Races by the Sea

Starting near Corfe Castle in Dorset, the route follows the Jurassic Coast past the chalk stacks of Old Harry's Rocks. There are five distances on offer along this dramatic stretch of coastline, with the Ultra taking on the steps at St Aldhelm's Head and the clifftops beyond.

This one follows 40 miles of Cornish coast, from Fistral Beach in Newquay to St Ives Bay. You'll start on one of the country's best-known surfing beaches before taking on the cliffs and coves of the South West Coast Path.

This trail half marathon in Northumberland has one of the best finish line locations: Holy Island, the tidal island near Berwick-upon-Tweed that Vikings raided back in 793. You'll cover a mix of terrain to get there, with the North Sea coastline for company along the way.

One for the cyclists. This sportive sets off from Marazion near Penzance, with three route options taking in the Cornish coast around Land's End, the most westerly point of mainland England. Feed stations keep you going, and there's a medal, a T-shirt and free photos at the finish.

Set on Swansea Bay, this festival has something for most tastes, from a standalone swim to a full Olympic-distance triathlon, with aquabike, duathlon and relay options in between. The bike route loops out across the Gower, the first place in the UK named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Most coastal races mean cliffs and climbs, but not this one. The course runs flat along the seafront between Whitstable and Herne Bay in Kent, with a 5k, 10k and half marathon to choose from. A good one to chase a time on, with a medal at the finish.