Andy Devaney
If you’re plotting your 2026 race calendar, you’d better lace up early—because this year’s lineup of running events reads like a bucket list with a starting gun. From the freezing wilds of Swedish Lapland to the beating heart of London, these races promise grit, glory and more than a few goosebumps.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just fancy earning your post-race pint, here’s a look at the most exciting fixtures on the road and trail.
Newcastle 10K – 17 January 2026
Start the year with a bang on the Newcastle Quayside. This fast, flat 10K is the first major closed-road event of the season and is built for speed. With two race waves—sub-40 minute elites followed by the masses—it’s as inclusive as it is electric.
Warwick Half Marathon – 1 February 2026
Set against the backdrop of Warwick Racecourse, this early-season half-marathon weaves through the historic market town and surrounding countryside. It’s a scenic, crowd-backed route that suits both newcomers and seasoned competitors looking to warm up the winter legs.
Ice Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate – 17–23 February 2026
Think you’re tough? Try 230km across Swedish Lapland with temperatures dipping to -40°C. This self-sufficient ultra will drag you through snowfields, tundra and frozen lakes. It’s less “fun run,” more “polar survival with a medal.”
Wolverhampton 10K – 29 March 2026
Kicking off inside Molineux Stadium, this popular 10K finishes back on the same hallowed turf. Expect a buzzing atmosphere and a course that’s as much about community spirit as it is about clocking a good time.
London Landmarks Half Marathon – 12 April 2026
Few running events offer a sightseeing tour quite like this. From Big Ben to St. Paul’s Cathedral, runners are treated to London’s greatest hits, with roaring crowds to match.
Shakespeare Marathon – 26 April 2026
Stratford-upon-Avon isn’t just for literature lovers. This charming marathon winds through the birthplace of the Bard and Warwickshire countryside, mixing town roads with rural beauty and a sprinkle of theatrical magic.
Highland Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate – 28 April–1 May 2026
Scotland’s Knoydart Peninsula is so remote you can only get there by sea or on foot. Over 125km, runners tackle coastal mountains, broad glens and sea lochs in one of the UK’s most stunning endurance challenges.
Colchester Zoo 10K – 17 May 2026
This is one for the memory books. Race past animal enclosures and lush parkland inside one of the UK’s top zoos. Family-friendly and fabulously fun.
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run – 31 May 2026
Manchester doesn’t do quiet. Tens of thousands of runners, 10K and half-marathon options, live music on every corner—it’s more festival than footrace.
Chase The Sun – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – 12 August 2026
Flat, fast, and set in the Olympic Park, this 5K and 10K is perfect for PB hunters and anyone wanting a scenic run on iconic ground.
AJ Bell Great North Run Weekend – 11–13 September 2026
The world’s biggest half marathon returns to Newcastle with over 60,000 runners storming the 13.1-mile route to South Shields. Expect elite races, BBC coverage, Geordie passion, and a wall of sound from start to finish. The weekend also features the Great North 5K and junior runs.
Altra 13 Valleys Ultra – 25–27 September 2026
The Lake District’s UNESCO-listed landscape hosts this brutal but breathtaking ultra series. Distances range from 22km to 180km, celebrating 13 valleys of raw British beauty. This one’s for serious trail junkies.
AJ Bell Great South Run – 17–18 October 2026
Portsmouth brings the curtain down on the UK road racing season with 5K and 10-mile options. A flat, coastal course and the buzz of the Solent make it a crowd-pleaser for runners of all levels.
Desert Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate – 16–22 November 2026
Namibia’s Namib Desert doesn’t do half measures. Over 250km, runners face searing 50°C heat by day and freezing nights across dunes and scrubland. It’s a test of endurance, resilience and sheer willpower.
Make 2026 Count
Whether you’re hunting a PB, ticking off dream running events, or simply looking to test your limits, this calendar has something for everyone. Pick your race, set your goal, and let the miles do the talking.
