10 Alternatives to the London Marathon

A common thought around this time of year... "What can I do if I didn't get into London Marathon?"

Well we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for the best marathon for beginners or the fastest marathon courses for a PB, we've put together a list of our favourite London Marathon alternatives for Spring 2024, right here in the UK.

Hopefully this gives you some inspiration - and don't forget to check out our free marathon training plans here, too!

 

1. Manchester Marathon - 14th April 2024

 ROAD, CITY 

Fast, flat and super-friendly - this mid-April marathon has an incredible atmosphere with fantastic support throughout! It's a good one for a PB, too - although it does sell out quickly so best get your entry in soon!

https://www.manchestermarathon.co.uk

2. Brighton Marathon - 7th April 2024

 ROAD, CITY, COASTAL 

Starting at Preston Park in Brighton, this is a mainly flat route which takes you through the city centre and along the seafront. Lots of support and the third biggest marathon in the UK.

https://www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk

3. Edinburgh Marathon - 26th May 2024

 ROAD, CITY, COASTAL 

A little later on in the year, the Edinburgh Marathon offers GUARANTEED entry to anyone who failed to gain entry to the London Marathon. Another fast one, with some iconic landmarks to take in and some beautiful coastal scenery.

https://www.edinburghmarathon.com

4. Boston UK Marathon (not Boston USA) - 28th April 2024

 ROAD, TOWN 

This marathon doesn't rely on its famous namesake's reputation for entries. Billed as 'the fastest marathon in the UK' why not head off to Lincolnshire next April?

https://www.bostonmarathon.co.uk 

5. Newport Marathon - 14th April 2024 (provisional)

 ROAD, CITY, COASTAL 

A firm favourite in the Welsh running calendar, with a city route combined with some scenic viewing of the Gwent Levels, some coastal wildlife and medieval villages. And it's pretty flat!

https://newportwalesmarathon.co.uk

6. Blackpool Marathon - 21st April 2024

 ROAD, COASTAL 

A 2-lap course which is pretty much entirely along the famous Blackpool sea front. This means again it's pretty flat, but it can be quite windy!

https://www.runblackpoolfestival.com/marathon.html

7. Milton Keynes Marathon - 6th May 2024

 ROAD, CITY 

Another 2-lap race through the city that starts and finishes in the natural amphitheatre of Campbell Park - with it's own "finish-line festival". A great atmosphere and a nice route showing off the city's green credentials.

https://mkmarathon.com/

8. Southampton Marathon - 7th April 2024

 ROAD, CITY, COASTAL 

A nice, varied 2-lap route through the city - starting and finishing at the Guildhall, taking in the docks, the Solent coast and even running through St Mary's Stadium!

https://www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk/abp-southampton-marathon

9. Great Welsh Marathon - 17th March 2024

 ROAD, COASTAL 

A beautiful run along the Welsh coastline - a fast and friendly course that showcases the best of the coast and country in West Wales.

https://www.greatwelshmarathon.co.uk/

10. Jurassic Marathon - 18th May 2024

 TRAIL, COASTAL 

A curveball close to runderwear HQ. A trail run with absolutely beautiful scenery along the Jurassic coast, starting from Corfe Castle and finishing in the seaside town of Weymouth - with optional camping at the end. Just the 1340m elevation to take into consideration!!

https://www.ultrachallenge.com/jurassic-coast-challenge/

 

Or you could try for a charity place in London, of course! Either way, you'll want to be training and running chafe-free and blister-free!