If you’ve set your sights on racing a marathon in 2024 but you’re not sure which one to go for, we’ve put together a list of some of the best courses from around the country. The UK has so many fantastic choices. From legendary city races, to scenic road routes, and gnarly trails, there's something to suite every runner.
Take a look at our pick of the best events on the 2024 calendar!
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LET'S STARTBig city classics
These major city marathons are like a giant runners’ party, where thousands of people come together to chase their dreams. The excitement of the crowds is infectious, and you get to run through the streets of the UK’s greatest cities alongside some of the best professional runners in the world.
If you’re chasing a new PB, these are often the fastest courses: nice and flat, wide roads, and plenty of other runners and spectators to spur you on. If you’re just looking to soak up the atmosphere or experience your first major marathon, these races will definitely not disappoint.
Most of these races fill up fast, and places for this year will be hard to come by. If you have your heart set on taking part in 2024 have a look to see if any charity places are still up for grabs.
London Marathon
London (England), 21 April 2024
The TCS London Marathon is the most popular marathon in the world. The course is lined with spectators, and passes many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It's a magical once-in-a-lifetime experience for many runners. You'll have stars in your eyes from the starting line in leafy Blackheath all the way to the finishing straight in front of Buckingham Palace.
The event is popular with runners of all kinds, from first-time marathoners to elites,and from charity runners to seasoned club runners. However, it’s notoriously difficult to obtain a place on the start line. Over 500,000 people entered the ballot for the 2024 event for just 17,000 places. Alternatively, you can apply for Good for Age or a charity places.
Cut-off time: 8 hours
Number of finishers in 2023: 48,634
Men’s Record: 2:02:37 (Eliud Kipchoge, 2019)
Women’s Record: 2:15:25 (Paula Radcliffe, 2003)
Edinburgh Marathon
Edinburgh (Scotland), 26 May 2024
Notoriously fast, and with a net-downhill elevation profile, this course is definitely PB material! The route is fantastic too, circling the city centre and the Royal Mile underneath the watchful eye of the castle before heading towards the coast. A picturesque stretch along the East Lothian coastline to Musselburgh offers runners panoramic views of the Firth of Forth. The Edinburgh Mountain Festival is Scotland's largest running event and is known for its great support and festive atmosphere.
Number of finishers in 2023: 7,131
Cut-off time: 6 hours, 30 minutes
Men’s Record: 2:13:33 (Joel Kiptoo, 2018)
Women’s Record: 2:33:36 (Zinaida Semenova, 2005)
Manchester Marathon
Manchester (England), 14 April 2024
The flattest and fastest marathon in the UK is also one of the oldest, with its first edition taking place in 1908. It's renowned for its fun, vibrant atmosphere, with tens of thousands of runners coming together to run the historic streets every year. The course crosses through the city centre, past many famous landmarks, and ends outside Old Trafford Stadium, the home of Manchester United.
Number of finishers in 2023: 18,185
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Men’s Record: 2:10:46 (Jonny Mellor, 2022)
Women’s Record: 2:29:06 (Becky Briggs, 2022)
Belfast City Marathon
Belfast (Northern Ireland), May 5, 2024
The route takes you to all four corners of the city, taking in landmarks such as the City Hall and the Grand Albert Clock, as well as numerous beautiful greenways and parks. The course is fast and flat, so perfect for hitting those PBs!
Number of finishers in 2023: 3,337
Cut-off time: 6 hours
Men’s Record: 2:13:41 (Negewo Ararisa, 2012)
Women’s Record: 2:36:50 (Nataliya Lehonkova, 2013)
Scenic road marathons
The next marathons on our list may not be the fastest road marathons, but they’ll certainly blow you away with their beauty. From famous peaks to mythical lakes, you’ll discover some of the most enchanting landscapes in the land.
Marathon Eryri
Llanberis (Wales), October 26 2024
Originally known as the Snowdonia Marathon, its first edition was in 1982, and it was conceived as an alternative to the increasingly popular city races. The demanding and spectacular route circles Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, the highest peak in Wales and England. With 838 m of ascent, this won’t be your speediest marathon, but it will certainly be one of the most breathtaking.
Number of finishers in 2023: 2,226
Cut-off time: There’s no official time limit, but runners must reach mile 18 within 5 hours
Loch Ness Marathon
Inverness (Scotland), 29 September 2024
This spectacular point-to-point route starts in the moorlands, then heads north along the shoreline of Loch Ness to Inverness. You’ll love the breathtakingly beautiful Highland scenery and the friendly atmosphere. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the elusive Nessie!
Number of finishers in 2023: 3504
Cut-off time: 7 hours
Windermere Marathon
Cumbria (England), 19 May 2024
This spectacular marathon takes place in the heart of the Lake District and circles England’s largest lake. The course is hilly, with over 600m of ascent, but the wonderful views and enthusiastic supporters in the local villages will get you round in no time!
Number of finishers in 2023: 217
Cut-off time: 6 hours 30 Trail marathons
Trail marathons
If you’re more drawn to trail running, there are some fantastic courses around the UK featuring spectacular views and diverse terrain. Even though these races have added technical difficulty, they can be a great option for slower recreational runners. They’re often more low-key than their road equivalents, with relaxed and friendly atmospheres.
Farnham Pilgrim Marathon
Surrey (England), 8 September 2024
This is a challenging but rewarding trail marathon through the Surrey Hills, following part of the historic Pilgrims’ Way. The stunning route meanders past ponds, rivers, old mills, vineyards, and even a field of curious lamas! The atmosphere is friendly, supportive, and relaxed, and this is the perfect race for trail runners of all levels.
Number of finishers in 2023: 135
Cut-off time: 8 hours
Kielder Marathon
Northumberland (England), 6 October 2024
Touted by the organisers as Britain’s most beautiful marathon, the route is almost entirely off-road and loops around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water. The route is challenging, with some tough climbs and a variety of terrain, but the beautiful landscapes and supportive atmosphere make this course a joy to behold. If you find the full marathon distance a bit daunting, you can take part in the half marathon or 10 km races.
Number of finishers in 2023: 621
Cut-off time: 7 hours
Cybi Coastal Marathon
Holyhead (Wales), 3 August 2024
This wonderful course takes you on a tour of Holy Island, the western side of the larger Isle of Anglesey. You can enjoy the spectacular coastline with views of wide bays, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, the famous South Stack lighthouse, and the summit of Holyhead Mountain. This is a great race for trail runners who love smaller events with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
Number of finishers in 2023: 183
Cut-off time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Take your pick
Whether you're a seasoned marathon runner or a recreational runner looking to check off your first ever race over this distance, running a marathon is a memorable and life-changing experience. It’s important to choose an event that will give you the experience that you’re looking for.
Now that you’ve seen what’s on offer, all that’s left is to enter your race and get training!
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