ultimate race guide 2016

100 BEST RACES! FIND YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE RIGHT HERE! EVERY RACE DISTANCE COVERED 5K, 10K, HALF-MARATHONS, MARATHONS… AND BEYOND!

JULY TO DECEMBER 2016

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Run to

stop MS

We’re here for everyone living with MS - providing vital friendship and support. We fund research and fight for better treatment and care to help people take control of their lives.

Join us and become an #MSSuperstar.

Great North Run 11 September 2016

Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon 9 October 2016

> Sign up now!

Call: 0300 800 8084 Email: running@mssociety.org.uk www.mssociety.org.uk/ running

Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registered charity no 1139257 and Scotland SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571.

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Become a

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SAVE £s when you sign up for any MoRun this November and become a Mo Legend

MORUNNING

DIARY 2016 5 November Swinley Forest Dublin Leeds 6 November Belfast Newcastle

There’s six months to go until the MoRunning 2016 race series starts, but it’s never too soon to sign up now and take advantage of the MoRunning earlybird offer*. Visit mo-running.com for full details.

12 November Edinburgh Bristol 13 November Battersea Park, (London) Glasgow Cardiff 19 November Liverpool Birmingham 20 November Nottingham Manchester Milton Keynes 26 November Brighton 27 November Greenwich (London)

SIGN UP NOW AT MO-RUNNING.COM Terms & Conditions*: SAVE £2 off entry to any MoRun with the earlybird offer valid until the 1st September 2016. Visit mo-running.com/blog/morunning-pricing-and-entry-benefits for full details

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

MORUN, NATIONWIDE (10K) 15 November 2015

© MORUN IMAGE

Choose from any of the many MoRuns taking place across the country this “Movember”, to raise funds and awareness for men’s health. To really get into the spirit of things, grow a mo’ in time for the big day (girls, a stick-on moustache will do).

You’ll receive a cool MoRunning medal, headband and goody bag.

MO-RUNNING.COM/LOCATIONS

CANCER RESEARCH UK RACE FOR LIFE, NATIONWIDE Various dates

This ever-popular 5K series needs no introduction. With almost 300 events, there’s bound to be one near you, so sign up, don your prettiest pink attire, and go and kick cancer’s butt.

THE POPPY RUN, NATIONWIDE

Various dates, October and November

A series of 5K fun runs with a serious message. Run, jog or walk one of these family-friendly races, which are open to all, as an opportunity to raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

POPPY-RUN.COM

RACEFORLIFE.CANCERRESEARCHUK.ORG

THE COLOR RUN, NATIONWIDE Various dates

Billed as ‘the happiest 5K on the planet’, the concept is simple: wear white to the start and get doused in coloured powder as you run along the course. The race is untimed, as the emphasis is on having a good time, not running a good time.

BAXTERS RIVER NESS 5K FUN RUN, INVERNESS 25 September 2016

Forming part of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running, this 5K is open to all ages and abilities, including wheelchair entrants, and follows a flat route alongside the River Ness.

LOCHNESSMARATHON.COM

STANDARD CHARTERED GREAT CITY RACE, LONDON 14 July 2016

A unique mid-week 5K corporate running challenge on closed roads. You’ll pass City of London highlights including St Paul’s and the Bank of England. Enter through your company as a team of four or more.

CITYRACE.CO.UK

THECOLORRUN.CO.UK

THE VITALITY BRITISH 10K, LONDON 10 July 2016

Starting on Piccadilly, this route takes you straight through the heart of central London, passing many of the capital’s historical landmarks including Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge.

THEBRITISH10KLONDON.CO.UK

THE CITYWHARF 5K RUN CHALLENGE 2016, LONDON

ASDA FOUNDATION LEEDS 10K, LEEDS

A series of short races held in London’s beautiful Battersea Park throughout the year, this popular Monday night race is the perfect place to aim for a PB, as it’s super flat and fast. All abilities are welcome.

Two business districts do battle to see which will get the most runners, and raise the most money for charity. Individual placings and City and Wharf averages are combined to find the fastest location.

Part of the Jane Tomlinson Run For All series, this flagship 10K had a revamp in 2013, with a flatter course. It takes in iconic city-centre sites including the Corn Exchange and Yorkshire Post building.

UK.SRICHINMOYRACES.ORG/

THEFIXEVENTS.COM/EVENTS

SRI CHINMOY 5K, LONDON Various dates

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10 July 2016

RUNFORALL.COM

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Organised by

Principal sponsor

PETERBOROUGH CITY COUNCIL PRESENTS

PERKINS

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Anna’s Hope Fun Run 10am

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

RICHMOND AUTUMN RIVERSIDE 10K 22 OCTOBER 2016

Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced runner, you’ll appreciate this fun and friendly race. Follow the Thames for a flat route that takes you from Richmond to Ham House. Run for fun, or opt to run for Macmillan Cancer Support so you can make every step count in the battle against cancer. thefixevents.com/events

ASDA FOUNDATION YORK 10K, YORK

BHF HYDE PARK RUN 10K, LONDON

BROOKS BRIGHTON 10K, BRIGHTON

Part of the Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All series, this flat 10K runs along the river and under the city walls. The highlight is being cheered through St Helen’s Square and on to Duncombe Place with views of York Minster.

Help the British Heart Foundation keep hearts beating by taking part in a 10K fun run (there’s a 5K option as well) around this iconic Royal Park. It’s buggy and wheelchair friendly.

This fabulous flat road 10K takes place along the seafront, so expect a brisk sea breeze to blow those winter cobwebs away. Heading past both the Palace and West Piers, it finishes in Madeira Drive.

7 August 2016

16 October 2016

bhf.org.uk/get-involved/events/

20 November 2016

BROOKSBRIGHTON10K.CO.UK

RUNFORALL.COM

PRIDE RUN 10K, LONDON 13 August 2016

Pride Run, held in London’s Victoria Park, follows flat paths that are wheelchair accessible. All money raised will go towards supporting the charity Opening Doors London, which aims to meet the needs of older LGBT communities.

LAKELAND TRAILS IN ULLSWATER, GLENRIDDING

SURREY BACCHUS HALF MARATHON, DORKING

This 10K (there is also a 14K option) follows the lake shore. You’ll get views of Helvellyn before the course dips into ancient woodland – beautiful with autumnal colours at this time of year.

Starting at Denbies Wine Estate and heading into beautiful Mole Valley countryside, this multi-terrain course is challenging but scenic. It includes six wine tasting stations and a post race BBQ.

LAKELANDTRAILS.ORG

EVENTSTOLIVE.CO.UK

LEEDS ABBEY DASH, LEEDS

INDIAN QUEENS HALF MARATHON, INDIAN QUEENS, NR NEWQUAY

6 November 2016

11 July 2016

PRIDE10K.ORG

PETTS WOOD 10K, PETTS WOOD

6 November 2016

This fun and friendly 10K has built up a reputation as an excellent event over the past eight years, and is now a sell-out 10K. The undulating route takes you though beautiful National Trust woodlands.

Organised by Age UK, this 10K takes in the city centre and Kirkstall Abbey. The outand-back route has a reputation as a PB buster, but would also be a great one for first-timers! There’s a bustling atmosphere and good local support.

PETTSWOODRUNNERS.ORG

AGEUK.ORG.UK/GET-INVOLVED/

9 October 2016

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7 August 2016

This scenic, low-key race is limited to 600 runners. The multi-terrain route is set over an undulating course and is predominantly rural, heading out into the countryside with five miles on trails.

NEWQUAYROADRUNNERS.CO.UK

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

CHEDDAR GORGE HALF MARATHON, CHEDDAR 21 August 2016

A super-demanding course (there’s a 600m climb simply to get to the start line!), the route is incredibly hilly, and the terrain varied and exciting, so off-road shoes are highly recommended. Expect stunning scenery and aching legs as you take on the route, which includes ‘Hell Steps’ and a speedy descent to the finish line in Strawberry Fields.

RELISHRUNNINGRACES.COM

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DUBLIN HALF MARATHON

7 August 2016

This summer half features a scenic course that takes in many of Dublin’s famous sites, including the Irish Museum of Modern Art, plus a nice stretch along the river and a finish in picturesque Phoenix Park. There are live local bands en route to keep your motivation high.

KENT COASTAL HALF MARATHON, CLIFTONVILLE 4 September 2016

A hilly coastal route, primarily run along roads, this offers lovely sea views to take your mind off all those ascents! Heading out from just outside Margate, the out-andback route takes you past Broadstairs.

ISLE OF MAN HALF MARATHON, RAMSEY Held at the north of the island, this undulating road race is in places tough (watch out for the killer hill!), but the scenery more than makes up for your efforts in this low-key half marathon.

MARATHON.IOMVAC.CO.UK

CHIPPENHAM HALF MARATHON

MAIDENHEAD HALF MARATHON 4 September 2016

This flat, traffic-free road course has great PB potential. The race starts in the town centre, before taking runners out onto a scenic route of the surrounding areas.

PURPLEPATCHRUNNING.COM

11 September 2016

This is run over a predominantly flat route.

Starting and finishing at Chippenham Sports Club and initially running through the town centre, you then head out along scenic country lanes.

CHIPPENHAMHALFMARATHON.CO.UK

BTRLIVERPOOL.COM

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A record 56,000 runners take part in this event, one of the world’s top half marathons. The highlights? Running across the Tyne Bridge, the atmosphere and an appearance from the Red Arrows.

GREATRUN.ORG

ENGLISH HALF MARATHON, WARRINGTON 18 September 2016

Runners are in for a treat with this year’s event, which includes an all-new route that showcases Warrington’s past and future.

Local support is great, giving an all-round friendly vibe. Be warned though – it’s hilly!

RUN-EHM.COM

WIRRAL HALF MARATHON This is an award-winning event having won the title of Wirral Tourism Award Event of the Year. Runners start at Birkenhead Park before making their way to the River Mersey promenade and onto New Brighton and the Wirral coastline.

There’s also a 10K option.

4 September 2016

11 September 2016

THANETROADRUNNERS.ORG.UK

RUNROCKNROLL.COM/DUBLIN

14 August 2016

GREAT NORTH RUN, NEWCASTLE

GREAT BRISTOL HALF MARATHON, BRISTOL 25 September 2016

Starting in Bristol’s historic harbourside, the scenic, sea-level route passes twice under Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s a popular race, but the twowave start helps to ease congestion.

GREATRUN.ORG/GREAT-BRISTOL-HALF-MARATHON

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H A L F M A R AT H O N | 1 0 K | M I L E 1 8 TH S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 - WA R R I N G T O N , U K

“THERE’S MORE THAN ONE GREAT RUN UP NORTH!”

FINISHER TECH TEE MULTIPLE MEDALS FAST TOWN CENTRE COURSE FINISH FESTIVAL

WWW.RUN-EHM.COM

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

WINDSOR HALF MARATHON, LONDON 25 September 2016

This beautiful half is set all on roads across a hilly course, so expect it to be fairly challenging. The route, though, more than makes up for it. Starting on the Long Walk, with Windsor Castle as a backdrop, you will complete three laps of Windsor Great Park before returning to the castle.

© EDDIE MACDONALD

RUNWINDSOR.COM

FOREST OF DEAN AUTUMN HALF MARATHON, NR LYDNEY

BOURNEMOUTH HALF MARATHON,

SOLENT HALF MARATHON, HOLBURY

Set entirely within the beautiful Forest of Dean, this hilly half is a stunner. Admire the gorgeous end-of-summer foliage as you run on way-marked forest trails (with just a few short road sections). FORESTOFDEAN-

Part of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival weekend, this is coastal running at its best. The race takes in both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers, with various other distances and children’s races taking place over the weekend.

This friendly multi-terrain race follows a lovely course that winds through the beautiful New Forest, and along the Solent shore at Lepe. Pre- and post-race massage tops off a gorgeous race.

HALFMARATHON.CO.UK

RUN-BMF.COM

IKANO ROBIN HOOD HALF MARATHON, NOTTINGHAM

BANK OF SCOTLAND GREAT SCOTTISH RUN, GLASGOW

A new and exciting course will soon be announced for this fast event. Starting and finishing next to the River Trent on Victoria Embankment, the new route will see you run right past iconic landmarks.

This fab, family-friendly weekend should be on your to-do list. As well as the half, which starts in George Square, there’s a 10K and, on “Super Saturday”, there’s a family run, junior race and toddler dash.

ROBINHOODHALFMARATHON.CO.UK

GREATSCOTTISHRUN.COM

GREAT CUMBRIAN RUN, CARLISLE

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY HALF MARATHON, CARDIFF

25 September 2016

25 September 2016

2 October 2016

Starting from the magnificent Carlisle Castle, this race crosses Castle Way then cuts through the city centre before heading out into the countryside. There’s a family fun run too – and fancy dress is welcome!

CUMBRIANRUN.CO.UK/

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2 October 2016

2 October 2016

2 October 2016

This scenic race starts at Cardiff Castle, passing Cardiff City Stadium, before heading to Cardiff Bay. A lap of beautiful Roath Park Lake tops it off.

9 October 2016

HARDLEYRUNNERS.CO.UK

VITALITY OXFORD HALF MARATHON, OXFORD 9 October 2016

This sell out event is back for 2016 with a fast, flat route through the city centre.

Perfect for first timers or seasoned pros, 13.1 miles never looked so good!

OXFORDHALF.CO.UK

PERKINS GREAT EASTERN RUN, PETERBOROUGH 9 October 2016

One of the fastest-growing half marathons in the UK, this is a fast, flat race. Runners get to experience the best of the city, as well as fantastic support from the locals. PERKINSGREATEASTERNRUN.CO.UK

CARDIFFHALFMARATHON.CO.UK

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Run for autism at the Richmond Running Festival

Join us at the Richmond Running Festival this September and stand out for autism!

Challenge yourself with a 10k, or push your limits with a half marathon.

Whatever you choose, you’ll really feel part of the team.

Every penny you raise creates a brighter future for autistic people.

Sign up at www.autism.org.uk/runrichmond10 or www.autism.org.uk/runrichmondhalf.

The National Autistic Society is a charity registered in England and Wales (269425) and in Scotland (SC039427) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England (No.1205298), registered office 393 City Road, London EC1V 1NG 2889 130516

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

ROYAL PARKS FOUNDATION HALF MARATHON, LONDON 9 October 2016

© IAN MACNICOL

This spectacular 13.1-mile route takes you past Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall, as well as weaving through four of London’s eight royal parks – Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. A city race has never been so green!

ROYALPARKSHALF.COM

AVIEMORE HALF MARATHON, AVIEMORE 16 October 2016

20 November 2016

CONWY HALF MARATHON, CONWY

THE WALES MARATHON, TENBY

With the Cairngorms as a spectacular backdrop, this multi-terrain race starts 1,100ft above sea level and follows forest tracks through the beautiful Glenmore Forest Park. A 10K and the MacDonald Mile fun run make it a great day out!

Last year saw 3,000 runners set off along the quayside in front of the 700-year-old Conwy Castle. The route heads along the Conwy River, towards Llandudno Pier, with views of Anglesey and Puffin Island

This hilly route takes place along closed roads throughout south Pembrokeshire, looping out to Pembroke Castle. The scenery is impressive – the stretch heading down to Manorbier a particular highlight.

RUNWALES.COM

THEWALESMARATHON.COM

IAG GUERNSEY WATERFRONT MARATHON, ST PETER PORT, GUERNSEY

Road closures and a flat route give you a great chance of achieving a PB by the sea here. The multi-lap route makes it a great one for spectator support.

ST MAGNUS MARATHON, KIRKWALL, ORKNEY 3 July 2016 The inaugural St Magnus Marathon will be the UK’s most northerly marathon. The race starts from St Magnus Cathedral and the challenging route rewards runners with wonderful coastal scenery.

POPPYHALF.CO.UK

ENTRYCENTRAL.COM/ST-MAGNUS-MARATHON

GRAND UNION CANAL HALF MARATHON, UXBRIDGE

CANCER RESEARCH UK RACE FOR LIFE MARATHON, LONDON

SURREY BACCHUS MARATHON, DORKING

This flat, scenic, multi-terrain point-topoint race takes you along the Grand Union Canal to Cassiobury Park, Watford.

The lovely route can get muddy in places… Enjoy getting stuck in!

The UK’s first women-only marathon is celebrating its second year. The route follows the Lee Valley, skirting beautiful lakes, open countryside and the River Lee. It’s flat, apart form one steady incline.

Set in the stunning Denbies Wine Estate, this race has a twist. As well as fuel and water stations, you’ll also find wine-tasting stations, in case you fancy a tipple as you trot around the undulating 26.2 miles.

PURPLEPATCHRUNNING.COM

RACEFORLIFE.CANCERRESEARCHUK.ORG

EVENTSTOLIVE.CO.UK

10 July 2016

AVIEMOREHALFMARATHON.ORG

THE POPPY HALF MARATHON, BEXHILLON-SEA 12 November 2016

28 August 2016

This stunning 26.2-miler takes you along some of Guernsey’s most picturesque roads and lanes. After an uphill start, the course is flat until you descend onto the west coast, where you finish on the Albert Pier. Beautiful!

GUERNSEYMARATHON.GG

13 November 2016

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11 September 2016

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If you’re going to put yourself through hell, you might as well do it in heaven.

25.09.16

Marathon | 10K | 5K | Wee Nessie lochnessmarathon.com

The Event Frontrunners

run for a reason this summer...

and help transform young lives.

Childhood First is a charity that cares for, treats and educates children and young people with the most severe emotional and behavioural difficulties, often caused by neglect and abuse.

Help them by joining our British 10k team in July, or one of the many regional runs in the UK. To find out more please visit:

www.childhoodfirst.org.uk/get-involved Or contact Holly on 020 7928 7388 or events@childhoodfirst.org.uk production.indd 1

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON, INVERNESS

25 September 2016

With an atmospheric start in the Highlands, between Fort Augustus and Foyers, this stunning route sees runners drop down to the banks of Loch Ness and follow the south-eastern shore along to the northern tip of the loch.

After such a breathtakingly beautiful race, the finish will take you into the heart of Inverness, where fantastic crowd support and a hot meal awaits.

© TIM WINTERBURN

LOCHNESSMARATHON.COM

PURBECK MARATHON, SWANAGE

MBNA CHESTER MARATHON, CHESTER

This predominantly off-road marathon has more than 2,000ft of climbs. It takes in stunning Durlston Country Park and the Jurassic Coast Path. The final stretch will leave you breathless as you run along the ridge of the Purbeck Hills to Corfe Castle.

A superbly organised marathon, which starts and finishes in the heart of historic Chester and takes you on a scenic countryside route that covers 19 miles in England and seven in Wales.

18 September 2016

2 October 2016

ACTIVELEISUREEVENTS.CO.UK

THEPURBECKMARATHON.CO.UK

CAUSEWAY COAST MARATHON, COUNTY ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND 24 September 2016

SPIRES & STEEPLES CHALLENGE, LINCOLN TO SLEAFORD 16 October 2016

This multi-terrain point-to-point run follows the public footpaths and bridleways along the Arts & Heritage Trail from Lincoln Castle to the National Centre for Craft & Design in Sleaford.

1LIFE.CO.UK/SPIRESANDSTEEPLESCHALLENGE

ISLE OF WIGHT MARATHON, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT 9 October 2016

BEACHY HEAD MARATHON, EASTBOURNE

One of the most dramatic marathons out there, this incredible race will test your fitness. You’ll pass magnificent coastal scenery, with views of wide bays, sandy beaches and high cliffs. Not to be missed.

Held every year since 1957, this marathon is the longest running in the UK. Set along quiet roads to the west of the island, it takes you through town and rural settings.

To mark the 60th anniversary, all finishers will receive a commemorative medal.

26EXTREME.COM

RYDEHARRIERS.CO.UK

VISITEASTBOURNE.COM

JERSEY MARATHON, JERSEY

PLUSNET YORKSHIRE MARATHON, YORK

SNOWDONIA MARATHON, LLANBERIS

Measuring only nine by five miles, Jersey is steeped in history with an unspoilt coastline and beautiful sandy beaches. The race is a firm fixture in locals’ calendars so runners can expect huge support.

Claiming to be flatter and faster than London, Paris, Berlin and Chicago, this could be one for your next PB. The route takes runners past historic city sites and on to scenic country lanes.

Fancy taking on a dramatic, demanding and spectacular marathon? Try this!

The multi-terrain route, which encircles Snowdon, sees you climb the Llanberis Pass (1,100ft) and Bwlch y Groes (1,200ft).

JERSEY-MARATHON.COM/HOME

THEYORKSHIREMARATHON.COM

SNOWDONIAMARATHON.CO.UK

2 October 2016

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29 October 2016

One of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK, this race is popular for its scenic and hilly route through the South Downs National Park. With a notorious uphill start, this one will take your breath away!

29 October 2016

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g n i h t e m o s Do . . . t n e r e f f i d The Royal Parks Half Marathon Sunday 9 October

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JR0991

*Pledge to raise £450 NDCS is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1016532 and in Scotland no. SC040779.

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

SPARTAN RACE, NATIONWIDE Various dates

© RICHARD BURLEY/ EPIC ACTION IMAGERY

Run a Sprint (roughly 5K), Super (roughly 13K) or Beast (roughly 20K).

Integrating obstacles with some tough natural terrain, these events will test your strength and stamina, but will also see you build bonds as you help your fellow Spartans along the course. Every course is unique…

Although you can expect to get very wet and muddy at them all!

SPARTAN.COM/EN

AUTUMN SHAKESPEARE MARATHON, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION MAJOR SERIES, NATIONWIDE

A marathon made up of multiple 5K laps, this course is a PB-chaser’s dream: flat, tarmac and traffic-free. There are lots of opportunities for spectators to see you, meaning more cheers along the way!

With a focus on teamwork and fun, these 5K and 10K courses include obstacles, hills, mud and water – and 40 of the Major’s finest troops will be on hand to help you out. With obstacles such as ‘Ibbot’s Ice Crawl’ and ‘Stench Trenches’, you know you’re in for a challenge…

12 November 2016

RACEWAYS.EU

PORTSMOUTH COASTAL WATERSIDE MARATHON, PORTSMOUTH 18 December 2016

A Christmas-time marathon that hugs the coastline. The catch? Take longer than the six-hour cut-off and you might get wet feet, due to tide times!

REGISTER.PRIMOEVENTS.COM/PS/EVENT/ PORTSMOUTHCOASTALWATERSIDEMARATHON2016

Various dates

MAJORSERIES.COM

TOUGH MUDDER Various dates

This hardcore 10- to 12-mile event is designed to test your strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. Expect some tough obstacles, including Tough Mudder classics (Electroshock Therapy, anyone?).

RACE TO THE STONES, CHINNOR 16-17 July 2016

Running from the Chilterns in Oxfordshire to the North Wessex Downs, the Ridgeway is the oldest path in Britain. This race follows it for 100K, almost entirely through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Run or walk it in one go, or over two days.

RACETOTHESTONES.COM

CONTI THUNDER RUN 24HR, WALTONON-TRENT 22-24 July 2016

Test your mental strength at this 24-hour relay race. Take part as part of a team or (if you really like a challenge) as a solo runner. The festival-like atmosphere at the campsite will keep your spirits high.

TR24.CO.UK

TOUGHMUDDER.CO.UK

CANCER RESEARCH UK RACE FOR LIFE PRETTY MUDDY, NATIONWIDE

THE NEW FOREST 10, BROCKENHURST

Set over a 5K route, these muddy obstacle races for girls will see you leaping over hay bales, crawling through tunnels and wading through bogs to reach the finish.

This race in the beautiful New Forest National Park is set over undulating roads and tracks. Don’t forget to look out for ponies, which roam free through the forest!NF10.CO.UK

Various dates

RACEFORLIFE.CANCERRESEARCHUK.ORG

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RACE THE TRAIN, TYWYN, MID WALES 20 August 2016

With a 14-mile and 10K option this one is certainly unique! Taking place alongside the Talyllyn Railway, the undulating route heads over lanes, un-metalled roads, tracks and farmland as you race the steam train.

RACETHETRAIN.COM

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MBNA Chester

marathon Sunday 2nd October 2016

Mult iwinnaward mar ing atho n

Chester Marathon

@chestermarathon

• Stunning city and scenic course • Fast & predominantly flat course • Pace runners • Tech t-shirts, medal and awesome goody bag • Includes full marathon (26.2 miles), metric (26.2 km) and mini (1 mile) distances

chestermarathon.co.uk

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

HELL UP NORTH

15 October 2016

© HELLRUNNER

The toughest half marathon in the UK? We can believe it. Running off road, and off piste, mother nature conspires to challenge you to a race like no other. Get ready to tackle such delights as the Bog of Doom, and the Hills of Hell before the Devil’s Disco rocks you to the finish line. It’s a hell of a half, but fans of obstacle races will be in heaven.

HELLRUNNER.CO.UK/HELLUPNORTH/

AUTUMN WOLF RUN, WARWICKSHIRE

ROUND RIPON ULTRA 35, RIPON

BUPA GREAT SOUTH RUN, PORTSMOUTH

The 10K Wolf Run is wild running – a combination of mud runs, trail runs and obstacle runs. Set across raw, natural terrain, you can tackle the course in a pack or as a lone wolf.

With a relaxed village start, well-stocked checkpoints, and stunning scenery, this challenging multi-terrain course in the Yorkshire Dales will take you along woodland tracks, across open moorland and through Studley Royal Deer Park.

This famous flat 10-miler takes in some of Southsea and Portsmouth’s top attractions, including the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower and HMS Victory. Live music will help you to the finish.

3-4 September 2016

THEWOLFRUN.COM

1 October 2016

23 October 2016

GREATRUN.ORG

GOBEYONDULTRA.CO.UK

KYLES 10 MILES, ARGYLL’S SECRET COAST, ARGYLL 10 September 2016

The beauty of this challenging road race is undoubtedly its stunning scenery. The circular route around the Ardlamont Peninsula takes runners along a secluded coastal road, taking in majestic mountains and views out towards Arran.

KYLES10MILES.CO.UK

BENNACHIE HILL RACE, ABERDEENSHIRE 2 October 2016

Firmly established in the hill-running race calendar as one of the most popular races in North-East Scotland, this event takes place in ruggedly beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. At just over eight miles in length, the route climbs 1,150ft (550m).

EASY RUNNER SODBURY SLOG, CHIPPING SODBURY 13 November 2016

A gentle trot through the countryside this is not. Trails? Check. Hills? Definitely!

Mud, bogs and marshes? Yes, yes and yes!

The varied nine-mile route heads onto the Cotswold Way. Our top tip? Leave those new white running shoes at home.

SODBURYSLOG.CO.UK

GARIOCHROADRUNNERS.COM

GRIM ORIGINAL, ALDERSHOT

WHISTLESTOP TOUR OF WIRRAL, MERSEYSIDE

HICKSTEAD GALLOP 8K FUN RUN

9-11 September 2016

9 October 2016

This unusual three-day series begins with a five-mile evening run before an-eight mile race at Thurstaston Country Park and, finally, the Wirral Half Marathon.

A chance to trot around the grounds of the famous Hickstead All England course. Run past the start three times in ever-widening circles before galloping to the finish!

Held at Army vehicle testing grounds, this one’s tough! Over approximately eight miles, prepare for trails, hills, mud, moguls, sand dunes, logs, bogs, railway tracks…

And lots and lots of water!

HENFIELDJOGGERS.CO.UK

GRIMCHALLENGE.CO.UK

BTRLIVERPOOL.COM

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3 December 2016

15/05/2016 07:50

entries open SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2016 13.1 MILES NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!

SIGN UP AT OXFORDHALF.CO.UK

OXFORD UNITED COMMUNITY TRUST DREAMING TOGETHER • ACHIEVING TOGETHER

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

BUFF® EPIC TRAIL, AIGÜESTORTES NATIONAL PARK, SPAIN 22-24 July 2016

The BUFF® Epic Trail is not for the faint-hearted. Set in the heart of the Pyrenees, high in the Catalan mountains with peaks of more than three thousand feet, these challenges are for only the toughest of competitors. Choose from a 105KM, 42KM or 21KM route through the rugged, but beautiful, national park.

© BUFF / JORDISARAGOSSA

BUFFEPICTRAIL.COM

LIVERPOOL SANTA DASH 4 December 2016

Prepare for a spectacularly festive race as Liverpool is turned into a winter wonderland. Fancy dress is a must with runners dressing as both red (Liverpool) and blue (Evertonian) Santas.

BTRLIVERPOOL.COM

SANTA IN THE CITY, LONDON 4 December 2016

Join 2,000 other Santas in this fun 5K frolic starting at City Hall with views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Your race fee includes your Santa suit, so there’s no excuse not to get dressed up!

209EVENTS.COM

VICTORY 5, PORTSMOUTH

CHRISTMAS PUDDING 5 MILE DASH, NR BATTLE, EAST SUSSEX

ULTRA-TRAIL FRENCH RIVIERA MERCANTOUR, FRANCE

17 December 2016

2-4 September 2016

This is a rare opportunity to run through the grounds of Ashburnham Place, which boasts more than 220 acres rich in wildlife. You can enjoy a Christmas pud and glass of mulled wine at the finish – perfect! NICE-WORK.ORG.UK

The first ultra-trail has the glorious French Riviera as its backdrop, and this exceptional course takes you from the beaches of Nice to mountain ranges of 10,000m. There’s also a relay option.

NAPA TO SONOMA WINE COUNTRY HALF MARATHON, NAPA COUNTY, USA

DANSKE BANK VILNIUS MARATHON

17 July 2016

This fast and scenic race takes you from the Cuvaison Carneros Winery, past a wildlife preserve, ranches and farms, and finishes in historic Sonoma Plaza. And you get to celebrate with a glass of wine!

ULTRATRAIL06.COM/2016/

11 September 2016

This course takes runners past the beautiful old town and attractions such as the Lithuanian Parliament, Gediminas’ Castle and Subacius Hill where you can enjoy the best view of the city. There’s also a half, 10K and family fun run.

DESTINATIONRACES.COM

VILNIAUSMARATONAS.LT/EN

2016 marks the 70th anniversary of this flat and fast five-mile road race, which comprises a single lap taking in both the Stamshaw Promenade and 1,000 Lakeside.

But the real pull of this race is its PB potential over five miles – it attracts top athletes from the UK and overseas.

CITY2SURF MARATHON, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

COPENHAGEN HALF MARATHON, COPENHAGAN, DENMARK The spectator-friendly course has been specifically created to be fast with long straight stretches, broad roads and soft curves. It’s a beautiful route, too.

ATHLETICEVENTS.CO.UK/

The world’s biggest fun run starts in Sydney’s Hyde Park and finishes at Bondi Beach. There’s great entertainment along the course – no wonder this race is huge!

CITY2SURF.COM.AU/

4 December 2016

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14 August 2016

18 September 2016

CPHHALF.DK/EN/

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100 BEST RACES

■5K ■10K ■HALF-MARATHONS ■MARATHONS ■OBSTACLE/ULTRA/FUN ■MARATHON (OVERSEAS)

ROCK ’N’ ROLL LAS VEGAS HALF MARATHON, LAS VEGAS, USA 13 November 2016

Want to race along the Las Vegas Strip at night? Then this half marathon is for you! There’s live music, cheering crowds and parties, plus make sure you look out for those on-therun Elvis impersonators! Couples looking to tie the knot can get hitched Vegas-style en route!

© EDDIE MACDONALD

RUNROCKNROLL.COMPETITOR.COM/LAS-VEGAS

BMW BERLIN MARATHON, BERLIN, GERMANY

SSE AIRTRICITY DUBLIN MARATHON

VALENCIA MARATHON, VALENCIA, SPAIN

This race takes in many of the city’s highlights and includes a stretch through leafy Phoenix Park. Expect great crowd support as you head from the park back towards the centre, cheering you to a PB!

The flat route and mild weather make this the ideal setting for a late PB. Run alongside the Mediterranean, past many of the city’s architectural wonders, and then enjoy the Paella Party afterwards.

DUBLINMARATHON.IE

VALENCIACIUDADDELRUNNING.COM/EN/

TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON, NEW YORK, USA

THE ANTARCTIC ICE MARATHON & HALF MARATHON, ANTARCTICA

Running through all five of NYC’s boroughs – starting in Staten Island and finishing in Central Park – this race is billed as “a 26.2-mile block party through the world’s most diverse city”. A must!

The Ice Marathon starts from the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains and presents runners with a formidable challenge: temperatures which average -20ºC, strong winds, and tough underfoot conditions.

TCSNYCMARATHON.ORG

ICEMARATHON.COM

FRENCH RIVEIRA MARATHON, NICECANNES, FRANCE

REGGAE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 10K, NEGRIL, JAMAICA

This flat course starts on University Avenue and finishes at City Hall in downtown Toronto, taking in the best of the city including the lakeshore.

Enjoy the glamour of the Cote d’Azur with this race between Nice and Cannes.

Runners pass through historic coastal towns on their way to the finish at the Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes.

Race your chosen distance through Negril, Jamaica’s paradise. Pulsating reggae will keep your legs moving towards the finish line Beach Bash for laid-back post-race entertainment.

TORONTOWATERFRONTMARATHON.COM/EN/INDEX.HTM

SPORTSTOURSINTERNATIONAL.CO.UK/EVENTS/

25 September 2016

One of the six World Marathon Majors, this is a spectacular race. It’s flat and super-fast, with a scenic route. Running through the Brandenburg Gate will be an unforgettable moment.

30 October 2016

20 November 2016

BMW-BERLIN-MARATHON.COM

PALMA DE MALLORCA MARATHON, MALLORCA, SPAIN 16 October 2016

This event, held in the capital, takes runners on a journey along the promenade of Palma Bay, opposite the famous cathedral, and through historic downtown.

Perfect for a warm autumn break.

11 November 2016

24 November 2016

PALMADEMALLORCAMARATHON.COM/ENGLISH/

TORONTO WATERFRONT MARATHON, TORONTO, CANADA 16 October 2016

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13 November 2016

3 December 2016

REGGAEMARATHON.COM

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