entry fee. Entries for this year’s event cost £22 up to 30 September and £23 from 1 October.

High Legh 10k March 2018 (tbc)

A small, friendly race that runs along the leafy lanes of High Legh, Cheshire, and raises money for the village community. The course starts and ends at the local primary school, where the PTA provide post-race refreshments. Entries for spring 2018 have not yet opened. Visit http://www.highlegh10k.org.uk/ for details.

Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k, 18 March 2018

A city-centre road race through the heart of Bradford. It’s very flat and very fast, so there’s excellent PB potential. Entries for next year’s event cost £22. Visit https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/support-our-work/running/10k-5k/bradford for more information.

Brighton Marathon, 15 April 2018

Run against the stunning backdrop of the sea, and recover in the sea breeze with fish and chips afterwards. Entries for 2018 are now closed, but you can still secure a charity place.Visit brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk for more details.

London Marathon, 22 April 2018

The most anticipated event of the UK’s running calendar. Almost 40,000 runners – elites, amateurs and fancy-dress enthusiasts – pound the streets of the capital. The public ballot for next year’s race is now closed. You can still apply for a charity place, though you’ll need to do some serious fundraising – most require a pledge of £1,000-£2,000.

Great Manchester Run, half-marathon and 10k, 20 May 2018

Pass by the famous Coronation Street cobbles, Old Trafford stadium and other famous Mancunian sights. For half-marathoners, there’s also musical entertainment. Entries cost £44 for a half-marathon place and £38 for a 10k.

Edinburgh Marathon, 26-27 May 2018

If you didn’t manage to secure a place for the London marathon, Edinburgh will guarantee you entry. It claims to be the fastest marathon course in the UK and has stunning scenery in the city and surrounding villages. Shorter races and junior events are also held. Entries cost £56.

Vitality London 10,000, 28 May 2018

This passes by some of London’s best known landmarks, finishing in the Mall. The race also attracts big names: Mo Farah, Jo Pavey and Mara Yamauchi are just some of the 10k race’s past winners. Entries for next year’s race cost £30.

Richmond Park 10, London June 2018 (tbc)

London’s only closed-road 10-mile race, with spectacular views of one of London’s royal parks. This year’s race, Timothy James & Partners London 10 Mile, was held on 4 June. Visit royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park/richmond-park-attractions/upcoming-events-in-richmond-park/london-10-mile for updates on 2018’s race.

Man v Horse, 21 miles, Powys, Wales

Race against horses and riders across the challenging terrain in Powys, mid-Wales. In 37 years of the 21-mile race, only two runners have ever achieved first place. Entries for next year’s race open in the new year. Visit green-events.co.uk for more information.

Parkrun, 5k, various locations, Saturdays from 9am

Free-to-enter 5k races held every Saturday morning in more than 400 locations around the world. Beginners, as well as more experienced runners, are welcome.Visit www.parkrun.org.uk for more information.

Jane Tomlinson and Asda Foundation, various locations, various dates

Marathons, 10ks and more around the midlands and north of England. Part of the legacy of the amateur athlete Jane Tomlinson, who completed a series of endurance events despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer. Visit www.runforall.com for more information.

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