A large crowd of runners, wearing various colorful outfits, participates in a marathon along a waterfront with boats docked. Spectators line both sides of the path, and buildings are visible in the background. The sky is overcast.

Big city marathon alternatives

It's hard not to get caught up in marathon fever at this time of year. Here are six alternatives to the London Marathon that show there are plenty of great options outside of the capital if you want to take on the ultimate runner's challenge.

1 / Running GP at Goodwood Motor Circuit October

RUNNING GRAND PRIX AT GOODWOOD MOTOR CIRCUIT – SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2026! Come and join us for this 5k,10k, half marathon, 20mile, marathon & 50k at this historic Goodwood motor circuit At the world-famous Goodwood Motor Circuit, home to the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, you will enjoy the thrill of racing…
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2 / Hull Marathon & Relays Powered by Eon Visual Media & Brainworks

We look forward to welcoming you all to the Hull Marathon & Relays 2019. With a spectacular start in the shadow of the north tower on the Humber Bridge, the marathon takes you through the town of Hessle before heading through West Hull, the historic city centre, Victoria Dock and finishing in the magnificent East…
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3 / Tough Runner Trail Marathon - Afan Forest

The Tough Runner Trail Marathon, part of the first ever Tough Runner Trail Festival, is set to have an outstanding 26.2 mile course. Over the last few months, the team at Tough Runner UK has been working closely with Natural Resources Wales to develop courses that are safe, fun, challenging and extremely awesome! This…
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4 / Bath Running Festival

The Bath Running Festival is a celebration of off road running around the beautiful hills and valleys of Bath. All the runs take in breathtaking vies of Bath from Sham Castle and the open meadows about Bathampton. The longer the race, the more hills and fantastic views you will get to experience. The half marathon and…
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5 / The Yorkshire Marathon

The Yorkshire Marathon has been a monster success since day one. In many ways it’s the jewel in the White Rose County's sporting crown. This popular and picturesque run, with fantastic PB potential, takes participants past some of York's most historic sights and along scenic country lanes, making it an attractive…
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6 / MBNA Chester Marathon

We are looking forward to the 16th MBNA Chester Marathon and hope that you choose to run with us. All abilities, ages, fun and charity runners are welcome in the MBNA Chester Marathon, the 3x winner of the UK's best marathon. The event is the final race in the Chester Triple Medal series (enter and finish our 10K &…
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