Still buzzing from the London Marathon media? Caught the running bug yourself? In case you fancy it, the Virgin London Marathon 2018 ballot just opened and you’ve got until Friday to enter…. But if the whole 26.2 miles feels a little overwhelming (don’t worry, we’re with you on that one), why not work your way up, or at least get yourself started, with a shorter distance race. From fun 5kms to 10kms, half marathons and obstacle-style races, there’s no shortage of epic endurance races happening this year across the UK.
There's no time like the present and all that, so we've gone ahead and rounded up 8 of the best races and endurance challenges for you to sign up for today. ‘Cos if a guy in a Pingu costume can run 26 miles, you can definitely run a 10km. You can. Yeah, YOU. You got this.
Simplyhealth Great Manchester 10KM
28th May
Do something a bit different next Bank Holiday weekend and challenge yourself to a 10km. Great Manchester 10km starts on Portland Street and takes you on a great route though the city, with views of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, the Imperial War Museum, and The Lowry. Plus you’ll pass the famous cobbles of Coronation Street’s new set — if that doesn’t sell it, what will?
Edinburgh Half Marathon
28th May
Already a keen runner? Go big and take on Edinburgh Half Marathon this coming Bank Holiday weekend. 13.1 miles is no joke, but there’s still time to up the training, and the route of this particular course is stunning. Get involved and get that runners’ high!
Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run
2nd July
Kickstart your summer and take on East London’s streets with Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run — a 10km with a showstopper finish in Olympic Park. It’s a good distance to be able to start training for and aiming for now. The finish line is in the Olympic Stadium itself so you get to experience the track that Olympic greats Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah took on in 2012. Get in and get your medal.
Virgin Sport British 10KM
9th July
Hit the streets of London for an epic 10km. Virgin Sport British 10km takes you on a gorgeous route that’s pretty much a sightseeing tour of the city — you’ll pass Piccadilly, Whitehall, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Bridge and Westminster Abbey! Within the entry price (£45) you also get free race photos, a t-shirt, medal, and tote bag.
The Colour Run Brighton
23rd September
People call it ‘the happiest 5km in the world’, we’re not going to argue with that. Rainbow bright, The Colour Run is as much a party as it is a race. You wear white, there’s powder paint, plus music, a great route, and plenty of picture opportunities. Need we say more?
£28 including t-shirt and headband.
Meridian Windsor Half Marathon
24th September
Arguably one of the most beautiful half marathons in the UK, Meridian Windsor Half is a great goal and GREAT race. With a truly unique setting, the course takes you through the leafy grounds of Windsor Great Park, and the last mile leads down an impressive straight to the castle itself.
Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run
15th October
Sign up for Great Birmingham Run half marathon now and don’t look back. Just think of the endorphins! Yes, 13 miles seems like a LONG way right now but you’ve got 5 months to train and get amped up. It’s the second biggest half marathon in the UK so you can expect an incredible atmosphere, plus encourage on the course from bands, entertainment and cheering crowds all the way around. DO IT.
Tough Mudder
Various dates
Fancy something that isn’t just running? Take on Tough Mudder. A gruelling (though fun, we hear) obstacle endurance challenge that will have you scaling walls, crawling through tunnels and getting friendly with the mud. There are a bunch of different dates across the UK, and you can choose between a 5-mile and a 12-mile route. Get a team together and get involved.