Are you thinking of how to challenge your personal best in 2024? With so many exhilarating upcoming marathons and half marathons happening all over the UK, it’s hard to pick! Most major cities have an annual marathon that attracts thousands of participants. In this list, we’ve included 5 full and 5 half marathons in 2024 that you might want to start training for. Which one will you pick?
Milton Keynes Spring Marathon – May 2024
The multi-award-winning Milton Keynes Marathon is the place to be on a bank holiday weekend. Attracting thousands of runners and supporters, two days of running challenges are expertly managed, making this an amazing experience. Runners will tackle a route that showcases all the natural beauty of our city, with plenty of interesting, inspiring, and scenic sights along the way, including lakes, parks and woodlands. Each runner will be professionally timed, with live results, and an exhilarating finish in the incredible Stadium MK. This is not to be missed! Register now.
London Marathon – April 2024
Since 1981, the world-famous London Marathon has attracted thousands of people every springtime, making it the UK’s most popular road race. The route will take you through London’s most iconic streets, which are closed for the occasion. The race finishes with a sprint down the Mall to Buckingham Palace. With an infectious atmosphere, the London Marathon’s main charitable partner for this year will be Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
Adidas Manchester Marathon – April 2024
Did you know this epic run is the 4th largest in Europe? If you didn’t make it into the London Marathon, this one is sure to give you the same electric atmosphere. Cheered on by loads of people the entire length of the route, you will get to speed through different parts of the city and surrounding natural beauty spots. This race is famous for its flat route, so if you’re new to marathon running, this one is for you. At the end, everyone gets a T-shirt and a medal.
Edinburgh Marathon– May 2024
This breath-taking running route for the May 2024 marathon will take you through the city centre, and the magnificent views of Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Castle, and even along the stunning coastline of East Lothian. Voted one of the fastest marathons in Europe, this is one not to be missed. This year’s official charity sponsor is Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as Alzheimer Scotland, British Heart Foundation and others.
Brighton Marathon – April 2024
Brighton’s upcoming Marathon will be taken over by the London Marathon event company for next year. Set to be even bigger and better than before, this epic run will take you past cheering and supportive crowds, endless sea views, and a flat, easy run along the promenade, making it perfect for all levels of experience. This year’s charity is Marie Curie cancer care. This is a great opportunity to raise money for a UK charity that does meaningful work and smash your fitness goals at the same time.
Yorkshire Marathon – October 2024
Whether you’re running solo, or with a group of others, this autumn marathon starting in the picturesque city of York will take you in and around the area. You’ll run past country views on roads lined with cheering supporters. Along the route, there will be performances and concerts, as well as drink stations to get refuelled. Partner charities include Macmillan, St Leonards Hospice and Mind.
Snowdonia Half Marathon – May 2024
This is known as being one of the UK’s most challenging half marathons, so will require extra preparation and training in the run-up. It starts and finishes in Llanrwst village in the heart of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. Known for its epic mountains, this route will have plenty of hills, so you will need to pace yourself! As well as being a big challenge, this half marathon boasts some of the UK’s most incredible views.
Cardiff Half Marathon – October 2024
Join Team NSPCC this autumn in Cardiff, raising money for our charity partner. Starting outside the impressive Cardiff Castle, this half marathon route goes past the city’s most famous landmarks, and finishes in the heart of the city, in the midst of cheering crowds. Our training partners offer great advice and tips for your preparation, and you will get your own NSPCC branded running vest.
Birmingham Half Marathon – May 2024
The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run half marathon is the Midlands’ most anticipated running event in the calendar. Attended by thousands of keen runners, the atmosphere is exciting and fun, with a party feel at the finish line. In May 2024, the run supports Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, the main charity sponsor. Each runner gets a fundraising pack, and a purple heart branded running vest.
Glasgow Half Marathon Winter Warmer – February 2024
All winter warmer runs proudly support Shelter, the UK’s biggest housing charity, raising funds and awareness. This is a reason to keep smashing your fitness goals in winter, and run with like-minded people for a great cause. When you enter the Glasgow Half Marathon, you’ll get chip timing throughout the race, a medal, and plenty of cheers and smiles along the way.