British 10K
ROAD – TOWN - FLAT If you fancy coming to London and seeing a huge number of the capital’s sights in a very short time, this is the way to do it. Beginning on Hyde Park corner, the route takes in the London Eye, Big Ben, the Ritz Hotel, Westminster Bridge
GREAT MANCHESTER RUN ROAD - TOWN - FLAT Securing your place early is vital for such an in-demand event. With bands all along the route, charity cheer points, musical entertainment, thousands of spectators and BBC cameras zooming around, you’re sure to stay motivated all the way to the finish line. A half marathon has been added this year. Manchester, May 28, greatrun.org/great-manchester-run
CITY OF LINCOLN 10K ROAD – TOWN - FLAT An event that is getting bigger by the year, thanks to the flat course and inclusive atmosphere. Almost 4,500 people finished the race last year, with entrants coming from all parts of the UK and abroad to take in some of Lincoln’s fine historic landmarks, including the cathedral and the city’s Roman Walls. Lincoln, April 2, runforall.com/10k/city-of-lincoln
LONDON ZOO STAMPEDE 10K ROAD - CITY - FLAT This is a run with a difference – you can unleash your inner animal, with speedy cheetahs and leisurely sloths both welcome. The opening and final sections take place in London Zoo itself, where you’ll run past more than a few furry friends (animal costumes are not a good idea, as they may scare the residents – they don’t often see tigers running on two legs), while the middle third offers the chance to put the hammer down in Regent’s Park. London, March 26, zsl.org
BATH SKYLINE TRAIL - RURAL - HILLY Hilly, narrow and technical underfoot in some places, this is one of those races where you should really be taking in the splendid scenery but will probably be too busy trying not to take a tumble on the way round. Starting and finishing at the University of Bath, the route takes you up into the countryside immediately surrounding the city. Bath, January 15, relishrunningraces.com
SWANSEA BAY 10K ROAD – RURAL - FLAT The great thing about this race is – if you’ve brought your A game – that the fast route and wide turns will work in your favour; on the other hand, if you’re more bothered about just enjoying the morning, you can bask in the magnificent sweeping views of Swansea Bay and take in some bracing sea air. Swansea, September (date tbc), swanseabay10k.com
MULL OF KINTYRE 10K OFF ROAD – RURAL - FLAT A route famous for its stunning beach (and, yes, all right, that song, if you really must), this event has it all – a picturesque location, a great atmosphere and post-race celebrations of Danish pastries and ceilidh dancing. Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, May 28, mokrun.com
MINNOWBURN 10K TRAIL – RURAL – HILLY Starting at the Mary Peters Track – named after GB’S 1972 Olympic Pentathlon Champion – you’ll meander along track, forest trail and roads through the National Trust property at Minnowburn, then back along the banks of the Lagan river. Close to the city yet in the heart of the countryside. Belfast, April 23, born2runevents.com
KENDAL MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL TRAIL – RURAL – HILLY This weekend-long jamboree of all things outdoors includes videos, talks, hikes, art exhibitions and more. Nestled in there is a stonking 10K with a mixture of wide trails, single-track and easy hills. And there’s a great town centre finish. Cumbria, November (date tbc), mountainfest.co.uk
LEEDS 10K ROAD – TOWN - FLAT Seasoned runners can take advantage of this super-flat, fast route to compete for a PB, while new runners can embrace the incredible atmosphere to achieve their own goal. With a truly electric city centre start and finish, and great support around the course, this is one of the best urban events around. Leeds, July 9, runforall.com/10k/leeds