The fastest 10k races in the East Midlands 2025 and beyond

Some courses here are built for personal bests. Others lean on atmosphere and variety to make the day memorable. And a few manage to combine the two in a way that keeps both competitive runners and casual entrants happy. This list looks at events you can enter now, using surface type, average finish time and field depth to highlight where each one excels.

If you’re also looking further afield, we’ve covered other quick regions too - check out our guides to the fastest 10ks in the North West and fastest 10ks in the South East.

Northampton 10k (Northamptonshire)

Every January, the Northampton 10k takes over Northampton Racecourse Park. The start features a 2.2k stretch before you settle into three laps of the park’s pathways. It’s flat, smooth and easy to navigate, so you can focus on finding a rhythm without worrying about sharp turns or steep climbs.

Local clubs turn out in force with Harborough AC, Wellingborough & District and Kettering Harriers runners often topping the results. In 2025, the top 50 finishers averaged 42:54, with the winner clocking 32:57. The course records stand at 35:26 for men and 44:01 for women, which says plenty about its potential if you keep your pacing disciplined.

It’s not just about running fast, either. The race supports the Umbrella Fair Northampton charity, and the compact course makes it easy for friends and family to spot you multiple times. That combination of quick times, community feel, and a good cause makes it a strong early-season option.

Derby Running Festival (Derbyshire)

The Derby Running Festival offers something a little different. Set in the grounds of Elvaston Castle, it mixes tarmac, wide paths and light trails into a route that keeps things interesting from start to finish. You’ll pass landscaped gardens, sweep past the main hall and go under the Golden Gates, all with plenty of space to run.

It’s not the flattest course on the list, but the numbers are still respectable. In 2025, the top 50 finishers averaged 44:22, with strong showings from Sinfin, Mansfield and Rotherham Harriers. The mixed terrain means you need to adjust slightly as you go, but there’s enough room to hold a steady pace once you’ve settled in.

Away from the stopwatch, it’s a well-organised day out. Chip timing, medals, free parking and a summer-fair atmosphere mean you’ll come away with more than just a finish time. If you like a race that offers a change of scene without losing its competitive edge, Derby is worth a look.

ATW Mallory Race Circuit Winter Runs (Leicestershire)

January at the ATW Mallory Race Circuit Winter Runs means one thing: smooth tarmac and a chance to run quick. Mallory Park’s motor racing circuit was built for speed, and its long straights and sweeping bends make it easy to lock into pace early.

This is one of the best winter PB courses in the region. In 2025, the top 50 averaged 41:34, with the winner finishing in 31:41. Coventry Godiva, Hinckley RC and Rugby & Northampton AC are often at the sharp end, so there’s no shortage of company if you’re chasing a target time.

The atmosphere is focused but friendly. A tidy event village, post-race hot drinks and fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK give it a welcoming feel. For runners who want both precision pacing and a well-run event, it delivers.

Nottingham Winter Warmer 10k (Nottinghamshire)

Part of a national series, the Nottingham Winter Warmer 10k is all about keeping your running consistent through the colder months. The route winds through the centre of Nottingham each February, with a layout that’s simple to follow and marshalled well.

The focus here isn’t raw speed. The 2025 winner came home in 36:45, with the top 50 averaging 45:21. What you do get is a solid, structured effort at a time of year when it’s easy to let the miles slide. The chip timing helps you track progress, and the steady field makes it easy to find your pace.

Medals, upbeat volunteers and fundraising for Shelter round things off. If you’re looking to maintain momentum rather than break records, this race makes sense.

Mansfield 10k (Nottinghamshire)

The Mansfield 10k only launched in 2025, but it’s already proving to be a quick one. Two laps through the town centre on fully closed roads make it straightforward to pace, and the roadside support keeps energy levels high.

Its first year saw the top 50 average 40:14, with the winner at 34:06. Mansfield Harriers, Belper Harriers and Rugby & Northampton AC were all well represented. Pacers are available, which helps take the mental load off if you’re chasing a specific time.

Because of the two-lap design, you pass spectators multiple times, giving you a lift at the right moments. For a new event, it’s impressively slick and already feels like it could become a fixture in the regional calendar.

Gainsborough Morton 10k (Lincolnshire)

The Gainsborough Morton 10k is as flat as they come. Closed Lincolnshire roads, minimal turns and a fast field make it a natural choice for PB chasers.

The stats speak for themselves: in 2025, the winning time was 30:04, and the top 50 averaged 35:2, quicker than many big-city events. Lincoln Wellington AC and Cleethorpes AC often feature prominently, which keeps the standard high from the front to the middle of the pack.

With a single loop and a straightforward setup, there’s little to distract you from running your target pace. If you’ve got one race circled on your calendar for a big time, this could be it.

Choosing your East Midlands 10k

If you want speed above all else, Gainsborough Morton and Mallory Park are the obvious picks. Both are flat, fast and competitive, with conditions that give you every chance at a personal best.

Mansfield, Northampton and Derby offer a balance of structure, atmosphere and competition. They’re well organised, bring in strong club fields, and still have enough flexibility for different goals.

And when the aim is to keep your fitness ticking over, Nottingham’s Winter Warmer is hard to beat. It’s friendly, straightforward and gives you a race-day focus during the colder months.

If you want to explore even more races in the region, browse the full list of 10k runs in the East Midlands. Or, for a wider look at what’s on across the country, see all upcoming 10k runs.

The East Midlands has more variety than you might expect, and every race here is open for entry now. Whether you’re plotting an all-out time trial or just want something that keeps you motivated, there’s a starting line ready for you.