5km Races Found
View all ↓5k Runs 2026 - 2027
The findarace.com calendar lists hundreds of 5k races across the UK every year - there's almost one for every day of the year. 5km is one of the most popular race distances, and with a bit of training its relatively achievable for most ages, shapes and sizes - as a result they make perfect family fun runs that multiple generations can take part in and enjoy.
A 5k race is also a perfect goal for a beginner or new runner who hasn't taken part in an organised race before - it's a great, fun introduction to the raceday experience. 5k races are also popular with more seasoned runners looking to keep their running short, sharp, and fast - we list the fastest and flattest 5km races in the UK (as well as the craziest and hardest).
If you would prefer to run your 5k on your own (or at a convenient time and location for you) then check out our list of the best Virtual 5k runs.
Looking for the best 5km races? Sort the event list below by "Top Rated" (we have hundreds of genuine reviews and ratings from previous participants) - plus insights from the findarace.com experts to help you discover, compare and book the perfect race for you.
Looking for 5k Runs near you? Use the location buttons and filters to narrow down your search and find 5k runs near you - we list races all over the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Scotland.
Looking for 5k races tomorrow or this weekend? Sort the event list below by "Date" to see the soonest races, but please note many races don't accept on-the-day entries, and Organisers often stop taking bookings a several days (and up to a week) before a race so they have time to organise race packs, bib numbers, medals, water etc. If you're super keen to run with others this weekend but have left it too late for a race then you could check your local parkrun to see if it is taking place..
So whether you want to pinpoint your first running goal, or you’re an experienced runner looking for a fast route to beat your 5k Personal Best (PB) check out our comprehensive 2026 - 2027 5k race calendar below!
Looking to get started with running but want to know a little more? Check out our top running tips for beginners or find out the benefits of running for 30 minutes.
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5k Run Calendar 2026 - 2027
The Maverick Kielder Forest Gravel 2026
Hexham, Kielder, NorthumberlandBest Race Series x Adidas 2026 - The Speed Test - 5K
Battersea Park, LondonRun Bournemouth
Bournemouth, DorsetFINSBURY PARK 5K, 10K & HALF MARATHON
LondonCRYSTAL PALACE 5K 10K, HALF MARATHON & JUNIORS
LondonThe Snow Globe Gallop Bobble Hat Run
The Last Hop, Unit 2, Thames Edge Court, Clarence Street, Staines, TW18 4SUPHOENIX - Christmas Gonk
Walton-on-Thames, SurreyBattersea Park 5k, 10k & Half Marathon
LondonMonsal Tinsel Trail Christmas 10k, 5k & Junior Run
Bakewell Station, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1GEFeisty and Fluffy Phoenix - The Sequel
Manchester, Greater Manchester12 Days of Xmas 12in12
Ross-on-Wye, HerefordshireThe Medal Madness – Winter 2026
Heanor, DerbyshireBauble Bimble: 5k,10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon & ultra-marathon
Ferry Meadows, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UUQueens Park 5k/10k
Glasgow, LanarkshirePace Makers
Exeter, DevonBulwell Santa Run
Nottingham, NottinghamshireChasewater Christmas Pudding Dash
Chasewater Country Park, Pool Lane, Burntwood, Staffordshire, WS8 7NLRunning GP at Goodwood Motor Circuit December
Chichester, West Sussex2 Turtle Doves
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire3 French Hens Run
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire4 Calling Birds Run
Ross-on-Wye, HerefordshireChase The Moon QE Olympic Park Christmas Run 5k & 10k
London5 Golden Rings Run
Ross-on-Wye, HerefordshireThe Christmas Jumper Jaunt
The Last Hop, Unit 2, Thames Edge Court, Clarence Street, Staines, TW18 4SUPhoenix - Christmas Jumper FRIDAY Run
Walton-on-Thames, SurreySanta Run - North
Durham Amateur Rowing Club, Green Ln, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3JUNutcracker Run Day 1
Fareham, Hampshire7 Swans a Swimming
Ross-on-Wye, HerefordshireBattersleigh 5k, 10k & Half Marathon
LondonTatton Park 5k & 10k
Knutsford, CheshireCrikey its the Christmas Cracker Day 1
Hollybush conservation centre, Broad Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3BPVictoria Park Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
LondonRun Dorney Lake Half Marathon, 10k & 5k - December
Dorney Lake, Court Lane, off Lake End Road, Windsor SL4 6FJBarnet FC 5k & 10k
Edgware, MiddlesexThe Kettering Christmas 10k & 5k
Kettering, NorthamptonshireThe Snow Globe Gallop Bobble Hat Run - North
Durham Amateur Rowing Club, Green Ln, Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3JUSalcey Forest Christmas 10k, 5k & Junior Fun Run
Salcey Forest, Wootton Road, Northampton, NN7 2HXRun Gateshead Hot Chocolate 10k / 5k & Junior 3k
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and WearPHOENIX - Cambridgeshire - Snowflake Run
St Neots, Cambridgeshire8 Maids a Milking – Virtual
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire'Twas The Run Before Christmas - 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon, Heavy Half Marathon, Full Marathon & Ultra Marathon
High Lodge, Thetford Forest, IP27 0AFNutcracker Run Day 2
Fareham, HampshireStep into Christmas
Southbourne Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset5K Run FAQs
Can I run a 5K with no experience?
Can I run a 5K with no experience?
You can complete a 5K without previous running experience, especially if you’re prepared to combine walking with short periods of gentle running. Trying to race the whole distance without training is a different matter, and it’s likely to feel uncomfortable if you’re new to running entirely. Give yourself a few weeks to build up if you can, start more slowly than you think you need to and choose an event with a welcoming atmosphere. A smaller fun run can be a good place to make that first attempt - and once you've built up some experience and stamina, you can challenge yourself with a 10k run.
How many miles is a 5k?
How many miles is a 5k?
A 5k race is roughly 3.1miles.
What's the average time to run 5k?
What's the average time to run 5k?
The average finish time for a 5k run in the UK is roughly 33 minutes.
How long should it take to run 5k?
How long should it take to run 5k?
A 30 minute target is a popular goal for beginner 5k runners, with intermediate runners often looking for a 24-26 minute finish time and experienced or "Club" runners often gunning for a sub 20 minute 5k. For context, the fastest 5km parkrun time is 13.48 by our friend Andy Baddeley of The Running Channel.
How rare is a 20-minute 5K?
How rare is a 20-minute 5K?
A sub-20-minute 5K is a strong club-level result and remains out of reach for most recreational runners. To achieve it, you’ll need to average just under 4 minutes per kilometre, or about 6 minutes 26 seconds per mile, without dropping off your per-kilometre pace near the finish. If you’re a serial racer, it’s a great time to aim for, but it’s important to keep racing fun and enjoyable!
How many calories does a 5k run burn?
How many calories does a 5k run burn?
If you’re thinking of picking your first run challenge or just getting started, check out our article on all of the benefits of running for just 30 minutes.
There are lots of factors which impact this - especially weight and pace - but as a rough rule of thumb a 5k will burn 300-400 calories (approximately 100 calories per mile).
5k Charity Runs
5k Charity Runs
Taking part in a 5k race is a great way to fundraise for charity. You can raise money for any charity at any 5k race that you enter on findarace.com , and we've made it easy for you to get in touch with some of the UK's most popular charities. Just select the charity you'd like to support when you make your booking and they will be in touch to help support your fundraising and training.
Are all parkruns exactly 5km?
Are all parkruns exactly 5km?
Parkrun courses are intended to cover 5km, although your watch may show a little more or less. GPS accuracy, tree cover, buildings and the line you take around corners can all change the distance recorded on your wrist. Small adjustments to a course can make a difference as well. A paid 5K may add chip timing, closed roads or a measured race course, but that doesn’t make parkrun a lesser event.
How many 5K races are there to enter in the UK right now, and how far ahead do the dates go?
How many 5K races are there to enter in the UK right now, and how far ahead do the dates go?
You’ll find over 500 5K races available at Findarace, with dates already extending well into 2027. You’ll find more races appearing in the calendar between spring and autumn, while the winter calendar is smaller without disappearing altogether.
Why do 5K entry fees range from under £10 to over £140?
Why do 5K entry fees range from under £10 to over £140?
The highest price shown on a 5K event page may belong to a longer race or festival package rather than the 5K itself. Many organisers place several distances on one booking page, so a price range of £10 to £140 doesn’t mean somebody is charging £140 for an ordinary 5K place. Standalone entries are generally much cheaper, often somewhere between £20 and £40. Before paying, select the 5K option and check whether timing, booking fees, parking, a medal or any merchandise are included.
What time do 5K races normally start?
What time do 5K races normally start?
Most organised 5K races start between 8am and 10am - and are a great way to kick off a weekend! There are plenty of exceptions, including evening races, winter events and 5Ks held as one part of a larger running festival. The main event time might not be your personal wave either. Your final instructions should confirm when registration opens, whether there’s a briefing and how early the organiser wants runners at the start.
Are most 5K races run on roads or trails?
Are most 5K races run on roads or trails?
There isn’t one dominant surface across the whole UK 5K calendar. Many people picture a road race when they think of 5K, but there’s also a wide range of woodland, park and mixed-terrain events. Organisers don’t always clearly label the surface, so read the route description rather than choosing shoes based on the event title alone.