The best running events to sign up to in 2025 – from 5km prosecco races to ultra marathons through the desert
FROM racing along the Great Wall of China to sprinting through the streets of London, there’s no shortage of epic running events around the world.
Whether you’re after a 5km jog close to home or a multi-day ultra marathon abroad, here are some of the best for 2025.
JANUARY
PolarNight Marathon
- Distance: 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon
- Date: January 4, 2025
- Location: Tromsø, Norway
- Find out more: msm.no/en/events/polarnightmarathon
The PolarNight Marathon takes place in the middle of the day.
But at this time of year, the sun never rises above the horizon, so you’ll be running in complete darkness.
If you’re lucky, you could even be running under the Northern Lights.
FEBRUARY
Dead Sea Marathon
- Distance: 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon, 50km
- Date: February 7, 2025
- Location: Ein Bokek, Israel
- Find out more: deadsea.run/en/
The Dead Sea Marathon is held at the lowest point on earth, 420 metres (1,378ft) below sea level.
Runners pass ancient salt crystals, desert landscapes and bright turquoise waters along the flat and “super-fast” route.
The Ice Ultra
- Distance: 230km
- Date: February 18, 2025
- Location: Swedish Lapland, Sweden
- Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk
The 230km Ice Ultra runs across the Arctic Circle – and it’s not for the faint-hearted.
It takes participants across frozen lakes and through snowy forests, all in sub-zero conditions – sometimes as low as -40C.
MARCH
Wine Marathon
- Distance: 8km, 12km, 21.1km, 42.2km
- Date: March 29 to 30, 2025
- Location: Côte Chalonnaise, France
- Find out more: yaka-inscription.com/marathondesvinsdelacotechalonnaise2025
Fancy a run with a bit more fun?
The Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon races in the vineyards of Burgundy.
It spans 17 villages, with wine dished out every 5km!
APRIL
London Landmarks Half Marathon
- Distance: Half marathon
- Date: April 6, 2025
- Location: London, UK
- Find out more: llhm.co.uk
Forget sightseeing buses. Take in some of the capital’s most famous areas during the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
From Big Ben to St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, this race combines culture, history and an electric atmosphere for runners of all abilities.
Run the Great Wall
- Distance: 10km, half marathon
- Date: April 20, 2025
- Location: Jinshanling Great Wall, China
- Find out more: rungreatwall.com/jinshanling-great-wall-marathon
Tick off one of the seven wonders of the world with a marathon along part of the Great Wall of China.
But beware, with thousands of huge, steep and uneven steps, it’s said to be one of the most challenging races on the planet.
Nashville Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
- Distance: 1mile, 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon
- Date: April 26 to 27, 2025
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee, US
- Find out more: runrocknroll.com/nashville
If music is more your thing, why not head to Nashville?
Runners can immerse themselves in music culture, and there are 20 band stages along the course.
The “tour” takes in landmarks such as Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch and the Country Musical Hall of Fame.
My favourite race
By Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor
I’ve entered several races over the years, from 5km runs to half marathons.
But hands down my favourite one is the London 10k.
It goes right through the centre of the capital, taking in all of the major sights.
And because the roads are closed, it’s one of the only chances you’ll get to run through the city without having to worry about cars, buses and cyclists!
More than 17,000 people took part in 2024, and the atmosphere was amazing.
There are choirs, drummers, DJs and dancers along the course, and so many spectators turn out to support their friends and family.
It’s also in July, so you should get decent weather!
MAY
Hackney Half Marathon
- Distance: Half marathon
- Date: May 17 and 18, 2025
- Location: Hackney, London, UK
- Find out more: hackneymoves.com
People say the Hackney Half Marathon is more like a festival, with live music, street food and “activities for all”.
It’s London‘s biggest half marathon, with 24,000 runners.
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
- Distance: 10km and half marathon
- Date: May 18, 2025
- Location: Manchester, UK
- Find out more: greatrun.org/events/great-manchester-run
After a similar atmosphere up north? Give the Great Manchester Run a go.
“Offering both a 10km and a half marathon, it’s party vibes from start to finish, with a high-energy soundtrack, live music and entertainment zones at every turn,” the organisers say.
Edinburgh Marathon
- Distance: 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon
- Date: May 24 to 25, 2025
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Find out more: edinburghmarathon.com
The Edinburgh Marathon starts by the university and passes many of the city’s iconic sights, including Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
With a descent of almost 90 metres to near sea level, this flat course is up there with one of the fastest marathon routes in the world.
JUNE
Jungle Ultra
- Distance: 230km
- Date: June 1, 2025
- Location: Manú National Park, Peru
- Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/jungle-ultra
Set deep in the rainforest, the Jungle Ultra is one of the toughest races in the world.
Covering 230km, runners have to navigate dense jungle trails, cross rivers and tackle high humidity as they race through the Amazon.
The organisers say: “This is our hardest ultra marathon.
“Choked with mud and humidity, the thin air doubles the effort required to move, testing all of your physical and mental resilience.
“This is a race like no other.”
Big Five Marathon
- Distance: Half marathon, marathon
- Date: June 14, 2025
- Location: Entabeni, South Africa
- Find out more: big-five-marathon.com
If you’ve always wanted to go on safari and enter a marathon, why not combine the two?
You can complete a 21km or 42km distance through the South African Savannah – the habitat of the famous Big Five: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.
JULY
Love Trails Festival
- Distance: 5km, 6km, 10km, 12km 27km, 52km
- Date: July 10 to 13, 2025
- Location: Gower Peninsula, Wales
- Find out more: lovetrailsfestival.co.uk
Love Trails is a four-day festival that combines music and running.
As well as trail races (of all distances), attendees can enjoy wellbeing activities, workshops, talks and live music.
The London 10k
- Distance: 10km
- Date: July 13, 2025
- Location: Central London
- Find out more: thelondon10k.com
The London 10k is another of the city’s epic races.
The route passes Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben.
It’s pretty flat, so perfect if you’re a beginner or you’re trying for a personal best.
AUGUST
Prosecco Run
- Distance: 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon, ultra marathon
- Date: August 10, 2025
- Location: Dorking, Surrey, UK
- Find out more: letsdothis.com/gb/e/phoenix-prosecco-run-196779
Another boozy offering is the Prosecco Run in Dorking, Surrey.
In short, you run as far as you can around Denbies Wine Estate within a seven-hour time limit – then enjoy a glass of prosecco (or three) at the finish line.
We tested 10 of the best running trainers
By Alice Fuller and Lucy Gornall
KEEN to get out and complete your first 5km run?
Whether you’re a seasoned walker, following the NHS‘s Couch to 5km or eager to try parkrun, you’ll need a good pair of trainers.
We love running, and between us, we’ve tried endless pairs in a bid to suss out the best on the market.
It can be a bit of a minefield trying to work out which ones are most suitable for you, so we’ve put together a list of our winners and losers.
It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and getting your running style (or gait) analysed in a specialist shop is always a good idea.
But if you want a bit more guidance before you head to your nearest store, here are our ratings for 10 of the most popular styles.
- Nike Journey Run Women’s Running Shoes (4/5)
- Brooks Ghost Max 2 (4.5/5)
- Asics NOVABLAST 4 (4.5/5)
- Hoka Women’s Clifton 9 Shoes (4/5)
- New Balance SuperComp Trainer v3 (4.5/5)
- Asics Gel Nimbus 26 (4/5)
- Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 Running Shoes (4/5)
- Nike Invincible 3 Women’s Road Running Shoes (3.5/5)
- On Cloundmonster 2 (4/5)
- Adidas Ultraboost 22 (3.5/5)
Read our full verdict here.
SEPTEMBER
The Great North Run
- Distance: Half marathon
- Date: September 7, 2025
- Location: Newcastle, UK
- Find out more: greatrun.org/events/great-north-run
The world’s biggest half marathon returns to the North East on September 7, 2025.
More 65,000 people are due to take on the famous 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.
Renowned for its incredible atmosphere and roaring crowd support, which also boasts a world class elite race, the Great North Run raises millions of pounds for charity each year and is televised live on the BBC.
Loch Ness Marathon
- Distance: Marathon
- Date: September 28, 2025
- Location: Loch Ness, Scotland
- Find out more: lochnessmarathon.com
This event is held on the banks of Loch Ness and is said to be one of the most beautiful races in the world.
It also gives you an opportunity to spot Nessie!
OCTOBER
Oxford Half
- Distance: Half marathon
- Date: October 12, 2025
- Location: Oxford, UK
- Find out more: letsdothis.com/gb/e/oxford-half-2025-234426
The Oxford Half is fast and flat, making it perfect for both newbies and those after a PB.
It begins near Trinity College and takes in the city’s winding and historic streets before finishing on Parks Road.
NOVEMBER
Desert Ultra
- Distance: 250km
- Date: November 16 to 22, 2025
- Location: Namib Desert, Namibia
- Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/desert-ultra
The Namib Desert is one of the oldest and most hostile in the world, with temperatures often well over 50C.
But believe it or not, you can actually run a 250km seven-day race straight through it.
“With relentless heat and extraordinary terrain, this race will push you to your limits,” the organisers say.
DECEMBER
Chase the Moon
- Distance: 5km, 10km
- Date: December 17, 2025
- Location: Battersea Park, London, UK
- Find out more: runthrough.co.uk/event/chase-the-moon-battersea-park-5k-10k-december-2025
There aren’t as many running events in December, particularly in the UK.
But if you’re after a shorter, “totally flat” event in the winter, look no further than Chase the Moon in London’s Battersea Park.
“Starting and finishing at the park’s bandstand, this course laps the park making it easy to follow and great for any spectators to catch you flying around the course,” the organisers say.