If you’re looking for a race that combines fun, fitness, and a buzzing atmosphere, the 5K is hard to beat. It’s a distance that welcomes everyone - from complete beginners to elite athletes - and offers a perfect balance between speed and endurance. Whether you’re chasing your first-ever finish line or fine-tuning your pace for a personal best, the UK has an incredible range of 5K events to choose from.
You’ll find city-centre runs with thousands of participants, scenic park routes that showcase the country’s natural beauty, and fun runs designed for families and friends. And because the 5K distance is achievable for most runners with just a few weeks of training, it’s the ideal gateway into the world of racing.
In this guide, we’ve selected 15 of the best 5K races in the UK, each offering something unique - from historic backdrops to coastal scenery, fast courses, and community spirit.
1. parkrun (Nationwide)
When: Every Saturday morning
Where: Over 1,000 locations across the UK
Beginner-friendly? Absolutely
Average price: Free
Number of participants: Varies by location (50–1,000+)
Official website: parkrun UK
Training plans: Grab your 5K training plan
No list of UK 5Ks would be complete without parkrun, the free, weekly 5K that’s become a global movement. Held every Saturday morning in parks and green spaces across the country, parkrun is open to all - runners, joggers, and walkers alike.
The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, and because it’s free and timed, it’s a great way to track your progress over time. You can run with friends, family, or even bring your dog (at most venues). It’s community running at its very best.
2. Aintree 5K Mile (Liverpool, England)
When: Throughout the year (multiple race dates)
Where: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £25–£35
Number of participants: Around 1,000–2,000
Official website: Aintree 5K
Training plans: Grab your Aintree 5K training plan
The Aintree 5K offers a fun and fast race experience at one of the UK’s most iconic sporting venues. Set on the famous Aintree Racecourse - home of the Grand National - the course is flat, smooth, and perfect for both first-time runners and those chasing a new personal best.
With multiple events held throughout the year, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere, excellent organisation, and great support around the track. The unique setting, easy-to-follow route, and post-race buzz make the Aintree 5K a brilliant introduction to racing - or a great chance to see just how quick you can go.
3. Mid Cheshire 5K (Cheshire, England)
When: Spring and late summer (April & August events)
Where: Kingsley, Cheshire
Beginner-friendly? Yes (fast, rural course)
Average price: £20–£25
Number of participants: Around 500–1,000
Official website: Run Cheshire
Training plans: Grab your Mid Cheshire 5K training plan
The RunMid Cheshire 5K is one of the UK’s fastest and most scenic 5K races, set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. Known for its smooth, slightly downhill route and professional organisation, it attracts both beginners and elite runners chasing personal bests.
The rural roads are quiet and well-supported, with a welcoming community feel that makes everyone feel part of the action. Whether you’re aiming for your first finish or a sub-20-minute time, the Mid Cheshire 5K offers the perfect mix of speed, scenery, and supportive atmosphere.
4. Bath Skyline 5K (Bath, England)
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When: Mid November
Where: Bath Skyline Trail, Bath, Somerset
Beginner-friendly? Yes (trail terrain but relaxed atmosphere)
Average price: £20–£25
Number of participants: Around 300–800
Official website: Bath Skyline 5K
Training plans: Grab your Bath Skyline 5K training plan
The Bath Skyline 5K offers a refreshing trail run with stunning views over the historic city of Bath. Winding through woodlands, open meadows, and along the famous Skyline path, it’s a scenic and rewarding alternative to a city-road race.
The course has a few gentle hills and mixed terrain, but the welcoming atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make it perfect for beginners and experienced runners alike. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals or just want to enjoy a relaxed run in nature, the Bath Skyline 5K delivers a memorable, feel-good experience surrounded by the beauty of the English countryside.
5. Edinburgh 5K (Edinburgh, Scotland)
When: Late May
Where: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £25–£30
Number of participants: 4,000+
Official website: Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Training plans: Grab your Edinburgh 5K training plan
The Edinburgh 5K takes place during the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend and offers a beautiful route around Holyrood Park, under the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat.
The course is scenic and friendly, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a picturesque run in Scotland’s capital. It’s one of those races where you finish smiling no matter your pace.
6. Cardiff 5K Race for Victory (Cardiff, Wales)
When: May
Where: Whitchurch, Cardiff
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £25–£30
Number of participants: 4,000+
Official website: Cardiff 5K
Training plans: Grab your Cardiff 5K training plan
The Cardiff 5K is one of Wales’s best-loved community races. It takes place in the Whitchurch suburb, with local residents lining the streets to cheer on runners. The course is flat and fast, making it ideal for beginners and PB-chasers alike.
The evening start adds to the lively atmosphere, with food stalls, music, and celebrations carrying on long after the finish line.
7. AJ Bell Great South Run (Portsmouth, England)
When: October
Where: Portsmouth city centre and seafront
Beginner-friendly? Yes (flat and fun coastal course)
Average price: £25–£30
Number of participants: Several thousand
Official website: AJ Bell Great South Run
Training plans: Grab your Great South Run 5K training plan
The AJ Bell Great South Run 5K is part of the UK’s biggest and most iconic coastal running festival. Taking place the day before the famous 10-mile main event, this 5K offers a brilliant atmosphere, energetic crowds, and a flat, scenic route along Portsmouth’s historic waterfront.
Perfect for beginners, families, and those looking to test their speed in a shorter race, it’s a fantastic way to experience the Great South Run weekend. Expect upbeat music, superb organisation, and sea views that make every step feel special - a fun, feel-good event that captures the spirit of the South Coast.
8. Race for Life 5K (Nationwide)
When: Various dates throughout the year
Where: Multiple locations across the UK
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £15–£20
Number of participants: Thousands across events
Official website: Race for Life
Training plans: Grab your 5K training plan
Race for Life is one of the UK’s most iconic 5K events. Organized by Cancer Research UK, these races take place in cities, parks, and towns across the country, raising money for cancer research.
It’s an inclusive and emotional event where people run, jog, or walk together to celebrate life and support a vital cause. The atmosphere is uplifting and full of positivity, making it perfect for anyone’s first-ever race.
9. Run Bournemouth Supernova 5K (Bournemouth, England)
When: October
Where: Bournemouth seafront
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £25–£30
Number of participants: 2,000+
Official website: Run Bournemouth
Training plans: Grab your Bournemouth 5K training plan
The Supernova 5K is a spectacular night-time event where runners light up the promenade with glow sticks and flashing gear. The race takes place under the stars, with the sound of the sea beside you the entire way.
It’s more of a fun, visually stunning experience than a competitive one - perfect for families, groups, and runners who love atmosphere and creativity.
10. Run Media City 5K (Salford, England)
When: Monthly series from March to October
Where: MediaCityUK, Salford Quays
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £20–£25
Number of participants: 500+ per event
Official website: Run Media City
Training plans: Grab your Media City 5K training plan
This regular 5K series takes place in one of the North West’s most scenic urban areas, with views of the Manchester Ship Canal and the BBC studios at MediaCityUK.
The events are small, friendly, and perfectly organized, with chip timing and great support. Ideal if you want a fast, flat course or a monthly benchmark to track your progress.
11. Leeds Running Festival (Leeds, England)
When: Early April
Where: Roundhay Park, Leeds
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £20–£25
Number of participants: Around 1,000–2,000
Official website: Leeds Running Festival
Training plans: Grab your Leeds 5K training plan
The Leeds Running Festival 5K offers a scenic and supportive race experience set in the beautiful surroundings of Roundhay Park - one of Europe’s largest city parks. The route loops around the park’s lakes and tree-lined paths, providing a peaceful, traffic-free setting that’s perfect for beginners and families.
The course is mostly flat with a few gentle undulations, making it great for both first-timers and those chasing a personal best. With a friendly atmosphere, enthusiastic volunteers, and stunning parkland views, the Leeds Running Festival 5K delivers an uplifting, feel-good race day for runners of all levels.
12. Battersea Park Chase the Sun 5K (London, England)
When: Monthly, spring to autumn
Where: Battersea Park, London
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £20–£30
Number of participants: Around 1,000
Official website: RunThrough UK
Training plans: Grab your Battersea Park 5K training plan
Battersea Park is one of London’s most popular running spots, and the “Chase the Sun” 5K series lets runners race around its flat, tree-lined paths in the golden light of sunset.
The relaxed vibe, scenic route, and professional organization from RunThrough make these races perfect for both beginners and experienced runners wanting a midweek tune-up.
13. Belfast 5K (Belfast, Northern Ireland)
When: May
Where: Belfast city centre
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £20–£25
Number of participants: 1,500+
Official website: Belfast City Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Belfast 5K training plan
The Belfast 5K offers runners a scenic city-centre route and a chance to be part of Northern Ireland’s biggest running event. It’s fast, friendly, and a great way to explore the city’s landmarks in a fun, accessible format.
With enthusiastic crowds and a celebratory finish, it’s a brilliant entry-level race that showcases Belfast’s growing running community.
14. Run Alton Towers 5K (Staffordshire, England)
When: November
Where: Alton Towers Resort
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £30–£40
Number of participants: 2,000+
Official website: Run Alton Towers
Training plans: Grab your Alton Towers 5K training plan
This one-of-a-kind event lets you run through the famous Alton Towers theme park before it opens to the public. You’ll pass roller coasters, lakes, and themed areas, cheered on by spectators in fancy dress.
It’s a fun, family-friendly event that perfectly mixes running with entertainment - ideal for first-timers or those looking for a race that’s all about enjoyment.
15. Great North Run 5k (Newcastle, England)
When: September
Where: Newcastle Quayside and River Tyne
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £25–£30
Number of participants: Several thousand
Official website: AJ Bell Great North 5K
Training plans: Grab your Great North 5K training plan
The AJ Bell Great North 5K kicks off the legendary Great North Run weekend with a fun, fast, and friendly race along the scenic Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside. The course runs alongside the River Tyne, with views of the iconic bridges and a lively atmosphere throughout.
Perfect for beginners, families, and seasoned runners alike, it offers a taste of the excitement that makes the Great North Run world-famous. Expect energetic crowd support, great music, and a buzzing finish-line celebration - the perfect way to start a weekend of running in the North East.
Train for Your Next 5K with Runna
The 5K is more than just an entry-level distance - it’s the foundation of great running. It helps you build endurance, develop speed, and fall in love with the sport. Whether you’re signing up for your first parkrun or planning a fast race like the Leeds Abbey Dash 5K, preparation makes all the difference.
That’s where Runna comes in. Our app creates personalized 5K training plans that adapt to your current fitness, schedule, and goals. You’ll get clear guidance for every workout - from easy runs and intervals to strength sessions and recovery days - so you can make steady, confident progress.
You can even select your specific event inside the app and receive a plan tailored to that race.
Download Runna, your number-one running coaching app, and start training for your next 5K today. Your first week is free.
