Best Autumn Running Races in the UK in 2026: Marathons, Half Marathons and 10Ks

Looking for a UK race to round off 2026? Autumn brings some of the biggest events in the running calendar, from the Great North Run and Cardiff Half to scenic marathons in Loch Ness and York.

Here are some of the best UK marathons, half marathons and 10Ks taking place between September and November 2026, with dates, course details and official event links.

Autumn marathons in the UK in 2026

1. Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

Date: Sunday 27 September 2026 Location: Inverness, Scotland Best for: Scenery and a memorable race weekend

One of the UK’s best-known destination marathons, Loch Ness follows a point-to-point route through the Scottish Highlands and along the south-eastern shores of the loch before finishing in Inverness.

The landscape makes this a genuine bucket-list event, although the undulating course means it is not necessarily the easiest choice for a first marathon or a PB attempt. General entry for 2026 is sold out, but charity opportunities may still be available.

Visit the official Loch Ness Marathon website

2. MBNA Chester Marathon

Date: Sunday 11 October 2026 Location: Chester, England and North Wales Best for: A well-supported road marathon with plenty of character

Starting and finishing at Chester Racecourse, this road marathon passes through the historic city before continuing into the surrounding countryside and crossing the border into Wales.

The route is rolling rather than completely flat, but the supportive atmosphere and relatively straightforward race-day logistics make Chester a popular choice for first-time and experienced marathon runners alike. It is currently the fifth-largest marathon in the UK.

Visit the official Chester Marathon website

3. Altra Yorkshire Marathon

Date: Sunday 18 October 2026 Location: York, England Best for: First marathons and PB attempts

The Yorkshire Marathon begins and ends at the University of York. Runners pass York Minster and parts of the historic city before heading into the surrounding countryside.

Its predominantly flat course appeals to runners chasing a faster time, but it is equally suitable for someone preparing for their first 26.2 miles. Expect energetic support in York and the villages, with quieter countryside sections where maintaining your pace becomes the main challenge.

Visit the official Yorkshire Marathon website

Autumn half marathons in the UK in 2026

4. AJ Bell Great North Run

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields Best for: An iconic race and enormous crowd support

The Great North Run is the biggest half marathon in the world and one of the most recognisable events in British running. In 2026, around 63,000 runners are expected to take on its famous route from Newcastle to the coast.

The course includes uphill and downhill sections, with some of its hardest running arriving during the later miles. The reward is the final descent and seafront finish in South Shields.

The 2026 event is sold out, but charity places may still be available.

Visit the official Great North Run website

5. Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon

Date: Sunday 4 October 2026 Location: Cardiff, Wales Best for: City landmarks, fast running and enthusiastic crowds

Cardiff has grown into one of the UK’s largest and most popular half marathons. Its predominantly flat course starts outside Cardiff Castle and passes the Principality Stadium, Penarth Marina, Cardiff Bay and Roath Park.

The combination of a fast route, more than 27,000 runners and strong local support makes it a good choice for first-time half-marathon runners and experienced athletes chasing a PB. It is also part of the international SuperHalfs series.

Visit the official Cardiff Half Marathon website

6. ASICS Manchester Half

Date: Sunday 4 October 2026 Location: Manchester Best for: A first half marathon or a serious PB attempt

Manchester Half is one of the largest half marathons in the UK, attracting more than 20,000 runners. Its fast, flat course makes it particularly appealing if your autumn goal is to set a new personal best.

The size of the event creates a proper big-race atmosphere, while the course remains accessible for runners taking on 13.1 miles for the first time. Expect plenty of company and encouragement from the start line to the final stretch.

Visit the official Manchester Half website

7. AJ Bell Great Scottish Run Half Marathon

Date: Sunday 4 October 2026 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Best for: A lively city atmosphere

Starting on St Vincent Street and finishing on Glasgow Green, the Great Scottish Run places runners in the centre of one of Scotland’s largest running events.

This is a strong choice if you want crowd support, city scenery and a finish-line celebration rather than a quiet, time-focused race. A 10K takes place during the same event, allowing friends with different running goals to share the weekend.

Visit the official Great Scottish Run website

8. Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon

Date: Sunday 11 October 2026 Location: London Best for: London landmarks and autumn scenery

Royal Parks Half offers a rare combination of central London sightseeing and long stretches of green space. The route passes through Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, with several famous landmarks along the way.

It is one of London’s best-known half marathons and attracts around 16,000 participants. Public ballot entry has closed for 2026, but charity places may still be available through participating organisations.

Visit the official Royal Parks Half Marathon website

9. Oxford Half Marathon

Date: Sunday 11 October 2026 Location: Oxford Best for: Historic surroundings and a fast course

The Oxford Half takes runners through the city centre, Old Marston village and the streets surrounding Oxford University.

Its flat course works well for beginners and runners aiming for a faster time, while live music and city support bring energy to the route. The 2026 event is sold out, although some official charity places may remain available.

Visit the official Oxford Half Marathon website

Autumn 10K races in the UK in 2026

10. Baxters River Ness 10K

Date: Sunday 27 September 2026 Location: Inverness, Scotland Best for: Highland scenery and PB potential

Held during the Loch Ness Marathon weekend, the River Ness 10K follows a flat, point-to-point course through Inverness and alongside the river.

It is a great option if you want the excitement of a large running festival without committing to a marathon. The straightforward route suits newer runners moving up from 5K as well as experienced racers looking for a quick autumn time.

Visit the official River Ness 10K website

11. AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 10K

Date: Sunday 4 October 2026 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Best for: A major-event experience over a shorter distance

The Great Scottish Run 10K offers the scale and atmosphere of a big city race over a more manageable distance.

It is suitable for a first organised 10K, a charity challenge or an attempt at a new personal best. Runners also share the Glasgow Green finish with participants in the half marathon, giving the shorter race the same sense of occasion.

Visit the official Great Scottish Run website

12. Run Bournemouth Supersonic 10K

Date: Sunday 11 October 2026 Location: Bournemouth, Dorset Best for: Coastal views and fast running

Bournemouth’s Supersonic 10K is a flat coastal race passing Boscombe and Bournemouth piers.

The accessible distance and scenic location make it attractive to first-time racers, while its faster sections offer experienced runners the chance to chase a PB. The coastal finish also gives the event a more memorable setting than the average city 10K.

Visit the official Bournemouth Supersonic 10K website

13. Leeds Abbey Dash

Date: Sunday 29 November 2026 Location: Leeds Best for: A late-season PB

Leeds Abbey Dash is one of the best-known 10K road races in the country. Its fast, flat route runs from Leeds city centre towards Kirkstall Abbey and back.

The event will host the England Athletics 10K Championships in 2026, attracting elite and club runners alongside the wider field. If you want one final goal—or one final attempt at a personal best - before the year ends, this is a strong choice.

Visit the official Leeds Abbey Dash website

Celebrate the route after the finish

Whichever race you choose, the route becomes part of the achievement. Once you have crossed the finish line and uploaded the activity to Strava, you can turn it into a personalised ZEW Studio poster - created with your route, race details and chosen colours.

Create a poster from your Strava activity.