One day after the London Marathon 2024, the ballot has already opened for places for next year – but there are plenty of UK options if you cannot wait until then.
Unless you are race ready, it generally takes up to around 16 weeks to prepare for the 26.2 miles and it would be advisable to do a 10km and half marathon before going for the big one.
British marathons are usually held in the spring and autumn (because who wants to run that far in the heat of summer or freezing winter) but there are exceptions.
All details were correct as of April 22.
UK marathons you can enter in 2024
Newport Marathon
Sunday, April 28
Ok, it’s next week, so maybe only if you’ve just done London and want to improve your time because this is one of the flattest and fastest courses in the UK.
Race website: newportwalesmarathon.co.uk
Brecon Beacons Marathon
Saturday, May 4
A tough race that features picturesque trails and climbs through Talybont-on-Usk, peaking at the summit of Pen-y-Fan – south Wales’s highest peak.
Race website: trailevents.co/events/brecon-beacons
Milton Keynes Marathon
Monday, May 6
The run finishes inside StadiumMK and the course offers far more variety than perhaps the Buckinghamshire new town is credited with.
Race website: mkmarathon.eventrac.co.uk
Edinburgh Marathon
Sunday, May 26
Voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner’s World, this one boasts great city views and also takes in the East Lothian coastline.
Race website: edinburghmarathon.com
New Forest Marathon
Sunday, September 8
The first in our autumn batch, the New Forest Marathon is held at New Park Showground, Brockenhurst, and boasts lots of luscious tracks and trails.
Race website: www.newforestmarathon.co.uk
Isle of Wight Marathon
Sunday, October 6
The race starts and ends in Cowes but takes in Bouldnor, Porchfield, and Ningwood en route, giving runners the best views of the island.
Race website: www.rydeharriers.co.uk
Chester Marathon
Sunday, October 6
The north-west city is hosting another edition of the event which has won awards for its organisation and shows off some historic landmarks.
Race website: www.chestermarathon.com
Yorkshire Marathon
Sunday, October 20
Called Yorkshire but this is actually all around the city of York, starting at the university and heading out towards Stamford Bridge – the halfway mark – before looping back.
Race website: www.runforall.com/events/marathon/yorkshire-marathon
Beachy Head Marathon
Sunday, October 26
A toughie but a goodie, this course runs along the route of what used to be known as the Seven Sisters Marathon in Eastbourne.
Visit: www.visiteastbourne.com/marathon
Portsmouth Coastal Marathon
Sunday, December 22
A pre-Christmas workout comes in the form of this multi-terrain test, with the course flanking the beach and featuring parts across gravel tracks.
Visit: www.fitprorob.biz/
