Today tens of thousands of runners anxiously were refreshing their email inboxes waiting to hear if they’d won a coveted ballot place for London Marathon 2023. Ballot places are notoriously hard to come by, more than 410,000 people entered the ballot for London 2023 and it’s believed that around 17,000 to 20,000 places are allocated through the ballot.

If you’re in the 5% who secured a ballot place for London Marathon 2023, congratulations!! If not don’t worry, there are other options - you could opt to run for charity, to take on the Virtual London Marathon 2023, or to enter a different marathon all together.

While London Marathon is iconic and very special, there are lots of other marathons in the UK that are unique and special in their own ways.

Manchester Marathon

Sunday 16 April 2023

Manchester Marathon likes to make a big deal of the fact it doesn’t have a ballot, but that’s not the only thing this city marathon has going for it! With a flat, fast course and an amazing atmosphere this is the race to go for if you want to PB. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular marathons in Europe, with over 24,000 runners hitting the streets in one of the most vibrant cities in the north. What’s more you can enter as part of a team and run the marathon as a relay, perfect if you’re not quite ready for 26.2 but want to experience the atmosphere of a marathon.

Find out more here.

Milton Keynes Marathon

Monday 1 May 2023

Milton Keynes marathon has a reputation for being well organised with friendly, enthusiastic marshals and great support - all the ingredients of a great marathon. The route is designed to show off the natural beauty that surrounds Milton Keynes and is scenic, flatish and offers something a bit different to other marathons. Whether you choose to run the marathon solo or as part of a relay team, you’re bound to have a great race.

Find out more here.

ASICS Windermere Marathon

1 May 2023

Windermere Marathon is something quite special. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District. the marathon takes you around Britain’s largest body of water and is one of only a handful of marathons run entirely within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With outstanding local support Windermere Marathon is regularly described as being one of the friendliest marathons in the UK, and it is definitely one of the most picturesque.

Find out more here.

The Maverick Adidas Terrex X-Series Exmoor

6 May 2023

This isn’t one for the faint hearted, but if you fancy trying something totally different then grab your trail shoes and get to Exmoor. With a route that takes you along the South West Coastal Path you’ll take in stunning views and tackle some savage climbs (the route is rated 4 for difficulty) as you explore this amazing stretch of coastline. Not ready for the full marathon experience, Maverick also offer shorter 21km and 15km routes, or if you’re really up for a challenge a 58km ultra!

Find out more here.

Edinburgh Marathon

Sunday 28 May 2023

Another fast, flat course, the first 5 miles of the route are all down hill as you wind your way through Edinburgh’s picturesque Old Town before heading to the coast for the majority of the race. Over the Marathon weekend the whole city turns out to support the runners and it’s a real family affair with a whole host of junior races, as well as a 5km, a 10km and a half marathon on offer.

Find out more here.