Running Events in the UK and Ireland
As most fitness fanatics already know, running is one of the best cardiovascular work-outs available and it’s a cheap form of exercise too! All you need is a pair of runners, a selection of upbeat tunes and off you go! There are so many health benefits attached to running including strengthening bones and muscle, it can help you to maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular fitness and it has also been proven that running makes you happy!
It’s no surprise really when you consider the benefits, that running has become so popular in the UK and Ireland. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, it’s always a good idea to set yourself goals along the way to train towards. There are so many running events to choose from, whether it’s a family fun run you want to complete or your first marathon. We have put together a list of some of these events for you to choose from. So set yourself a goal today and get running towards it!
Fun Runs
Another fun option is the colour run. Referred to as the ‘Happiest 5k on the Planet’ by the organisers, the colour run is a unique race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality and giving back to the community. This is a 5k un-timed race in which thousands of participants are covered from head to toe in different colours at each kilometre. The fun continues at the finish line with a gigantic ‘Colour Festival’ using more coloured powder! Participants are advised to wear white on the day for maximum effect!
Check out the Colour Run website for more information.
The Big Fun Run
Run for charity, run for fitness, run for fun… Just Run! That’s the motto behind the Big fun Run which is a series of untimed runs taking place in 18 locations across the UK. The runs are suitable for all the family, this is not about Olympic level athletes racing in record times, it’s about mums with prams, dads with toddlers and groups of friends all running for fun! To find your nearest fun run, visit the Big Fun Run for more information.
The City of Birmingham 10k and 5k Fun run
For those who are taking their running a bit more seriously and would like to have their run timed then you could opt for the City of Birmingham 10k or 5k fun run. The Fun Run takes place in beautiful Sutton Park and is aimed at all abilities making it a fun day out for all the family.
For race day information and how to enter, visit the UK Triathlon website.
Run in the Dark
Set up to support and provide funds for the Mark Pollock Trust which aims to find a cure for paralysis, the Lifestyle Sports Run in the Dark takes place in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London and Manchester. Run through one of these fantastic cities under the night sky while raising awareness and money for a good cause. 5k and 10k options are available on the night and the event will be timed for those who wish to get an official time for their run. For more information, visit Run in the Dark.
Obstacle Runs
Obstacle runs have become hugely popular in recent years with athletes not only running but also completing challenges such as wall climbs, enduring electric shocks and more along the way too! If this sounds like your kind of day out, check out some upcoming obstacle runs below.
Survival of the Fittest
The Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest races take place in 4 major UK cities in multiple distances with 5km, 10km and half marathon distances all available to choose from and 50 obstacles in each! This event is definitely not for the faint hearted! The event includes professionally chip timing, and you also receive a t-shirt and finishers medal and photo as well as access to their massive beer tent and food and drink stands at the end.
The Survival of the fittest takes place in Cardiff, Nottingham, Manchester and London.
Muddy Races
This is a one stop shop for muddy obstacle course races happening around the UK. With all sorts of various obstacle courses taking place, you can choose an event that suits you with varying distances and levels.
Half Marathons and Marathons
For the serious athletes among us who are hoping to push their boundaries by completing a half marathon or full marathon by the end of the year, below are some of the best events happening this year.
Morrisons Great North Run
The Great North Run is the world’s leading half marathon that takes place annually in Newcastle. The Great North Run was first staged in 1981 and 12,000 people took part.
The Scottish Half Marathon
The Scottish Half Marathon is a new event for the UK Running Calendar. This is a flat and rapid course, perfect for those hoping to achieve a personal best! The event kicks off outside Edinburgh and the run takes you along the magnificent East Lothian Golf coast. You can choose to run for charity with a number of associated charities involved and you will also receive accurate chip timing and a finishers t-shirt, medal and race recovery pack.
The Robin Hood Marathon and Half Marathon
Taking place in Robin Hood’s hometown of Nottingham, the Robin Hood Marathon and Half Marathon. Starting at the Race Village which is located on the Victoria Embankment Recreation Ground, athletes can drop off their baggage in the morning and soak up the atmosphere before the race. The race will also finish at the Runners Village where there will be catering and massage tents as well as two stages with a number of acts and entertainment performing throughout the day. Athletes are invited to dress as Robin Hood for the event but serious athletes are more than welcome to wear their usual gear!
Morrisons Great Birmingham Run
The course of the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run half marathon takes in some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Bullring, the Cadbury World in Bournville and Edgbaston cricket ground. Live music will keep you entertained as you run and thousands of supporters turn out to cheer finishers across the line on Broad Street.
Exeter’s Great West Run
This half marathon has it all, the energy of the city centre road race, combined with pretty country lanes and stunning views across Exeter. You will pass many iconic sites along the way including Exeter City Centre, the university, beautiful country lanes of St. Andrews Road and on towards Stoke Woods. Conditions are perfect for athletes with traffic-free roads and plenty of space for spectator support. Runners will be chip timed and will receive a finishers’ medal and goody bag as well as a post-race massage! The Exeter Great West Run event.
Great Scottish Run
The Great Scottish Run is the perfect day out for all the family! With Super Saturday providing events for the whole family including the Toddler Dash, Junior Run and the Family Run, it’s the perfect time to make a weekend of it in the vibrant city of Glasgow. For more serious athletes, a 10km course and a half marathon course are also available. The run will take you past some of the city’s iconic sights including Nelson’s Monument, the Clyde Arc and the Finnieston Crane. The Great Scottish Run.
Dublin Marathon
The Dublin Marathon and Half Marathon course is largely flat and is a single lap around the City Centre. Running conditions are ideal for the marathon with average temperatures in October around 12-14 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect excuse to visit Dublin and explore the city as you run!
If you decide to take a weekend break to a new city and incorporate a run then we wish you the best of luck! And remember, when you need to rest your weary feet at the end of the day, Leonardo Hotels are conviently located in city centres across the UK and Ireland.