One of the best things about running is getting together with other runners at running
events, something I know a lot of runners have missed over the last few years.
Well, fear not.
2022 will be our year. With help from our friends at Let's Do This, we
have compiled our ultimate list of must do running races in the UK for the
coming year.
We split them into four categories.
10K, half marathon trail and other, but there are quite a few with
multiple distances available.
You can find out all the information about the events, including how to enter
at the link in the description.
Right, let's do this.
Where better to start than with the capital's biggest 10k?
The Cancer Research winter run from human race gives you that perfect mix of iconic
landmarks, a lively atmosphere, live music and
penguins.
That's right.
This 10k through the streets of London has a frosty theme, meaning you're likely to
spot a few Arctic creatures outside of their natural habitat along the route.
The route is really flat to which would make this race a great opportunity to smash
your 10k pb. The Great Manchester run is a multi distance event attended by around
30,000 people every year, including a star studded elite field that has
previously featured the likes of Sir Mo Farah, Haile Gebrselassie and TIrunesh Dibaba
each kilometre marker houses an entertainment zone that showcases the best of
the city's vibrant culture.
Okay, so maybe city races aren't for you.
Well, why not enter the Oswestry 10k, a rural road race that follows a
scenic route in the heart of Shropshire.
The race offers a bit of everything.
A fast paced start along the high street, a respectable amount of elevation and
some lovely countryside views to boot.
The Hampton Court Palace 10k is a historic race.
No, literally.
The route takes you through the grounds of King Henry, the eigth's favoured London residents, making it a
one of a kind event, taking the views as you follow the River Thames around the palaces
perimeter before doubling back towards the Rick Pond as an extra treat,
participants are also allowed to explore
the palaces infamous maze
after the race. The Bacchus wine, half marathon and 10-K in Dorking offers
entrance a chance to sprint with a sauvignon shuffle with a Chablis and pace themselves with a
pino as they work their way around an undulating course that starts and ends at Denbie's
wine estate, home to the largest vineyard in England.
Wine not your thing?
Don't worry.
Water is also available, and all finishes receive a ticket to the hog roast
afterwards.
Ever fancied running the largest half marathon in the world?
Well, look no further than North East England.
The Great North Run gives runners a chance to follow the iconic city to sea route from the
heart of Newcastle out to the coast at South Shields, the event had well over a
million finishes in total. Combine these staggering figures with an electric
atmosphere, stunning views through time side and a unique Great North Run 40
finisher medal for the 2022 edition, and you've got yourself an amazing race on
your hands.
I love going for runs in new locations, and events like the Southhampton
half give you a chance to do just that.
The event starts and ends in the city's bustling cultural quarter, with the route taking participants
over the kitchen and northern bridges giving runners.
Stunning views of the Solent, the new forest and the rest of Southern
Hampshire.
The Surrey Half is a fast and flat half marathon that follows a single loop around
Woking and Guildford in south east England.
The race takes place on closed roads and has an award winning atmosphere.
It also boasts one of the fastest half marathon finish times on
record 62 minutes, meaning it's a great choice for anyone looking to set
a new PB.
Who wouldn't want to start a half marathon on a 195 year old
bridge?
That is precisely what happens at the Anglesey half marathon in Wales.
Runners get the opportunity to take in the breathtaking North Wales scenery as they run
an out and back along the southeastern coast of the Isle of Anglesey.
Some of you might be thinking, hang on,
What if I'm up for something a little bit muddier?
Well, enter Maverick events.
Whilst it might sound slightly intimidating, this Sussex based event offers trail
runners of all abilities the chance to take part in an off road run right in the middle of the
South Downs National Park for first timers be warned that there are a couple of
technical sections, but remember that the challenge is all part of the fun.
There are three distances to choose from 7, 14 and 23 kilometres,
all of which take participants part way along the infamous South Downs way.
The ultimate combination of mixed terrain and mediaeval history
Rye ancient trails, takes competitors along country lanes across farmland
and through quaint woodlands and villages in East Sussex.
The two distances 15 kilometres and 30 kilometres both provide moderate
elevation gain.
The history buffs among you will be sure to appreciate the five Norman churches on route
too. The course
for the Hoka half marathon weaves its way through Afan forest park, an area of
hilly woodland situated in an old coal mining valley.
If you like climbs, you will love this one.
As the half marathon boasts over 2000 ft of elevation along the route, there's even
a climb called the wall at mile 11.
As if the final stretch of the half marathon isn't already hard enough. Before you ask,
this has nothing to do with racket sports.
This multi distance event offers runners the chance to run anything from 5
to 50 kilometres on trails, tracks and tarmac around the badminton
estate and the surrounding villages in Gloucestershire.
Whilst the route is undulating, this is one of the less hilly events in this roundup.
The great estates Belvoir Castle, 5K, 10K and junior events all take place
within close proximity of one of Leicester's oldest castles.
Runners will be able to see for miles over the counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire
and Lincolnshire as they follow the easy to navigate grassy circuit around Belvoir
castle.
First up the inflatable 5k at Brands Hatch race circuit.
Participants face 32 different obstacles, all of which have slightly
ominous names.
The mangler, the growler, the vortex. One's just called holy moly.
Don't let the names put you off, though.
This inflatable five K is the world's biggest and bouncy ist, meaning you'll have
loads of fun to top it all off.
There are five different music zones to help you as you banned along through the different blow
up barriers where better to hold a cider themed race than the heart
of Somerset, runners can take on one of the two distances at the Ciderthon, the
forbidden fruit five K or the half marathon runners of the shorter distance can expect
to side of refreshment stops on their route, whilst those who opt for the longer distance earned
themselves a mighty six samples on their run, with six more available at the
finish.
Running, like roller coasters has its ups and downs.
It makes perfect sense then to combine.
The two. Run Alton Towers gives entrance the opportunity to race around the Staffordshire
theme park before getting the chance to go on the rides.
After their run, the course takes runners along the roads and paths within the park and starts and
finishes in front of the stunning castle.
Ever wanted to dance your way to a 10k?
Well, the Blackpool music run gives you the chance to do just that.
Both the 5K and 10K routes follow the historic Blackpool Promenade, where you'll
find a whole host of live performances hoping to spur you on during your run.
The race finishes under the iconic Blackpool Tower, where there'll be a headline
performance after the race, as well as concessions, entertainment and much, much more
from fancy dress fun runs two rocket, five K's and full blown marathons.
The Milton Keynes Marathon weekend has it all.
Entrants get the chance to take in the green and scenic routes through the heart of Milton Keene's
before finishing the race at Stadium MK, the home of MK Dons.
You'll be sure to find the distance for you at the MK weekend.
So there you have it, a whistle stop tour of the best biggest and most bizarre
events waiting for you
later on this year, you can find out all information about all of the races that we've mentioned
via the link in the description box.
Actually, I might have a look at some of these races and sign up myself.
Which of these races have taken your fancy? Are there any you're going to sign up for Or did
we mention any that you've already started preparing for?
Let us know, as always in the comments.
And remember, 2022 is our year,
let's make up for all the races that we've missed, and we'll see you next time on The Running Channel