Races

2018 UK Road Races to get excited about

The New Year is here and it’s time to nail down those race plans for the year ahead. Whether you’re looking for a bucket-list classic, the most scenic route or for the greatest atmosphere, here are 5 epic road races to get excited about in 2018.

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THE BIG HALF – CENTRAL LONDON – MARCH 4TH

If you missed out on a marathon place this year, this brand new festival of running will more than make up for it. Half marathon distance, the race starts at Tower Bridge and heads out to Greenwich, taking in iconic city landmarks. Hosting a prestigious elite field, including Mo Farah and Callum Hawkins, the Big Half festival also harnesses the local community and its diverse music and food in what promises to be a spectacular, feel-good celebration of running and London culture. Get your charity place now.

Sign up here

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ROCK AND ROLL MARATHON – LIVERPOOL – MAY 19TH-20TH

Fast becoming iconic for its historic journey though the UK’s capital city of music, the Liverpool R and R is also famous for its warm crowd support, fantastic on-the-route live music and bands, a great post-race social scene and an all-round feel good factor. With entry available in marathon, half marathon and 5K distances, there’s a distance suitable for all abilities, not to mention a particularly fantastic medal at the finish.

Sign up here

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THE GREAT NORTH RUN – NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – SEPTEMBER 9TH

Needing no introduction, if you haven’t already ticked off the world’s greatest half marathon, this is the year to do it. With over 50,000 runners toeing start line every year and growing fast, the GNR has an electric atmosphere that is comparable to none. You’ll find yourself savouring the moment as you run over the famous Tyne Bridge, you’ll chant “Oggy, oggy, oggy” as the Red Arrows soar overhead and you’ll high five the incredible, supportive crowds on this gruelling 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields.

Sign up here

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REEBOK RAGNAR WHITE CLIFFS – MAIDSTONE TO BRIGHTON – SEPTEMBER 22ND-23RD

After launching in the UK for the first time last year, this 170 mile relay along the south coast is back again for 2018. Running from Maidstone to Brighton, you’ll take in country roads, clifftop trails and coastal paths over a gruelling 24 hours alongside your team mates. As the sun sets over the south coast you’ll run on through the night as you push on towards the finish. You’ll be sleep deprived, tired and fatigued, but you’ll also experience breathtaking scenery, surreal night runs and the best sense of team camaraderie on the epic journey to becoming a Ragnarian.

Sign up here

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BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON & FESTIVAL OF RUNNING – INVERNESS – SEPTEMBER 23RD

Probably the UK’s most scenic road race and a 2017 gold winner at the Running Awards, this beautiful marathon takes in spectacular Highland scenery as you make your way along the south eastern shores of Loch Ness to the lively finish at Inverness. Full of Scottish character, you’ll be accompanied by the sound of bagpipes at the start and you’ll hear your name called to cheers at the finish. One of the friendliest races on the fixtures list, this is a particularly great experience for first time and experienced marathoners alike, and with 10K, 5K and children’s events, the Loch Ness festival of running makes for a great family weekend.

Sign up here

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