Edinburgh Marathon
ROAD – TOWN/ RURAL – FLAT This is the biggest marathon in Scotland: each year around 16,000 runners turn out to enjoy cruising past some of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks (including Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, Meadowbank stadium and Musselburgh Link
LONDON MARATHON ROAD - TOWN - FLAT What kind of best-race rundown would this be without the London Marathon? Thirty-six years old and growing bigger every year, it’s a must-do for elites, club runners, those ticking off a bucket list (or attempting a nutty world record), charity runners and the rest of us. London, April 23, virginmoneylondonmarathon.com
CHESTER MARATHON ROAD – TOWN/ RURAL - FLAT This is one marathon where carrying your smartphone might be the smart thing to do – there are so many sights to snap. Running in both the historic city centre and through surrounding countryside, you’ll take in the Roman Walls, the Cathedral, the Duke of Westminster’s Estate and much more. Cheshire, October 8, activeleisureevents.co.uk
WALLED CITY MARATHON ROAD – TOWN/ RURAL - FLAT This is a great way to see the historic city of Londonderry. The race, now in its fifth year, takes in the city’s famous walls – which have stood since the early 17th century – and sends runners along the banks of the River Foyle and out into the surrounding countryside before returning to end in Guildhall Square. Derry, Northern Ireland, June 4, thewalledcitymarathon.com
BOURNEMOUTH MARATHON ROAD - TOWN - FLAT This speedy route takes runners along the stunning Bournemouth coast, first heading through Boscombe before doubling back all the way to Sandbanks beach. Runners return to Bournemouth Pier for a buzzing finish. The fast, flat course is ideal for first-timers and PB hunters, and there’s a beautiful sea view to boot. Bournemouth, October 8, bournemouthmarathon.com
MANCHESTER MARATHON ROAD – TOWN - FLAT The first thing that springs to the minds of race geeks/enthusiastic competitors when this race is mentioned is that it’s the flattest marathon in the UK, with less than 50m of climb in the whole thing. It also boasts wide roads, no difficult turns and an always chirpy field who are unruffled by the traditional northern weather. Manchester, April 2 greatermanchestermarathon.com
YORKSHIRE MARATHON ROAD - RURAL - FLAT A popular and picturesque run that has quickly established itself as one of the highlights of the White Rose County’s sporting year. Although not completely flat, it has decent PB potential and sees participants absorb some of York’s splendid historic sites and scenic country roads, making it an attractive prospect for runners of all abilities. Yorkshire, October 8, theyorkshiremarathon.com
GIANT’S HEAD MARATHON TRAIL - URBAN - HILLY If you’re after a challenge, you’ll get your money’s worth here. This very hilly but beautiful course takes you through the Sydling and Cerne valleys and under the famous Cerne Abbas Giant. Upon finishing, you won’t know which to visit first – the beer stall, the hog roast, the after-party tent or the ice cream van. Dorset, June 24, whitestarrunning.co.uk
BEACHY HEAD MARATHON TRAIL – RURAL - HILLY Formerly known as the Seven Sisters Marathon, this romp across the South Downs National Park near Eastbourne is now one of the biggest offroad marathons in the UK. As well as running over Beachy Head itself, there are 300 steps and 14 gates to negotiate. Leave your GPS watch at home for this one. East Sussex, October 28, beachyheadmarathon.co.uk
EDEN MARATHON MIXED TERRAIN - RURAL - HILLY This offers a unique experience. You’ll run in and around the Eden Project, taking in the gorgeous countryside, with its clay landscapes and mining heritage, and also get to trot past the imposing eco Biomes that have now become a such a popular tourist attraction. Cornwall, October 15 edenproject.com
SNOWDONIA MARATHON TRAIL - RURAL - HILLY A previous winner of Runner’s World’s best marathon award, this 26.2 around the second-highest peak in the UK features a route that gives you the best of both worlds: you get some superb views of the mountain without having to haul yourself up the brute. Mid Wales, October 28, snowdoniamarathon.co.uk
LOCH NESS MARATHON ROAD – TOWN/ RURAL - FLAT You can make up your own joke about this being a ‘monster’ race while we focus on telling you that it is every bit as lovely as you imagine running alongside this famous loch would be. With its 2,500-strong field this is the biggest rural marathon in Scotland. Highlands, Scotland, September 24, lochnessmarathon.com
FORT WILLIAM MARATHON TRAIL - RURAL - HILLY A marathon set in the heart of the Highlands – what’s not to like? A tough, undulating section comprises the first six miles, but the views of Ben Nevis, the fields of wild flowers and one epic downhill section will make it all worthwhile. Mind you, there’s a hill at the end. Highlands, Scotland, July 30, fortwilliammarathon.co.uk
CAUSEWAY COAST MARATHON ROAD/ TRAIL – RURAL - HILLY Sometimes you come across a race so stunning you may be tempted to stop along the way and applaud the scenery. This event, which takes in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway, is one such event. Northern Ireland, September 23, 26extreme.com
ROCK ‘ N’ ROLL LIVERPOOL MARATHON ROAD - TOWN - FLAT As befits a city with such a rich musical heritage, Liverpool plays host to one of the riotously enjoyable Rock ‘n’ Roll series of races, where you’ll find a live band playing at each mile to help keep your spirits up and your legs turning over. Leave your headphones at home. Liverpool, May 28, runrocknroll.com/liverpool