The London Marathon is fast approaching (22 April to be exact), and if you’re one of those in training for it, good luck. However, if, like thousands of others, you missed out on a place, don’t despair. There are plenty of other heart-pumping, leg-straining options across the UK and Ireland that are just as scenic, far less crowded, and much easier to enter.
London Marathon
London is a highlight of the global racing calendar. With a record number of 386,050 applications for roughly 17,500 ballot places in 2018, getting in required a whole lot of luck. If you didn’t but are still keen to run the iconic course, the ballot for next year opens in early May. You could also run on a charity place, but be prepared to raise thousands in sponsorship. Alternatively, check if you might qualify for a Good for Age place for which applications open in June.
If you like big city races, you could also try Greater Manchester Marathon, Liverpool Marathon, or Birmingham International Marathon.
Step Up to the Challenge
Watching a major running event can be humbling and inspiring, potentially planting a seed in your mind about whether you could step up to the challenge yourself. If you’re tempted, the Dublin Marathon is a good first-time option. Held in late October, the first 20,000 applicants are guaranteed entry. The course is relatively flat and remains open for seven hours, ensuring you’ll still earn your medal and bragging rights even if you end up walking.
Other good first-time options include Milton Keynes, Birmingham, or the Thames Meander.
Oh I Do Like to Race Beside the Seaside
If you prefer a run with a sea view, the Dingle Marathon takes place in one of Ireland’s most picturesque coastal regions. The roads are closed to traffic for race day while runners take on the dramatic route, featuring rugged hills, rocky bays, sandy beaches, and ancient archaeological sites. There’s also a half marathon that captures the scenery while avoiding the intimidating hill at mile 22.
For more coastal challenges, the Endurance Life Coastal Series has trails in Pembrokeshire, the Gower, Dorset, and Devon. Alternatively, try the Man V Coast challenge in Cornwall.
Climb Every Mountain
If you prefer challenging routes, the Three Peaks Race is a well-known fell run across the Yorkshire Dales in northern England. While it’s slightly short of a full marathon at 23.2 miles, it includes a demanding 1608m of ascent and descent. Competitors must qualify by running a similar race and must carry essential items like a map, compass, whistle, and emergency supplies.
If mountain marathons interest you, consider Great Langdale, the Mourne Mountain Marathon, or the Snowdonia Marathon.
Nature Junkies Delight
If you’re inspired by the great outdoors, the UK and Ireland offer a variety of back-to-nature runs. The Endurance Life Exmoor takes place in the less-visited areas of the national park and is one of the toughest trail runs in the country. Competitors should expect steep climbs and challenging descents across cliffs, valleys, and moorland, all while enjoying stunning views.
Other scenic runs include Windermere, the Yorkshire Moors, and Connemara.
One for the Record Books
If you’re chasing a personal best, you’ll need a flat, fast course with pacers and minimal congestion. The Greater Manchester Marathon meets these criteria, featuring excellent crowd support. Although it’s not the most scenic course, with only 150m of height gain, a great atmosphere, and a finish at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, it could be your best chance to shave off precious minutes.
Other races with potential for personal bests include Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, and Chester.
One for the Wine Lovers
Replace energy gels with a glass of wine at the Bacchus Marathon in Surrey. Held on the Denbies Wine Estate in early September, this two-lap circuit features six wine tasting stations on each loop, equating to potentially 12 glasses of wine along with gourmet oysters and cheeses at rest stops. You may not notice the miles, the challenging terrain, or even the scenery, but you’ll certainly remember the fun atmosphere and hog roast at the finish line.
Other unique racing experiences include Man V Horse Marathon, where you compete against horses, and the Mighty Deerstalker, a night run with an unspecified distance.
Racing on Wheels
London remains the leading destination for wheelchair racing, although qualifying can be competitive—you must have completed a previous marathon and hold a World Para Athletics classification to enter the elite race. The Day Chair race has limited spots, but Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Belfast marathons all feature wheelchair events. The flat course in Manchester is particularly appealing.
Most marathons also welcome blind or visually impaired runners. For more information on finding or becoming a guide runner, explore Guide Running UK or England Athletics.
Four Legs Are Better than Two
Looking for a four-legged personal trainer? Proponents of canicross suggest that starting your marathon training with your dog is the way to go. Build up the miles together, letting your dog pull you on a harness. This partnership can keep you motivated (and distracted) as the distance increases. While most dedicated canicross events are up to 10km, an increasing number of longer trail events allow runner-dog pairs, such as those in Endurance Life’s Coastal Trail Series.
Other dog-friendly races are organized by Human Race, Brutal, Maverick, and CaniX, with a full listing of events on DogFit.
In for the Long Haul
With half the office running marathons nowadays, if you want bragging rights, you may need to take on a challenging trail or increase your mileage. Ultra running, which means anything beyond marathon distance, relies heavily on mental stamina as well as training and varies widely. One of the toughest options is the One Ultra Trail Run in Dorset, covering 82 miles with over 3000m of ascent.
Top ultras for first-timers include the Tiree Ultra, the Thames Trot, or Endure 24.
Catch ‘Em Young
While most marathons require participants to be 18 and half-marathons to be 17, some running festivals encourage children’s involvement. If you’re looking to pass on your love of running, consider the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, which features four junior races between 1km and 5km. The Belfast Marathon also includes a 2.5-mile fun run, as does the Manchester Marathon, where kids can participate in the Family Mile race.
