The Best Marathons in the UK for Every Type of Runner

The Most Popular City Marathons

City marathons in the UK are known for scale, spectacle, and fast courses. They often attract tens of thousands of runners and millions of viewers, creating a sense of shared occasion that few other sporting events can match. These races tend to sell out quickly, reflecting their broad appeal.

London Marathon

The London Marathon is the most internationally recognised marathon in the UK and one of the most famous in the world. Its route passes iconic landmarks and draws enormous crowds, creating an atmosphere that many runners describe as unmatched. The scale of the event makes it feel celebratory rather than intimidating, despite its size.

Entry is highly competitive, with a public ballot and charity places forming the main access routes. For those who secure a place, the experience often becomes a lifelong highlight, combining elite-level organisation with a uniquely supportive environment.

Manchester Marathon

The Manchester Marathon has built a reputation as one of the UK’s fastest courses. Its relatively flat route attracts runners aiming for personal bests and qualification times. Organisation and pacing support are key strengths, making it popular with experienced marathoners.

Crowd support has grown steadily in recent years, giving the race a lively yet less overwhelming feel than London. It balances performance focus with a welcoming atmosphere, appealing to a broad range of runners.

Edinburgh Marathon

Edinburgh Marathon offers a distinctive blend of city and coastal running. Starting in the city and finishing by the sea, the route combines historic scenery with open stretches that encourage steady pacing. The course profile is generally forgiving, contributing to its popularity.

The event weekend includes multiple race distances, creating a festival-like environment. This inclusivity adds to the atmosphere and makes it a popular choice for runners travelling with family or friends.

Scenic and Countryside Marathons

Not all runners are drawn to large crowds and city streets. Scenic and countryside marathons in the UK offer a different kind of challenge, emphasising landscape, solitude, and connection to place. These races often feel more introspective, with fewer distractions and a stronger sense of rhythm.

Running through rural or coastal environments can be mentally refreshing, though it may require greater self-motivation. Elevation changes and weather exposure can add complexity, making these events particularly rewarding for those seeking variety.

Snowdonia Marathon

The Snowdonia Marathon is known for its demanding course and dramatic mountain scenery. Elevation gain is significant, and weather conditions can be unpredictable, making preparation essential. For many runners, finishing this race is as much about endurance and resilience as speed.

Despite its difficulty, the event is highly respected for its organisation and sense of camaraderie. Participants often describe it as one of the most memorable races they have completed.

Loch Ness Marathon

The Loch Ness Marathon offers a point-to-point route through the Scottish Highlands, combining rolling terrain with expansive views. The scenery plays a central role in the experience, providing a sense of escape from everyday surroundings.

While the course is not entirely flat, it allows for steady pacing if approached thoughtfully. The quieter setting appeals to runners who value atmosphere over scale.

Coastal and Trail Marathons

Several UK marathons follow coastal paths or trail routes, introducing uneven surfaces and changing terrain. These races prioritise experience over speed and often attract runners with trail or ultra-running backgrounds.

Navigation, footing, and weather awareness become more important in these settings. For those willing to adapt, coastal and trail marathons offer a distinctive and deeply satisfying challenge.