The Best Marathons in the UK

Running a marathon is a huge achievement. Covering 26.2 miles (42.195 km) is more than just a long run - it is an experience full of adrenaline, mental tests, and unforgettable finish-line emotions. Whether you are chasing a first marathon finish, a personal best, or simply the next bucket-list event, the United Kingdom offers a wide variety of outstanding races.

From iconic city courses filled with cheering crowds, to scenic countryside or coastal routes where nature is your companion, to trail versions that challenge both body and mindset, the UK has something for every kind of runner. And the good news is many of these events are extremely well organised with strong support and vibrant communities.

In this article we’ve selected 15 of the best marathons in the UK, with all the information you need - when, where, beginner-friendliness, cut-off time, approximate cost, participant numbers, plus what makes each one special. We’ll also remind you how the Runna training plan fits in to get you ready for your next 26.2-mile challenge.

Let’s get started.

1. TCS London Marathon (London, England)

‍When: Usually late April
Where: London (capital city)
Cut-off time: Approx. 8 hours (mass participation)
Beginner-friendly? Yes, for experienced beginners (but requires good preparation)
Average price: Around £50-£60 for general entry, charity or ballot places may cost more
Number of participants: Tens of thousands (including elite, wheelchair, mass field)
Official website: London Marathon
Training plans: Grab your London Marathon training plan

The London Marathon is arguably the crown jewel of UK marathons and one of the most prestigious in the world. You will run through the heart of London, passing iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and ending on The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The mass crowd support is incredible, and the atmosphere can feel electric from start to finish.

The course is largely flat and fast, making it a strong option for runners aiming for a personal best or qualifying for another event. However the sheer size and popularity mean logistics (transport, start waves, crowded first miles) can be tricky. If you enter via charity or ballot, you’ll be sharing the experience with runners of every level, which adds to the sense of community.

Weather in late April can be variable in London - cool conditions are typical but you could face anything from mild spring sunshine to rain and wind. A tip: arrive early, know your start wave, and take advantage of pacers if you’re chasing a time goal. The London Marathon remains a bucket-list race for many.

2. Edinburgh Marathon Festival – Full Marathon (Edinburgh, Scotland)

When: Usually late May
Where: Edinburgh city centre and surrounding areas
Cut-off time: Approx. 6 hours 30 minutes (varies by year)
Beginner-friendly? Yes, for first full marathons with good preparation
Average price: Approximately £50-£65
Number of participants: Around 10,000+ for the full marathon within the festival
Official website: Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Training plans: Grab your Edinburgh Marathon training plan

The Edinburgh Marathon starts in the city, winds through beautiful suburban and coastal roads and finishes along the sea at Musselburgh. The net downhill profile makes it one of the faster marathon courses in the UK, and the late-May timing means you could benefit from relatively mild running weather.

Scenic views abound - historic Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat, sea views near the finish. Crowd support is strong especially in town, and the coastal finish gives a refreshing feel. For a first full marathon, the course is approachable but you will still need to train well.

One helpful tip: if you are chasing time, make sure you know the slight climbs and maintain hydration and pacing as the route changes character between city and coast.

3. Brighton Marathon (Brighton, England)

When: Usually early April
Where: Brighton seafront, East Sussex
Cut-off time: Roughly 7 hours (may vary)
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £55-£70
Number of participants: 10,000+ (depending on year)
Official website: Brighton Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Brighton Marathon training plan

Brighton Marathon offers a vibrant, seaside marathon experience with a lively atmosphere. You begin inland or in Brighton’s city streets and head toward the coast, finishing near Hove Lawns, just a few steps from the sea. The flat-ish coastal terrain makes it suitable for a personal best attempt or a first marathon.

The crowd atmosphere in Brighton has a fun carnival feel - music, bands, cheer zones plus the seafront finish deliver a memorable experience. The weather in April can be cool and comfortable for running, although the wind off the sea can add challenge. A tip: dress in layers for the start as you may warm up quickly once you get running along the coast.

4. Manchester Marathon (Manchester, England)

When: Usually early April
Where: Manchester city centre and surrounding suburbs
Cut-off time: Approx. 6 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £50-£65
Number of participants: Over 20,000 (full marathon field)
Official website: Manchester Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Manchester Marathon training plan

The Manchester Marathon is known for being fast, relatively flat, and well-organised. The city centres on your route, offering urban energy, crowd support and good logistics (transport, amenities). Many runners targeting a personal best choose Manchester as a key race.

The friendly, inclusive vibe makes it a great choice for first timers as well as seasoned marathoners. Weather is typically cool in early April, which is good for distance running. One tip: take advantage of the pacer groups if you’re going for a time goal, and use the early miles to settle into rhythm before you push in the second half.

5. MBNA Chester Marathon (Chester, England)

When: Usually in October
Where: Historic city of Chester and surrounding countryside (England–Wales border)
Cut-off time: Around 6.5 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £55–£65
Number of participants: About 4,000–5,000
Official website: MBNA Chester Marathon
Training plans: Grab your MBNA Chester Marathon training plan

Running the MBNA Chester Marathon combines historic charm with scenic countryside views. The route starts and finishes at Chester Racecourse, winding through the city’s Roman walls before heading into the picturesque rural lanes of Cheshire and North Wales. It’s a mostly flat to gently undulating course, ideal for both first-timers and those chasing a PB.

Expect fantastic organisation, friendly marshals, and strong community support throughout. The mix of city sights, open countryside, and the supportive crowd make it a truly enjoyable marathon experience - challenging enough to feel accomplished, yet welcoming and relaxed enough for beginners to feel right at home.

6. Yorkshire Marathon (Yorkshire, England)

When: Usually late October or early October
Where: York city centre and surrounding York Minster area
Cut-off time: Approx. 7 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £60-£75
Number of participants: 8,000-10,000
Official website: Yorkshire Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Yorkshire Marathon training plan

The Yorkshire Marathon takes you through one of England’s most historic settings - York with its Minster, city walls, beautiful architecture. The finish line at the Yorkshire Rose is iconic and gives a rewarding photo-op. The route does have some rolling terrain so you will want to incorporate hills into your training.

The crowd support is warm and local, giving a strong feeling of community. Autumn weather means you might run in crisp conditions with beautiful foliage - which adds to the experience. A tip: train for the small climbs and enjoy the character of a less flat but very scenic marathon.

7. Bath Marathon (Bath, England)

When: Usually September
Where: Bath city centre, two-lap route through historic town
Cut-off time: Approx. 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Approx. £55-£70
Number of participants: Around 5,000-7,000
Official website: Bath Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Bath Marathon training plan

The Bath Marathon offers a smaller scale marathon in a very beautiful setting. Running through Bath’s Georgian architecture, past Roman-era landmarks and along quiet suburban roads gives you a special sense of place. The two-lap format means spectators can see you twice, which adds to encouragement and support.

Although not entirely flat, the route is very runnable and perfect for your first full marathon if you value scenery and a manageable field size. Bath is a great choice for a marathon experience that feels more relaxed compared to some of the super-huge events.

8. Snowdonia Marathon Eryri (Snowdonia, Wales)

When: Usually September
Where: Snowdonia region, Wales (start and finish in Llanberis)
Cut-off time: Approx. 8 hours
Beginner-friendly? No, advanced trail marathon
Average price: £90-£110
Number of participants: Around 1,500
Official website: Marathon Eryri
Training plans: Grab your Marathon Eryri training plan

If you are looking for a truly epic marathon with mountain views and challenging terrain, the Snowdonia Marathon will deliver. Set in the stunning Welsh highlands, the route climbs past Snowdon (Wales’ highest peak), and the elevation gain is substantial. This is not a race for beginners but it is unforgettable.

Expect narrow trails, real hills, changing weather (rain, wind, mist) and a sense of adventure rather than just road running. For certified road marathoners or trail lovers looking for their next challenge, it is a must-consider. Tip: include plenty of hill work, trail practice, and test your gear in tough conditions.

9. Great Welsh Marathon (Carmarthenshire, Wales)

When: March
Where: Llanelli and Pembrey Country Park, Wales
Cut-off time: Approx. 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £40-£50
Number of participants: Around 2,000-3,000
Official website: Great Welsh Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Great Welsh Marathon training plan

The Great Welsh Marathon offers a very flat, traffic-free course through the beautiful Welsh countryside and along the coast. Ideal for first time marathoners or those seeking a good finishing time in a low-stress environment. The early-season date gives you options if you like to run a spring marathon.

Support is strong though the field is smaller, meaning less congestion and a more relaxed feel. Tip: enjoy the scenery and treat the day as both a marathon challenge and a mini-escape.

10. Isle of Wight Marathon (Isle of Wight, England)

When: Usually late April or early May
Where: Isle of Wight, coastal and countryside roads
Cut-off time: Approx. 7 hours
Beginner-friendly? Medium (some hills, but very scenic)
Average price: Approximately £70-£80
Number of participants: Around 2,000
Official website: Isle of Wight Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Isle of Wight Marathon training plan

If you like the idea of combining a marathon with a mini-holiday, the Isle of Wight Marathon is a brilliant choice. You’ll take the ferry, run roads that skirt the coast, pass beaches and cliffs and finish in idyllic Newport or Seaview depending on the year. The setting is very different from city marathons, so you’ll experience the tranquillity of island life alongside your 26.2-mile challenge.

There are hills and the wind off the sea can add a challenge, so training should include some elevation work and wind resistance. Post-race you can unwind with the sea view that few marathons offer.

11. Belfast City Marathon (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

When: Usually in May
Where: Starts at Stormont Estate, finishes in Ormeau Park, passing through Belfast’s city centre
Cut-off time: Around 6.5 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £50–£65
Number of participants: Around 4,000–6,000
Official website: Belfast City Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Belfast City Marathon training plan

The Belfast City Marathon brings together Northern Ireland’s capital, lively atmosphere, and community pride in one well-supported event. The course weaves through historic landmarks, tree-lined streets, and vibrant local areas — offering both scenic variety and enthusiastic spectators along the way.

Expect a few rolling hills, but plenty of encouragement to keep you going. The mix of music, cheering crowds, and the final stretch into Ormeau Park creates a memorable finish. With excellent organisation and a friendly feel, Belfast offers a true city marathon experience that’s welcoming for first-timers and rewarding for seasoned runners alike.

12. Southampton Marathon Festival (Southampton, England)

When: Usually May
Where: Southampton and surrounding areas
Cut-off time: Approx. 6 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £55-£65
Number of participants: Several thousand
Official website: Southampton Marathon Festival
Training plans: Grab your Southampton Marathon training plan

A coastal city setting, Southampton Marathon offers a mix of road running through the city and quieter lanes outside. The field size is manageable and crowd support is solid, giving a full marathon experience without the scale and stress of the very largest events.

The early-summer date means you might face slightly warmer conditions so pay attention to hydration. Tip: train with some midday heat once to prepare.

13. Blackpool Marathon (Blackpool, England)

When: Usually late April
Where: Blackpool seafront and surrounding roads
Cut-off time: Around 7 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £50
Number of participants: Several thousand
Official website: Blackpool Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Blackpool Marathon training plan

Blackpool Marathon offers a seaside marathon experience on the iconic Lancashire coast. Running near the pier, along promenades and familiar resort town roads gives it a unique flavour. The flatish nature of much of the route makes it approachable, though coastal wind can play a factor.

As a slightly smaller event, it may appeal to marathon first-timers who want a friendly but fully-certified 26.2-miler. Tip: pack for wind and sun in equal measure.

14. Abingdon Marathon (Abingdon, England)

When: Usually October
Where: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Cut-off time: Approx. 6 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £45-£55
Number of participants: Around 1,000
Official website: Abingdon Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Abingdon Marathon training plan

The Abingdon Marathon is one of the oldest fixed-date marathons in the UK, with a smaller field and manageable terrain. If you prefer fewer crowds and a simpler race day logistics, this is a good choice. The course is mostly flat and you’ll often enjoy cooler autumn weather.

Because field size is smaller you’ll still get the full marathon feel but with less congestion and a calm finish-line environment. A tip: treat it like your big event - logistics matter - but enjoy the smaller-event warmth.

15. Yorkshire Dales Marathon (Yorkshire, England)

When: Usually September
Where: Yorkshire Dales National Park
Cut-off time: Approx. 7 hours
Beginner-friendly? No (some hills, trail elements)
Average price: Around £55+
Number of participants: Around 1,000-2,000
Official website: Yorkshire Dales Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Yorkshire Dales Marathon training plan

Rounding out our list is a marathon for the adventure-seeker. The Yorkshire Dales Marathon takes you through one of England’s most beautiful national parks. Expect scenic roads, open countryside, rolling hills and quiet lanes. It’s not flat, nor is it a big city race, but it offers something seldom found: tranquility, nature and a real sense of "escape" alongside the challenge of 26.2 miles.

For runners who have done a few marathons and want something special, this one will reward you with views, relative peace and personal satisfaction. Tip: include plenty of hill training, long runs on undulating terrain and gear that works in non-urban running (trail shoes optional).

Why Runna Fits Your Marathon Journey

At Runna we believe every runner deserves a plan that reflects who you are: your current fitness, your schedule, your goals and the race you picked from the list above. When you choose your marathon we build out a personalized plan, full of guided sessions - easy runs, long runs, tempo days, recovery - and built-in adaptability so you can shift days if life intervenes.

And best of all your first week is on us. That first week often sets the tone for the campaign ahead so we make it count. With Runna you’ll stay motivated, track your progress and cross that finish line with a smile and sense of achievement.

Whether you pick the London Marathon, the Isle of Wight, the Snowdonia epic or a city favourite like Manchester or Bath you’ll have the support you need. Pick your race, start your training and we’ll be there every step of the way.

‍