The fastest 10k races in the South West

What makes the South West particularly appealing is the balance between scenery and speed. There are several courses that attract club runners chasing fast times, while others lean into community spirit and atmosphere. Put together, it is a part of the UK where you can plan both PB attempts and more relaxed days out across the racing calendar.

To make choosing your next challenge easier than ever, we’ve put together a list of the 10ks most likely to deliver quick results. We have compared times, routes and field depth to pick out the events that stand out from the rest.

Looking further afield? Take a look at the fastest 10ks in the North West or the fastest 10ks in the South East to compare times across the country.

Exeter City 10k

The Exeter City 10k is a genuine PB contender with a setting that makes the effort worthwhile. Starting down at the Quay before heading out through Riverside Valley Park, the course is measured, flat and easy to pace, with just enough crowd support along the way to give you a lift when you need it.

The 2025 race showed how quick it can be. Wayne Loveridge took the win in 34:17 and the top 50 averaged a sharp 40:10, which puts it among the fastest regional events. Keziah Hoskin was first female, finishing 24th overall in 40:05, proof that the route works well for both experienced club runners and those chasing breakthrough times.

What makes Exeter stand out is the mix of competitive depth and city-centre atmosphere. You get a strong field to pull you along but also a route that shows off some of the city’s landmarks and green spaces. With live music and food stalls at the finish, it is more than just a time trial. It is a lively race day with plenty of reasons to stick around once you have crossed the line.

Southampton 10k

The Southampton 10k is one of the most distinctive road races in the South West, starting and finishing pitch side inside St Mary’s Stadium. The course takes you out past Ocean Village and across Northam Bridge before looping back to the football ground, making it both flat and fast. With the added bonus of running through such an iconic venue, it has become a standout fixture for local runners and travelling club athletes alike.

The 2024 results underline just how quick this event is. Thomas Dewey of Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC won in 33:12, and the top 50 finishers averaged 37:23. That spread, ranging from 33:12 to 38:56, shows how competitive the field is. Tina Christmann was first female, placing 17th overall with an impressive 37:00, and there was strong representation from Southampton AC, Brighton & Hove AC and Basingstoke & Mid Hants.

It is not just the racing that makes this event special. Spectators get to cheer from the Kingsland Stand, creating an atmosphere more like match day than race day. Add in live chip timing, free official photos and medals for all, and you have a race that combines top-level competition with a memorable experience. If you are chasing a fast time, Southampton delivers.

Weymouth Bay 10k

The Weymouth Bay 10k is a coastal classic with a course that makes fast running feel natural. Starting at Bowleaze Green, the route heads out towards Pleasure Pier and back, taking in two measured laps over mostly flat terrain. It is simple, accurate and certified, so you know the time you run here really counts.

The 2025 race confirmed its reputation for speed. Jamie Grose took the win in 32:41, while the top 50 finishers averaged 40:04, a figure that puts it firmly in the fast bracket alongside other leading regional 10ks. Notable female results included Anna Philps in 39:35 for 24th place and Lara Ditzel-Finn at 40:02 in 27th. That mix of sharp winning times and strong depth shows Weymouth attracts both local talent and club runners looking for a PB.

Beyond the racing, the event has plenty of charm. It supports Margaret Green Animal Rescue, offers medals, spot prizes and veteran trophies, and is easy to reach with parking and public transport links. With a flat course, coastal views and reliable organisation, Weymouth Bay combines speed with atmosphere in a way that keeps runners coming back.

Bradleys Exmouth 10k

The Bradleys Exmouth 10k has become a firm fixture on the South West calendar, with both spring and autumn editions drawing big local support. The course is as scenic as they come, starting right on Exmouth Seafront before heading out to Orcombe Point and looping back along the promenade. Two laps of flat, tarmacked paths make up the 10k, and with plenty of spectators lining the beachfront, the atmosphere is lively from start to finish.

The numbers show it is not the very fastest race in the region, but it is still a solid test. At the spring 2025 event, Christian Hewitt took the win in 34:41, with the top 50 averaging 44:53. Victoria France was first female in 42:15, placing 14th overall, and there was a strong age category spread right through the field. Times ranged from 34 minutes through to just over 50, which reflects the balance between club runners at the front and community runners filling out the pack.

What Exmouth offers in return is a welcoming and well-organised event. It is chip-timed, fully measured and well marshalled, with a choice of medal or no-medal entry to keep things sustainable. The combination of a seafront setting, a reliable route and a supportive local crowd makes it a race that people come back to year after year. You may not set your lifetime PB here, but you will get a memorable day on the coast.

Bradleys Sidmouth 10k

The Bradleys Sidmouth 10k is one of the South West’s most scenic races, offering a route that starts at Sidford Social Hall before following the Byes down to the seafront and looping back again. The course is mostly flat but includes two sharp climbs on Hillside, Beatlands and Cliff Road, which add both challenge and variety. It is a race that gives as much back in views as it does in effort.

The 2025 results show how those climbs shape the times. Matthew Adams took the win in 39:41, with the top 50 averaging 47:01, making it noticeably slower than neighbouring coastal events. Rebecca Lenzi was first female, finishing 16th overall in 46:08, and local clubs such as Sidmouth Running Club, Exmouth Harriers and Exmouth Tri Hards featured prominently throughout the field. The range of 39:41 to just over 50 minutes underlines the mix of serious competitors and supportive community runners.

What Sidmouth lacks in raw speed it more than makes up for in character. The route offers plenty of viewing points for supporters, and the atmosphere is always friendly and inclusive. With chip timing, clear organisation and the option of a no-medal entry to keep things sustainable, it has the feel of a proper community day by the coast. You might not set your fastest 10k time here, but you will get a rewarding run in one of Devon’s most picturesque spots.

Choosing your South West 10k

Taken together, the results show a clear spread of speed across the South West. Southampton, Exeter and Weymouth sit at the sharp end, with averages that make them genuine PB territory. Exmouth provides a middle ground with a seafront route and plenty of atmosphere, while Sidmouth adds more of a challenge with its short climbs and community feel.

If you are planning a season of races, the choice here makes it easy to mix things up. Use Southampton or Exeter for an all-out effort, pencil in Weymouth for a fast coastal run, and keep Exmouth or Sidmouth on the list when you want a supportive local race day by the sea.

For more options, take a look at all 10k runs in the South West, or browse the full list of 10k events across the UK. Wherever you decide to race, the South West has plenty of start lines that can help you build a calendar to suit your goals.