Looking for a summer racing challenge? We’ve rounded up some of the best summer 10K races, all over the country.
Once you’ve got your place, take a look at our Once youve got your place, take a look at our – from training plans to nutrition advice, we’ve got it covered.
When: What is a backyard ultra
Where: Virgin Sport British 10K
Lowdown: A fast, flat course, the Published: 23 March 2018 is one for those aiming for a PB this summer. Running parallel to the historic Bristol Harbour, along Avon Gorge before taking in the sights of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, it’s a nice, picturesque route.
Wednesday 18th July 2018, 7.25pm
When: Sandown and Shanklin 10K
Where: Best wireless headphones
Lowdown: A flat race that starts on Portland Street, before following a route around the city. Sightseers, look out for Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, the Imperial War Museum and Coronation Street’s cobbles along the way.
When: Sunday 23rd September 2018, 10am
Where: Sunday 9th September 2018, 9.30am
Lowdown: For anyone who has run or watched the London Marathon, the Vitality 10,000 will feel pretty familiar. Starting and finishing around St James’s Park, this race gives you the chance to run down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace without the pressure of running 26.2 miles.
Related: 10 Stratford Recreation Ground, CV37 7LS
When: The Wales 10K
Where: Surrenden Road Playing Fields, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0LY
Lowdown: A fast, virtually flat, adult-only 10K, if you’re aiming for a PB, this is a good one to enter. The course is pretty rural, mainly on country lanes. There’s a bag drop, and drinks at the half way point.
When: Wednesday 20th June 2018, 7.30pm
Where: Stockport, Manchester
Lowdown: Experienced runners looking for a challenge can’t get much better than the Offerton 10K. The well-established race has been running for over 30 years, with a hilly three-lap course that runs through Woodbank and Vernon Parks.
When: Sunday 24th June 2018, 9.45am
Where: Hitchin Priory, Hitchin, SG5 2DL
Lowdown: As the name suggests, this Hilly 10K has an elevation of 154 metres. The course takes you from Hitchin Priory up to Preston village and back via Gosmore. It’s a multi-terrain course, with approximately 1.5K on footpaths.
When: Wednesday 4th July 2018, 7.00pm
Where: The worlds best ultramarathons
Lowdown: A flat run around the well paved paths of Clapham Common, this is a great race for a PB. The aim is to try and beat the setting summer sun.
Related: How to handle the middle miles of a 10K
Sunday 23rd September 2018, 10am
When: Sunday 15th July 2018, 1.30pm
Where: Manorbier, Tenby
Lowdown: The first ever Wales 10K run will allow runners to speed along fully closed roads, from Manorbier to Tenby. If you’re up for a bigger challenge, the 10K is taking place alongside The Wales Half Marathon and Full Marathon.
When: Sunday 15th July 2018, 9.30am
Where: Sunday 9th September 2018, 9.30am
Lowdown: A 10K through the heart of London, along the Embankment, past Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. The price is at the top end of the spectrum, but includes race entry, photos, an ASICS tee, medal, tote bag and spectator app.
When: Wednesday 18th July 2018, 7.25pm
Where: Millennium Square, Durham
Lowdown: Your chance to run 6.2 miles through the cobbled streets of The World Heritage Site in Durham, the race finishes at Palace Green, in between the Cathedral and the Castle. There’s also a 5K race, starting 10 minutes before.
Hitchin Priory, Hitchin, SG5 2DL
When: Friday 3rd Augusts 2018, 7.30pm
Where: Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7TU
Lowdown: Celebrating its 13th anniversary this year, the Rye Summer Classic Series opens with this flat 10K. Set on a traffic-free route through Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, this race is the perfect way to kick off a weekend at the coast. Also includes a one-mile children’s race.
Related: The most common 10K problems, solved
When: The Wales 10K
Where: Stratford Recreation Ground, CV37 7LS
Lowdown: The 10th Anniversary of this popular 10K, what better way to see Shakespeare’s birthplace than on foot? The route follows roads past the Greenway, the Racecourse, the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre and the Courtyard Theatre before finishing at Bancroft Gardens.
When: Saturday 15th September 2018, 8.30am
Where: Millennium Square, Durham
Lowdown: The flattest 10K in London, this is a good one to hunt down that PB! It's a beautiful course running entirely inside the Royal Botanic Gardens. Book your place soon, as this one is bound to sell out.
When: Sunday 16th September 2018, 11am
Where: Sunday 9th September 2018, 9.30am
Lowdown: This trail run takes place entirely enclosed on Ashtead Common on an out and back route. Consistently voted one of the best 10K races in the UK, it also prides itself on being entirely eco-friendly. Think biodegradable cups, race numbers printed with vegetable based ink, t-shirts printed on pesticide-free cotton - and a unique wooden medal, made right here in the UK, to add to your collection.
When: Richmond RUNFEST 10K
Where: Browns Golf Centre & Café, Culver Parade Sandown
Lowdown: This flat course offers you a beautiful view of the English channel as the route follows the seafront promenade from Sandown to Shanklin and back.
