The 10K is one of the most loved race distances in running. It’s long enough to feel like a true test but short enough to allow for speed and excitement. For many runners, the 10K represents the perfect balance between endurance and pace. It’s challenging, rewarding, and achievable with just a few months of focused training.
Across the world, 10K races attract millions of participants every year. You’ll find them in historic cities, along breathtaking coastlines, on mountain roads, and even under the glow of neon lights. Whether you’re aiming to finish your first event or push for a personal best, there’s a 10K race somewhere in the world that’s perfect for you.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked 15 of the best 10Ks in the world, each offering a unique experience, from legendary city runs to unforgettable scenic routes.
1. BolderBOULDER (Colorado, USA)
When: Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Where: Boulder, Colorado, USA
Beginner-friendly? Yes, though at altitude
Average price: $60–$75
Number of participants: 40,000+
Official website: BolderBOULDER
Training plans: Grab your BolderBOULDER training plan
The BolderBOULDER is one of the most famous 10Ks in the world. Set in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it offers a blend of fast running, community celebration, and pure fun.
The course winds through Boulder’s neighborhoods before finishing inside the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field, where thousands of spectators cheer every runner across the line. Expect entertainment on nearly every corner - live bands, belly dancers, slip-and-slides, and even barbecue grills.
The altitude (over 5,000 feet) adds a little challenge, but the lively atmosphere, patriotic Memorial Day celebrations, and stunning mountain backdrop make this a race you’ll never forget.
2. AJC Peachtree Road Race (Georgia, USA)
When: July 4
Where: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: $45–$55
Number of participants: 60,000+
Official website: AJC Peachtree Road Race
Training plans: Grab your Peachtree 10K training plan
The AJC Peachtree Road Race is the largest 10K in the world and a true American tradition. Every Independence Day, tens of thousands of runners fill the streets of Atlanta for one massive celebration of running and community.
The course features a few rolling hills but nothing overly demanding. The finish line in Piedmont Park feels like a festival, complete with live music, food trucks, and patriotic energy. The finisher T-shirt is iconic - so much so that it’s considered a collector’s item among runners.
If you’re looking for an event that combines a great run with pure joy, this is it.
3. Great Manchester Run 10K (England)
When: May
Where: Manchester, England
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £42–£50
Number of participants: 20,000+
Official website: Great Manchester Run
Training plans: Grab your Great Manchester Run training plan
The Great Manchester Run is Europe’s biggest 10K and one of the most exciting city races on the continent. The route takes runners through the heart of Manchester, past Old Trafford and along wide streets filled with music, cheering crowds, and thousands of runners of all levels.
The atmosphere is electric. It’s more than just a race - it’s a northern street party with a finishing medal. The course is flat and fast, perfect for beginners and those hunting a new personal best.
4. Paris 10K (France)
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When: June
Where: Paris, France
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: €40–€55
Number of participants: 25,000+
Official website: Adidas 10K Paris
Training plans: Grab your Paris 10K training plan
The Adidas 10K Paris offers an incredible chance to race through one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The route winds past many of Paris’s famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and the Arc de Triomphe.
This event is known for its party-like atmosphere, with DJs, cheer zones, and live performances along the way. The course is mostly flat and well organized, making it an excellent choice for runners of all experience levels.
And let’s be honest - there are few better ways to reward yourself after a race than with a croissant and café au lait in a Parisian café.
5. Sydney Harbour 10K (Australia)
When: July
Where: Sydney, Australia
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: AUD 75–90
Number of participants: 7,000+
Official website: Sydney Harbour 10K
Training plans: Grab your Sydney 10K training plan
If you want a race with iconic views, this is one of the best. The Sydney Harbour 10K offers a stunning route that runs along the water, past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
It’s winter in Australia during July, so the weather is cool and ideal for running. The course is flat and scenic, perfect for personal bests or photo opportunities. The event is also exceptionally well organized, with a friendly Aussie atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome.
6. Valencia 10K (Spain)
When: December
Where: Valencia, Spain
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: €40–€60
Number of participants: 12,000+
Official website: Valencia 10K
Training plans: Grab your Valencia 10K training plan
Valencia is known as “The City of Running,” and for good reason. The Valencia 10K shares the same fast, record-breaking roads as the city’s marathon and half marathon.
The flat course and perfect winter temperatures make this one of the fastest 10Ks in the world. The start and finish in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences are visually stunning, and the energy from the Spanish crowds is infectious.
If you’re chasing a personal record, put Valencia at the top of your list.
7. Dubai 10K (United Arab Emirates)
When: January/February
Where: Downtown Dubai
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: $50–$70
Number of participants: 8,000+
Official website: Dubai Marathon (10K event)
Training plans: Grab your Dubai 10K training plan
The Dubai 10K offers one of the flattest and fastest courses on the planet. The route takes runners through the modern marvels of downtown Dubai, past the Burj Khalifa and along wide, well-paved boulevards.
Cool winter mornings make for ideal racing conditions, and the event attracts elite runners as well as beginners from all over the world. After the race, you can relax on the beach or explore the desert - it’s a unique blend of luxury and sport.
8. Cape Town 10K (South Africa)
When: May
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £30–£40
Number of participants: 10,000+
Official website: Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10K
Training plans: Grab your Cape Town 10K training plan
The Cape Town 10K is part of South Africa’s “Run Your City” series, and it’s one of the most scenic and festive races on the African continent. The course showcases Cape Town’s best sights - Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the Atlantic coast.
Music, dancing, and cheering locals fill the streets, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The route is fast, the crowd support is incredible, and the post-race celebrations are full of South African flavor.
9. Cursa dels Nassos 10K (Spain)
When: December 31
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: €20–€35
Number of participants: Around 10,000
Official website: Cursa dels Nassos
Training plans: Grab your Barcelona 10K training plan
The Cursa dels Nassos 10K is Barcelona’s legendary New Year’s Eve race - fast, festive, and full of Catalan spirit. The course runs through the city’s streets near the Mediterranean coast, with cool winter air and a lively atmosphere that makes it one of Europe’s most unique 10Ks.
It’s known for its flat, lightning-fast route where elite athletes chase records, but it’s equally welcoming to beginners looking for an unforgettable end-of-year run. With music, cheering crowds, and Barcelona’s vibrant energy lighting up the night, it’s the perfect way to close out the running season.
10. Vancouver Sun Run (Canada)
When: April
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: CAD 55–75
Number of participants: 40,000+
Official website: Vancouver Sun Run
Training plans: Grab your Vancouver 10K training plan
The Vancouver Sun Run is Canada’s largest 10K and one of the most scenic in the world. The course takes you through downtown Vancouver and along the waterfront, with mountain views in the distance.
The race is incredibly inclusive, attracting everyone from elite runners to families walking together. The atmosphere is upbeat, the course is fast, and the scenery is spectacular.
11. Night Berlin 10K (Germany)
When: Early August
Where: Kurfürstendamm, Berlin
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: €35–€50
Number of participants: Around 8,000–10,000
Official website: adidas Runners City Night Berlin
Training plans: Grab your Berlin 10K training plan
The adidas Runners City Night Berlin 10K is one of the city’s most exciting summer races - a fast, flat, and electric night run through the heart of Berlin. As the sun sets, runners take over the illuminated Kurfürstendamm, cheered on by crowds, music, and glowing lights.
It’s a celebration of speed and atmosphere, perfect for beginners and PB chasers alike. With seamless organisation, vibrant nightlife energy, and Berlin’s unmistakable buzz, this 10K delivers a unique running experience that’s as fun as it is fast.
12. Saucony London 10K (England)
When: July
Where: Central London
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £45–£55
Number of participants: 12,000+
Official website: Saucony London 10K
Training plans: Grab your London 10K training plan
The Saucony London 10K is a spectacular city race that celebrates running in the heart of the capital. The route takes runners past London’s most famous landmarks - including Westminster Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and the Embankment - all lined with cheering crowds and live entertainment.
Flat, fast, and bursting with energy, it’s perfect for beginners, charity runners, and those chasing a personal best. With music at every mile and an unbeatable city-centre atmosphere, the Saucony London 10K captures the joy and spirit of summer running in one unforgettable event.
13. Auckland Waterfront 10K (New Zealand)
When: November
Where: Auckland, New Zealand
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: NZD 70–85
Number of participants: 3,000+
Official website: Auckland Waterfront Half Marathon & 10K
Training plans: Grab your Auckland 10K training plan
This scenic race takes you along Auckland’s stunning waterfront, with views of the harbor and the city skyline. It’s flat, relaxed, and full of friendly Kiwi energy.
Spring weather in New Zealand makes it ideal for racing, and the calm coastal atmosphere gives it a perfect balance between focus and fun.
14. Singapore 10K (Singapore)
When: December
Where: Marina Bay, Singapore
Beginner-friendly? Yes, but humid
Average price: SGD 60–80
Number of participants: 10,000+
Official website: Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (10K event)
Training plans: Grab your Singapore 10K training plan
The Singapore 10K offers a unique tropical running experience. The course circles Marina Bay and the Gardens by the Bay, passing illuminated skyscrapers and waterfront landmarks.
Although the humidity can make it a bit tougher, the night-time setting and city lights create an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s one of Asia’s most visually stunning running events.
15. King’s Runner 10K (Hawaii)
When: Early March
Where: Honolulu, Hawaii
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: $40–$60
Number of participants: Several thousand
Official website: King’s Runner 10K
Training plans: Grab your King’s Runner 10K training plan
The King’s Runner 10K is a flat, fast, and friendly race through the streets of Honolulu. The course offers ocean breezes, palm-lined roads, and a relaxed island atmosphere, making it a perfect mix of performance and enjoyment.
It’s ideal for beginners and experienced runners alike, with smooth organisation and plenty of local support. Cool early-morning conditions and a vibrant post-race celebration capture the spirit of running in paradise - fun, welcoming, and full of aloha energy.
Train for Your Next 10K with Runna
Whether you’re chasing a world-class performance in Berlin, soaking up sunshine in Sydney, or celebrating with locals in Cape Town, the right training makes all the difference.
That’s where Runna comes in. Our app builds personalized 10K training plans that adapt to your current fitness level, schedule, and goals. You’ll get expert coaching, smart pacing guidance, and a perfect mix of workouts - from interval sessions to long runs and recovery days.
You can even select your specific race in the app, and we’ll build a plan customized for its profile and conditions.
Download Runna, your number-one running coaching app, and start training for your next 10K today. Your first week is free.
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