Best Running Races To Enter In 2025

Whether you love it or hate it, running is having a renaissance and hordes of Hoka-clad joggers are taking to the streets – if you haven’t seen them, you’re probably one of them. Strava’s 2024 trend report says that running clubs are more popular than ever and running is the fastest growing social sport on the platform. Google Trends also shows that the term ‘run club’ has been growing in searches for the past five years. Running races are more all the rage too: this year’s TCS New York Marathon just became the world’s largest marathon ever with 55,000+ finishers and the TCS London Marathon wasn’t far behind, with 53,000+ finishers.

There’s no escaping the running boom, so why not make 2025 the year you invest in a pair of running shoes or a Strava subscription? If you’re worried about joining the many whose New Year’s resolutions don’t make it to February, you could also sign up for one of these five races to keep you on track. These are the best running races to book for 2025.

Running Races To Book For 2025

London Landmarks Half Marathon

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and the City of Westminster. The route will take you past iconic sites like Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral as well as celebrating the rich and quirky history of London. The 2024 race began in Pall Mall, the birthplace of the bowler hat, where runners were waved off by a troupe of volunteers in bowler-hats. At the Tower of London, participants were rewarded with a sighting of Elizabeth I and the sound of the Royal Fanfare. In addition, a whole cast of characters appeared in the sidelines to cheer runners on: Dick Whittington, Henry VIII, and beloved characters from the West End stage. This year, the London Landmarks Half Marathon will take place on 6 April, and you won’t want to miss it.

When? 6 April 2025

BOOK: llhm.co.uk

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Ice Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate

Are you looking for something more challenging? This Arctic Ultramarathon will take place in Swedish Lapland from 24 – 28 February. It’s as brutal as it is beautiful, spanning 230 km of remote snowfields and glacial plains. Race beneath the Northern Lights and over vast frozen lakes, in temperatures of minus 40 degrees. Sleep beneath the stars in remote teepees, scattered along the route. Some will call you crazy but if you finish it, you can call yourself a champion too. It is an extreme test of endurance, both physical and mental, but one which offers mesmerising views and access to Europe’s last remaining wilderness. 

When? 24 – 28 February 2025

BOOK: beyondtheultimate.co.uk

Love Trails Festival

If you’re trying to decide between a music festival and a running race, then the Love Trails Festival is for you. An intoxicating blend of music, adventure, hiking and running, this four-day festival on the coast of South Wales promises to be a unique weekend. Attracting thousands of people each year, there is something for everyone with distances ranging from 3km to 80km. Your ticket also includes an impressive line-up of live music and DJs, yoga classes, panels and discussions. The Love Trails Festival was founded in 2016 for people who want to move their bodies in exciting ways, and to preserve ‘the feeling of pure joy you get from exploring trails or jumping into the sea’. Join the waitlist on their website to be part of it.

When? 10 – 13 July 2025

BOOK: lovetrailsfestival.co.uk

David Altabev

The AJ Bell Great North Run

You can’t make a list of running races without mentioning the AJ Bell Great North Run. This is the world’s biggest half marathon, attracting 60,000 runners each year. It begins in Newcastle and ends in South Shields, a beautiful coastal town in the North East of England. The electric atmosphere of the 200,000+ supporters is unmatched – and appreciated by runners as they take on the hilly terrain. If you sign up, prepare for iconic views of the North Sea, on course entertainment which continues long after the race has ended, possible celebrity sightings and the iconic chant of the Great North Run: ‘oggy-oggy-oggy oi-oi-oi’. 

The September ballot has now closed, but another ballot will be opening in January so keep your eyes on the website, or sign up for email notifications, so you can secure your place in this half marathon to beat all half marathons. 

When? 7 September 2025

BOOK: greatrun.org

Bacchus Wine Half Marathon

This is a race which doesn’t take itself too seriously, described as ‘a celebration of award-winning English wine, fine food, fancy dress, music … and a little bit of running’. The course wends its way through Denbies Vineyard and the North Downs in Surrey – a challenging yet scenic route. You’ll also enjoy six samples of wine during the race and – if you fully enter into the spirit of the event – you’ll be running in a fancy dress costume. 

While it isn’t one for the avid kudos-collectors on Strava or for those trying to beat a time, it is a great race if you’re looking to have fun (and if you need to be a bit tipsy to get through 21kms). The half marathon ends with an infamous post-race party too, which serves food, beer and – you guessed it – more wine. Truly a workout for the tastebuds as well as the body. It is limited to 1800 runners and they hope to open for entries next month, so don’t waste time signing up.

When? 7 September 2025

BOOK: run-bacchus.com