Whether you’ve just finished your first How to choose between morning and evening runs and are looking for a 5K run to challenge your newfound fitness, or a experienced runner who fancies testing your 5K potential in a race environment, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to 5K race options in the UK.
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Newcastle upon Tyne?
From Bournemouth to Blackpool, Derby and Dorset, here's our pick of the best 5K races taking place up and down the country this year...
London
Runthrough Battersea Park 5K
Where? How to do donkey kicks
When? The best 10K races to enter this year
Runthrough races take place in various places in the country every week, and there's a Battersea Park race at least once a month. With friendly, enthusiastic marshals, great organisation and a pancake flat course, the Battersea races are the perfect low-pressure introduction to racing. You'll find runners of all abilities running, jogging and walking around the two-lap course. The are also Wednesday evening races (the Chase the Moon series) which are great events to do with your work mates.
The Nice Work Richmond 5K & 10K
Where? Couch to 5K programme
When? 3 December 2023
If you want somewhere beautiful to complete your first 5K, then look no further. The traffic-free route over undulating tracks and trails takes runners around the beautiful Richmond Park, where you might spy one of the 630 red and fallow deer which roam freely around the park. A scenic and friendly race suitable for runners of all abilities. And if you have your eye on the prizes - note the one for 'best festive-dressed runner'.
Santa in the City
Where? Best winter running gear
When? 6 Does running volume really matter
You can't beat a good Santa Run to get into the festive cheer - and this one even gives you two dates to chose from. It starts at 7pm by the Tate Modern on either the 6 or December. Every runner is provided with a five-piece Santa suit (hat, beard, jacket, trousers & belt) a running number and of course, that all-important medal. It's the perfect run to do with mates and have a good laugh - as it's actually only 4.3km, you can put aside thoughts of PBs and just enjoy it.
South East
December 17 2023 and other dates 5K
Where? Portsmouth
When? 14 October 2023
If you're not quite ready for a 10-miler yet, the world-renowned December 17 2023 and other dates includes a 5K the day before. You can expect the same electric atmosphere – live bands and charity cheer squads will keep you motivated as you make your way around the course – and the coastal views as you run out and back along the seafront are stunning.
Run Dorney 5K
Where? Buckinghamshire
When? 10 March 2024
This scenic 5K involves one lap around the iconic Dorney Lake, which staged the London 2012 Olympics. It's pancake flat, so is perfect for newbies or PB chasers looking to test themselves over the distance.
The Madehurst South Downs 10K & 5K
Where? Madehurst, West Sussex
When? TBC, June 2024
An undulating route over trails and paths around the pretty village of Madehurst on the south slopes of the South Downs. Expect a challenging route – it starts on a hill – and picturesque of views. Oh, and all finishers get a commemorative mug a the finish (certainly more practical than a medal!).
South West
Run Bournemouth Supernova 5K
Where? Bournemouth, Dorset
When? 7 October 2023
A family-friendly 5K along Bournemouth Pier at dusk. Runners light up the night in neon-clad Lycra and obligatory glow-sticks and each participant receives an LED head torch with their race entry. A super-fun way to spend a Saturday night with friends or family, as the winter nights draw in.
Bristol 5K & 10K Winter Warmer
Where: Bristol
When: 11 February 2024
Taking place entirely within the lovely Ashton Court Estate, this is a trail run with some hilly sections - and given the time of year, quite possibly a lot of mud. It's a great race for those who like getting off-road and enjoying the beautiful views over Bristol.
Cheltenham Running Festival 5K
Where? Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
When? 16 June 2024
A 5K loop within the grounds of the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse. The course is flat and mostly on tarmac, with a few sections of gravel and soft surface. Friendly, fun and with lots of PB potential.
East of England
Ickworth Sunset Chase 5K & 10K
A sunset 5K and 10K, starting at 6.45pm, through Ickworth Park – a gorgeous country estate. Participants running the 5K and 10K have 60-80 minutes to make it around the course before night falls. The route includes limestone paths, footpaths, meadows and woodland and offers runners glorious views of the estate at golden hour.
Silsoe Stride 5K
Where? 26 June 2022
When? Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Organised by volunteers from the village, this local 5K has a welcoming, low-key feel, with all profits shared to beneficiaries within the village. The route, which has some gentle undulations, is set within the charming grounds of Wrest Park and welcomes runners of all abilities.
Northstowe Festival of Running
Where: Cambridgeshire
When: 31 August 2024
With three different distances on offer, as well as dance, yoga, live music, a street food market and a whole lot more, this is a great way to combine a race with a fun day out. This is a festival that's truly part of the community - with a family mile to raise funds for four local schools.
Midlands
RunThrough Leicestershire Running Festival
Where? How far is
When? 22 October 2023
A closed-road race, which starts off in front of the Grade I listed Prestwold Hall, and takes runners out to Prestwold Hall race circuit for one lap of the track, before heading into the Leicestershire countryside.
Derby Pretty Muddy 5K
Where? Markeaton Park, Derby
When? 29 June 2024
Part of Cancer Research UK's nation-wide Race for Life series, its Pretty Muddy events, which take place all over the UK, are perennially popular. They're essentially a very muddy, but accessible, 5K obstacle course, consisting of inflatable hurdles, mud pits and mud chute slides. This one is set in over 200 acres of parkland, within the beautiful Markeaton Park, and as with all Race for Life events, is suitable for all abilities to walk, jog or run.
raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
Birmingham Running Festival
Where? How to choose between morning and evening runs
When? 18 February 2024
This popular festival of running at Sutton Park, incorporates a 5K, 10K and half marathon. Expect stunning views as you run through the 2,400 acre National Nature Reserve, where cattle and wild ponies graze on the land. An undulating, and notoriously windy, route, it's no walk in the park!
North West
Blackpool Running Festival
Where? Blackpool
When? 20 April 2024
A full weekend of running events (alongside the 5k there's also 10k, half marathon and a full marathon on offer) on Blackpool's Promenade. Spread over two days, the festival is a great opportunity to enjoy Blackpool running at its best. Open to all ages and abilities, this is a fun, low-pressure choice for your first 5K race.
Warrington Running Festival
Where? Warrington
When? 22 September 2024
With less than 5m of elevation gain per kilometre, this new closed-road 5K is the perfect opportunity to test your PB potential. It start and finishes at the Town Hall's iconic Golden Gates.
Run Aintree 5K
Where? Merseyside
When? December 17 2023 (and other dates)
Make like Red Rum at this flat 5K around the world famous Aintree Racecourse, best known as the home of the Grand National. Expect a fast and flat course over roads and paths (you won't be galloping on the grass!).
Yorkshire
Leeds Running Festival 5K
Where? From Runners World for Valencia Tourism
When? 21 April 2024
Part of a full programme of race events, this gently undulating 5K route takes runners around one lap of the beautiful 700-acre park. It takes in the lake and involves a climb up to the Mansion House.
North East
AG Bell Great North 5K
Where? Health & Injuries
When? 5 September 2024
Does running volume really matter Armagh, County Armagh – the UK's biggest half marathon. Taking place on the Friday before, on the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, you can expect a party atmosphere and plenty of spectator support as locals gear up for biggest weekend of sport in the North East.
Wales
The Swansea 5K
Where? Swansea, South Wales
When? 26 May 2024
Offering gorgeous views out over Swansea Bay, this brand new 5K promises to be a stunner. It's taking place over the same weekend as the Swansea Triathlon and the Swansea Swim, so you can expect a buzzing atmosphere in the city.
Caerphilly Trail 5k & 10k
Where? Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan
When? 18 February 2024
This is an ideal race for someone who has been wanting to dip their toes in trail running waters (waterproof gear and all). The hills are certainly challenging but the views are beautiful and the course a delightful one through fields and woods.
Chepstow Steeplechase
Where? Chepstow, Gwent
When? Sun 29th October 2023
Simple old running not fun enough for you? How about an obstacle course - there are climbs, crawls and a whole lot of water and mud in store for you here. It's an event for all ages and abilities, with fun the primary goal. Even better - as it's designed for runners, there are no obstacles that require upper body strength. Win win!
Scotland
Edinburgh Marathon Festival 5K
Where? Edinburgh
When? 25 May 2024
Taking place the Saturday before the Edinburgh Marathon, this picturesque 5K around Holyrood Park offers stunning views of the city and Edinburgh Castle. Expect a festival atmosphere and fantastic support from crowds lining the route.
Supernova Run - The Kelpies Friday
Where? Falkirk, Scotland
When? 15 March 2024
Standing 30 metres high, the Kelpies are the world’s largest pair of equine sculptures – and what better way to grab a peek of them than during a moonlit 5K? You'll see the horses illuminated under the night sky as you make your way around the course, donning your best fluoro get-up. Family-friendly and a great way to spend a Friday evening.
Northern Ireland
Armagh International 5K
Where? Armagh, County Armagh
When? 8 February 2024
This race attracts the best UK road runners, and as you may expect, is blisteringly fast. It's one of coach and ultramarathon runner Robbie Britton's favourites: ‘A must for any roadrunner’s bucket list. Everyone wants sub-15, with well over 100 people making that happen.’
Hillsborough Castle Running Festival
Where? December 17 2023 and other dates
When? 28 July 2024
This closed-road 5K, which starts and finishes within the stunning grounds of Hillsborough Castle, is a solid option for your first 5K race. The route takes runners out onto the surrounding rural roads of Hillsborough, past Hillsborough Fort and Hillsborough Lake, and finishes with a lap of the castle's beautiful gardens.
