Fun Runs found
View all ↓Fun Runs 2026
Want to find Fun Runs near you? You're in the right place! It's all well and good crashing out a sub-3 marathon every other weekend, but sometimes you just want to take it a bit easier - maybe get the kids involved - right?
Take a look at our list of Fun Run events in 2026 - 2027 below. There are loads of options for fun runs near you, including charity fun runs and family fun runs.
*Some Race Organisers genuinely do class a half marathon as a Fun Run, so make sure you double-check the details before you sign up!
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.
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Fun Runs 2026 - 2027
Christmas Lights in the City 10k Tour - Merrily Medium
London, Greater LondonThe Manchester 1.5k, 5k, 10k & Half Marathon MoRun
Manchester, LancashireWell Run X Far Peak: 10k, Half Marathon, 1k & 3k Kids Fun Runs
Cheltenham, GloucestershireChristmas Lights in the City 5k Tour - Gentle Jingle
London, Greater LondonThe Edinburgh 1.5k, 5k, 10k & Half Marathon MoRun
Edinburgh, MidlothianChristmas Lights in Chelsea 10k Tour - Merrily Medium
LondonMachen Trail Races: Half and Full Marathons
Caerphilly, Mid GlamorganChristmas Lights in Chelsea 5k Tour - Gentle Jingle
LondonChristmas Lights in Chelsea 10k Tour - Gentle jingle
LondonThe Glasgow 1.5k, 5k, 10k & Half Marathon MoRun
Glasgow, LanarkshireThe Milton Keynes 1.5k, 5k & 10k MoRun
Milton KeynesThe London Riverside 1.5k, 10k and Half marathon MoRun
Richmond, SurreyChristmas Lights in the City 10k Tour - Festively Fast
London, Greater LondonBulwell Santa Run
Nottingham, NottinghamshireJingle Jog 2026
Camberley, SurreyEdinburgh Christmas Running Festival
Edinburgh, MidlothianChristmas Lights in Chelsea 10k Tour - Festively Fast
LondonJingle Bell Run
Southbourne Beach, Bournemouth, DorsetThe Kettering Christmas 10k & 5k
Kettering, NorthamptonshireDie Hard / Christmas Jumpers 5km
Milton Keynes, BuckinghamshirePhoenix Crystal Palace - Alice in Runderland
LondonGreat Perthshire Last Mince Pie Run
Perth, PerthshireThe Rasselbock Run – Winter 2027 Day One
Mansfield, NottinghamshireG3 - no 1
Guildford, SurreyThe Rasselbock Run – Winter 2027 Day Two
Mansfield, NottinghamshireG3 - no 2
Guildford, SurreyThe Magic of the London Marathon Running Tour
LondonThe Cardiff 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run
CardiffThe Newcastle 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and WearThe Edinburgh 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run
Edinburgh, MidlothianWestonbirt Arboretum Winter 10km & 5km (Night Races)
Tetbury, GloucestershireThe Glasgow 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run
Glasgow, Glasgow CityWestonbirt Arboretum Winter 10km & 5km (Day Races)
Tetbury, GloucestershireBattersea Winter Run Festival 2027
LondonThe Liverpool 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run
Liverpool, MerseysideThe Manchester 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run
Manchester, LancashireThe Bristol 5k and 10k Winter Warmer Run
Bristol, AvonABBATHON 5K & 10K Themed Run - Manchester
Manchester, LancashireThe Nottingham 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run
Nottingham, NottinghamshireThe Leeds 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run
Leeds, West Yorkshire
How long is a typical fun run?
How long is a typical fun run?
A typical fun run is around 5K, but there’s no fixed distance. Short family events may cover a mile or 1.5K, while others offer 10K or let participants continue for a set amount of time. What makes it a fun run is the relaxed approach, not the number of miles. If you’d prefer a clearly measured distance with a wider choice of events, look through our5K calendar.
What is the difference between a fun run and a race?
What is the difference between a fun run and a race?
A fun run puts participation and enjoyment ahead of competition, although it may still be timed. Fun runs may add costumes, obstacles or entertainment around the course, and walking is usually a normal part of the event. Read the individual description if timing matters to you, as the words “fun run” don’t guarantee that there won’t be a clock.
When in the year are most UK fun runs held?
When in the year are most UK fun runs held?
Autumn is usually the busiest period for UK fun runs, with plenty taking place from September through November. Charity campaigns and themed series help fill those months, while festive events continue into the December fun-run calendar. There are races during spring and summer too, but the choice isn’t spread evenly across the year. If you’re looking for a particular theme, it’s worth checking several months rather than waiting for the usual road-racing season.
How much does it cost to enter a fun run?
How much does it cost to enter a fun run?
Many fun runs cost between £5 and £30 to enter. Large obstacle events and festivals may charge more, especially when the booking page offers multiple ticket types or race distances. Prices at the very top of the range can belong to a package rather than one ordinary fun-run place. Select your distance before paying, then check whether there’s an additional booking fee or a separate fundraising commitment.
Which fun runs are themed or fancy-dress events?
Which fun runs are themed or fancy-dress events?
MoRun events are a popular fancy-dress choice, with runners often embracing the moustache theme rather than treating the day as a serious race. Neon Rave Run takes a music-and-lights approach. Inflatable 5K events replace a conventional course with large obstacles, so the theme changes the physical challenge as well as the atmosphere. Not every fun run has a costume or novelty element, though. If obstacles are the main attraction, the obstacle-race calendar will offer more relevant options.
Are fun-run courses flat, or do some go off-road?
Are fun-run courses flat, or do some go off-road?
Fun runs can take place on flat roads, park paths or hilly trails. Recent events have included almost as many self-described trail routes as flat ones, while a smaller group described their courses as hilly or undulating. That difference matters if you’ll be walking with young children, pushing a buggy or wearing a bulky costume. When the surface isn’t stated, don’t assume it’ll be smooth. Check the route description, or explore dedicated trail runs if an off-road course is part of the appeal.
Can you walk a fun run instead of running it?
Can you walk a fun run instead of running it?
Walking is welcome at many fun runs and may be how a large part of the field completes the course. Short family distances are particularly suitable, and there’s no requirement to run every step simply because the event has “run” in its name.
Do fun runs raise money for charity, and do I have to fundraise?
Do fun runs raise money for charity, and do I have to fundraise?
Some fun runs support a charity, but entering one doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have a fundraising target. With a standard paid entry, sponsorship is often optional unless the organiser says otherwise.
What time do fun runs start?
What time do fun runs start?
Fun runs don’t have a single standard start time. Late-morning events are common because they’re easier for families to attend, while some themed runs wait until the evening so lights or music can become part of the experience. A fun run held within a larger festival may also begin after the longer races have set off. Check the time for your particular distance, as the first start shown on the event page might belong to another race.