Going for Gold: 8 fun running events in Britain

Tuesday 25 February 2020
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Sunday 26 April marks the 40th anniversary of the London Marathon, an event that will shine a spotlight on Britain’s great running events and sporting heritage. Whether visitors are joyful spectators or cardio-obsessed runners, there are a number of outstanding marathons and fell runs to add to the fitness calendar this year, making 2020 the best time to go for gold on a trip to Britain!

 

Run around the capital: Royal parks, the UK’s biggest race and the electric East End

London Marathon

Welcoming more than 40,000 runners and 750,000 spectators each April, the London Marathon is the biggest race event in Britain. With runners sporting wild and whacky costumes whizzing through iconic locations, and an energy likened to ‘Britain’s biggest street party’, this is a race peppered with unforgettable moments. Top places to watch the event include along the River Thames, Greenwich, Tower Bridge and the regal Mall, next to St James’s Park.

When? 26 April 2020

Prices: The ballot for this year has now closed, however you can still enjoy the rush of the race and the beauty of London’s icons as a spectator.

 

Hackney Half

Celebrating all things fitness and movement related, Hackney Moves is a three-day festival of fitness on the Hackney Marshes. A much-loved event, the festival incorporates a free community run (16 May) and the official Hackney Half run, which will take to the streets of Dalston, Haggerston and Hackney Wick on Sunday 17 May. More details on the weekend fitness will be revealed soon - visit the Hackney Half website for further information.

When? 15-17 May 2020

Prices: Entry to the Hackney Half costs £54 per person, including free race photos, a medal, a finisher’s t-shirt and a tote bag.

 

Royal Parks Half Marathon

Want to soak up the atmosphere of a group run in the tranquil surroundings of London’s famous green spaces? The Royal Parks Half Marathon could be just the ticket. An opportunity for both runners and spectators to experience these beautiful oases in all their autumnal glory, the route will pass through leafy locations such as Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, as well as must-see sights including the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

When? 11 October 2020

Prices: The ballot for this year has now closed, however you can still soak up all the adrenaline of the race, not to mention the beauty of Britain’s Royal Parks, as a spectator.

 

Run around Britain: Castles, wild trails and post-marathon DJ sets

Race to the Castle

Encompassing the splendour of the Northumberland wilderness and at more than double the distance of a full marathon, Race to the Castle is a running event unlike any other. This 100km coastal route immerses runners in the region’s staggering natural beauty as they roam along St Oswald’s Way to historic Bamburgh Castle, with the option to complete the trail over one or two days, or take it as a 50km route on either day if preferred.

When? 6-7 June 2020

Prices: Tickets cost from £39 to £204 to enter.

 

Love Trails

One for high-energy party animals, Love Trails is a festival combining cardio adventures, wellness activities and music. Take part in wild off-road fell runs ranging from three to 55km by day, and enjoy a selection of active and mindful activities, interesting talks, delicious food and dance-inducing music by night.

When? 2-5 July 2020

Prices: Tickets cost from £149 per person for adults and £49 per person for under 18s (children four and under go free)

 

Run Jurassic

Set in England’s only natural World Heritage Site, Run Jurassic is a three-day celebration of running, taking place across Dorset’s breathtaking Jurassic Coast. This year fitness fanatics have the choice of ultra marathon, classic marathon and half marathon distances, as well as a 10K and the Run Jurassic Kids race, with highlights en route including Durdle Door, Chesil Beach and Golden Cap.

When? 25-27 September 2020

Prices: Entry costs from £20 per person for fundraiser tickets to £30 per person for unaffiliated entry to the Ultra Marathon. Run Jurassic Kids costs £8 per person.

 

Oxford Half Marathon

For a chance to see some of Britain’s most beautiful architecture while on the run or cheering among a pumped-up crowd, check out the culturally rich Oxford Half Marathon. With a route that passes along the city centre, over the picturesque river, through a quaint local village and back to the spellbinding University buildings, visitors can experience both a running challenge and a day of sightseeing.

When? 11 October 2020

Prices: It is free to enter the ballot for the race. Standard entry costs £49 per person including a t-shirt, a tote bag, a race photo and a medal.

 

Yorkshire Three Peaks Race

Those looking for a challenge can push themselves to new heights with the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, known as a ‘marathon with mountains’. This 23-mile fell run or walking route is organised for groups throughout the year, taking runners over some of north England’s most impressive peaks: Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside.

When? Throughout the year

Price: Entry to the Yorkshire Three Peaks Race costs £70 per person

For more information contact:

VisitBritain Media Team

pressandpr@visitbritain.org

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