There are plenty of marathons across the UK, so runners have a wide choice of events. The London Marathon takes place on Sunday, 26 April 2026 and is one of the world's most famous marathons. Before that, there is the Brighton Marathon, which starts at Preston Park and later follows the Brighton seafront. Later in the spring, you can also run the Edinburgh Marathon on 24 May 2026, which is relatively fast and flat. In addition to these events, there are many other marathons around the UK, as well as plenty of half marathons you can run.⁴
| Marathon | City | Date | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton Marathon | Brighton | Sun 12 April 2026 | Spring |
| Manchester Marathon | Manchester | Sun 19 April 2026 | Spring |
| London Marathon | London | Sun 26 April 2026 | Spring |
| MK Marathon | Milton Keynes | Mon 4 May 2026 | Spring |
| Edinburgh Marathon | Edinburgh | Sun 24 May 2026 | Spring |
| Windermere Marathon | Lake District | Sun 14 June 2026 | Summer |
| Langdale Marathon | Lake District | Sat 17 Oct 2026 | Autumn |
Major UK Marathons in 2026
Marathons are more popular than ever, and many well-organised and enjoyable races take place throughout the UK. There are options for beginners, those seeking exciting scenery, and runners aiming for a personal best. For most runners, the events in London, Brighton, and Edinburgh are among the highlights of the UK marathon calendar.
Many of the biggest marathons in the UK require runners to enter months in advance. The London Marathon 2026, scheduled for Sunday 26 April 2026, typically fills through a ballot system that opens the year before the race, with charity places also available for runners who commit to fundraising. Other major events, such as the Brighton and Edinburgh Marathons, also require early registration due to high demand. Checking official race websites early is the best way to secure a place and avoid missing key entry deadlines.
London Marathon 2026
Brighton Marathon 2026
Edinburgh Marathon 2026
Other Notable Marathons
Alongside the headline events like the marathons in Edinburgh, London, and Brighton, many other marathons across the UK attract runners seeking different race experiences, from urban routes to scenic countryside courses.
UK Marathon Calendar 2026
There are races throughout the year, so runners have plenty of opportunities to find an event that fits their schedule and experience. Some runners prefer the large spring marathons, while others choose smaller events throughout the year or even trail races in scenic countryside locations. Below are some of the most popular UK marathons in 2026 that runners can enter.³ For many, it's also worthwhile just finding a marathon near you. If you're in Manchester, for example, it's easy to just train for the Manchester Marathon.
| Marathon | Date (2026) | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Marathon | 26 April 2026 | London England | Ballot, charity, and good-for-age entry options |
| Brighton Marathon | 12 April 2026 | Brighton England | Coastal course starting at Preston Park |
| Edinburgh Marathon | 24 May 2026 | Edinburgh Scotland | Flat fast course popular for personal best attempts |
| Lake District Marathon | TBC 2026 | Lake District Cumbria England | Scenic trail marathon through national park landscapes |
Marathon Training Plans
To successfully complete a marathon, you will need to follow a rigorous training routine. Typically, runners follow a programme lasting 16-20 weeks, with mileage increasing toward the middle of the training cycle and tapering off toward the end, so they can recover in time for the race. If you are running your very first marathon, the video below can help you with training advice and other logistical considerations. After all, while you should definitely train for the distance, you should also train for where the marathon is. After all, you can't guarantee the weather for the Edinburgh Marathon will be the same as the Brighton Marathon.
COLUMNS:
Beginner plan
- 3–4 runs per week
- Gradually increasing long runs up to 18–20 miles
- Focus on finishing comfortably rather than speed
Intermediate plan
- 4–5 runs per week
- Incorporates tempo runs and interval sessions
- Long runs building toward 20 miles
Advanced plan
- 5–6 runs per week
- Structured speed work and marathon pace sessions
- Focus on improving finishing time and race strategy
Marathon Registration in the UK
Runners need to register in advance to participate in most marathons, and many of the most popular races fill up quickly or use a ballot entry system. For events that use ballots, there are often charity places available. However, these usually come with a fundraising target that runners must meet to receive their bib. Smaller races might not offer the same level of support as larger events, but they are often easier to secure a place in. That said, there are hugely popular half marathons like the Great Bristol Run.
Best UK Marathons in 2026
Choosing the best marathon depends on what you are looking for in a race. Some runners prefer to choose a marathon based on the route and course profile, as a flat course is usually better for achieving personal best times. In contrast, others prefer races with scenic routes. You can also choose a marathon based on where and when it takes place, making the event easier to train for and attend.
Marathon Gear Recommendations
With the right running gear, you should be well prepared for your marathon. While some runners swear by expensive gear, the most important things are comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and reliable accessories. Personally, if you can deal with the rain, breathable clothes are preferable to waterproof ones, especially if you sweat a lot, since they won't make much difference. If you expect to get soaked and cold during a run like the Cardiff Half Marathon, there are lightweight, waterproof options for runners.
Similarly, much like with diet and hydration, you should not introduce any new equipment or clothing on race day. Try out everything you plan to wear during training runs.
Comfortable, well-tested shoes designed for long-distance running.
Lightweight shirts and shorts or tights that help regulate temperature and wick away sweat.
High-quality socks designed to reduce friction and prevent blisters during long runs.
Either a hydration belt, handheld bottle, or access to race water stations.
Carbohydrate gels, chews, or drinks to maintain energy levels during the race.
Useful for pacing, distance tracking, and monitoring performance.
Helps prevent irritation during long-distance runs.
Required for official race participation and timing.
Marathon Travel Arrangements
You may need to travel to another city to run a marathon. Make sure you plan accommodation, transport, and race-day logistics in advance so you can focus on running. If your marathon takes you to a new destination, consider combining the race with a short holiday, but avoid overdoing it the day before the event and remember that you may be tired the day after.
References
- Brighton Marathon Weekend. “Brighton Marathon.” London Marathon Events, https://www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/brighton-marathon-weekend/brighton-marathon. Accessed 10 March 2026.
- Edinburgh Marathon Festival. “Edinburgh Marathon 2026.” Edinburgh Marathon Festival, https://www.edinburghmarathon.com/marathon-2026. Accessed 10 March 2026.
- Find a Race. “Marathons Calendar.” Find a Race, https://findarace.com/marathons. Accessed 10 March 2026.
- Find a Race. “Half Marathons Calendar.” Find a Race, https://findarace.com/half-marathons. Accessed 10 March 2026.
- London Marathon Events. “Participant Information.” TCS London Marathon, https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/the-event/participant-information. Accessed 10 March 2026.
- Visit Brighton. “Brighton Marathon 2026.” VisitBrighton, https://www.visitbrighton.com/whats-on/brighton-marathon-2026-p2738991. Accessed 10 March 2026.
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