Bristol · United Kingdom
Marathon races near Bristol
8 races in 2026
next one in 10 days
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Race calendar
Upcoming Marathon races near Bristol
JUL 3
11JUL
Run · road · Marathon
Black Mountains Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon
Hereford · 61 km away
11JUL
Run · road · Marathon
2025 Blacks 50 & 32 Mile Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon
Longtown · 62 km away
25JUL
Run · road · Marathon
Ooops I Ran It Again - Wales
Aberdare CF44 7PS · 67 km away
AUG 4
9AUG
Run · road · Marathon
Bath Two Tunnels Railway Races - August 2026
Bath BA2 1LX · 17 km away
15AUG
Run · trail · Marathon
Bath Two Tunnels Race August
Bath · 17 km away
+3 more Marathon racesShow fewer ↓
16AUG
Run · road · Marathon
Two Tunnels Railway Races (Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km, Colourburst)
Bath · 13 km away
22AUG
Run · road · Marathon
Great British Bake Run - Wales
Aberdare CF44 7PS · 67 km away
SEP 1
26SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Trail Escape Bristol-Bath
Stoke Gifford · 8 km away
Bristol · 80 km
8 races mapped
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Recurring Marathon races near Bristol
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Doughnut Dash - Wales
Run as far as you can in seven hours in Dare Valley Country Park. You'll receive a goody bag and a themed medal.
Bath & Bristol Railway October
The Bath & Bristol Railway October is a running event held in Bath, England, during October. It takes place on and around the former railway corridor connecting Bath and Bristol. The event offers multiple distances, from a 2 km option up to 50 km, including 10 km, half marathon, 25 km, and marathon distances. Race conditions are typically autumnal, with average weather around 10.8°C, light wind, and high humidity.
The route utilizes a former railway line, incorporating transport history alongside the running course. This line, which opened in the nineteenth century and closed in the twentieth, was later repurposed by Sustrans as the initial route of the National Cycle Network. Bath provides a notable setting, being a UNESCO World Heritage site with proximity to Roman Baths and Georgian streets. The event's atmosphere reflects its local railway connection, with one participant describing it as “Sooo British.”
Bath & Bristol Railway Races Autumn
Scare Bear Run 2026 - Wales
Scare Bear Run is a themed running event in Wales, centered on a 7-hour time challenge. Participants select their own distance, starting with a minimum of 3km and adding laps as desired within the time limit.
A lap is 4.37 miles (7km), though the organizer might use a 3.28-mile loop if course conditions necessitate. Runners of all abilities are welcome, including walkers. The finisher's reward is a medal inspired by the Care Bears.
Beacons Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon
The Beacons Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon is a November trail race weekend held at Henderson Hall in Talybont-on-Usk, situated at the foothills of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Participants can select a 13-mile half marathon, a marathon, or an approximately 50-mile ultra. The longer race combines trail, mountain, canal, and road running.
The marathon follows one loop of the ultra course and includes a climb of Pen y Fan, while the half marathon route remains nearer to Talybont-on-Usk. Weather is a factor: the event has occurred in bright sunshine, rain, mist, and temperatures as low as minus 8 degrees. The broader Beacons ultra running context also features the 100-mile Beacons Way Ultra, a self-navigating race starting at Abergavenny Castle along the Beacons Way National Trail. This race has ten checkpoints, 6,143 metres of ascent, includes Pen y Fan and the Carmarthen Fans, uses GPS tracking, and requires prior mountain and ultramarathon experience for entry.
Off The Tarmac Ultra Marathon
The Off The Tarmac Ultra Marathon is a 30-mile trail ultra held in the Brecon Beacons. It begins and ends at the Georgetown Boys & Girls Club in Merthyr Tydfil. The race starts early and limits entries to 200 runners, creating a small field. This event is designed for runners progressing to ultra distances and those accustomed to long trail races. The mandatory kit list emphasizes the challenging hills and weather: participants must carry waterproofs, warm layers, a phone, food, basic first aid supplies, a whistle, a torch, and at least one litre of fluid.
The route departs Georgetown via the Taff Trail, proceeds along paths by the River Taff, and heads north towards Beacons Reservoir. It then crosses the A470 and ascends Pen y Fan, South Wales' highest peak at 886 metres. A summit checkpoint records runners' check-in and check-out. The latter half descends Jacobs Ladder, connects with the Roman Road towards Torpantau, and utilizes forestry tracks alongside Dolygaer and Pontsticill Reservoir before returning through the Taff Fechan Nature Reserve. Five checkpoints are positioned along the course, four of which offer food and water. The race is cup-less, requiring runners to provide their own cup for drinks at checkpoints.
Beacons Marathon and Ultra
The Beacons Way Ultra is a 100-mile mountain race across Bannau Brycheiniog, the Brecon Beacons National Park. It begins at the ruins of Abergavenny Castle, follows the Beacons Way National Trail, and gives runners 40 hours to cover 6143 metres of climbing. The field is capped at 250 people, making this a small, serious ultra rather than a large city race.
The route uses 10 checkpoints and reaches some of the highest ground in South Wales, including Pen-y-Fan and the Carmarthen Fans. Runners need real ultramarathon and mountain experience, as this is a self-navigation event where map-and-compass skills are mandatory. Live GPS tracking is provided, and finishers can earn UTMB Performance Index and ITRA points.
The Smurf Run - Wales
Machen Trail Half Marathon & Marathon
The Machen Trail Half Marathon & Marathon are trail races near Machen, South Wales, covering approximately 14 and 26 miles respectively. The courses traverse woodland, common land, open moorland, streams, ridgeway paths, steep ascents, and fast descents, offering a challenging off-road experience distinct from road races. The half marathon course is fully marked, whereas marathon participants are responsible for navigation, with marshals present at key intersections. All participants must pass a mandatory kit check at registration; those without the required equipment will not be permitted to start.
The half marathon begins in Machen, proceeding through single-track trails to Rudry Common, then into Caerphilly Forest before descending to Cefn Onn. A sustained climb leads runners back to the ridgeway, passing the Lisvane / Llysfaen trig point. The route continues through woodland towards Ruperra Castle, descends into Draethen, climbs into Machen Woods, and concludes on a downhill trail. Marathon runners cover this route and then face a significant climb towards the Rhymney Valley and the summit of Machen. This event is suited for trail runners who appreciate technical woodland paths, exposed ridges, winter kit requirements, and climbs that make the descents rewarding. Medals are awarded to all finishers, with trophies for top performers.
The Snow Globe Gallop Bobble Hat Run - Wales
The Snow Globe Gallop Bobble Hat Run - Wales is a Christmas Carol themed running event held at Dare Valley Country Park in Wales. It is a 7-hour lap challenge, not a fixed-distance race, allowing runners to decide their distance on the day. The minimum distance is 3km, walkers are welcome, and the format accommodates mixed abilities, not just fast runners aiming for a specific finish time.
The route uses laps, with a full lap set at 7km, although it might change to a 3.28-mile loop depending on course conditions. Participants can complete any number of laps within the time limit, adhering to UK Athletics age regulations. Those who finish receive a running buff and a themed medal. Club members benefit from reduced entry fees, guaranteed participation, and a mini-me medal pin at every event they attend. Saturn Too Limited organizes the run in collaboration with Saturn Running.
St David's Day Dragon Run 2027
The St David's Day Dragon Run is a running event with multiple distances held in Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, Wales, near Wales's St David's Day festivities. Rather than a single set race distance, it operates as a seven-hour time challenge. Participants may finish after completing the minimum 3 km section, select standard distances like 5K, 10K, a half marathon, or a marathon, or continue towards ultra distances.
The course consists of repeated laps on maintained public footpaths within the park. A full lap is typically 7 km, but the loop can be shortened to 3.28 miles if conditions necessitate. The half marathon is measured as three laps. St David, the patron saint of Wales, inspires the event's theme, linking the day to Welsh celebration alongside the pursuit of distance. Saturn Running members receive guaranteed entry, a reduced entry fee, and a mini-me medal pin at each event they participate in, with all runners adhering to UK Athletics age regulations.
Larmer Tree Marathon, 20 Miler, Half Marathon
The Larmer Tree race series takes place at Larmer Tree Gardens on the Rushmore Estate, featuring trail races across the Wiltshire Downs in spring. Participants can choose from a marathon, a 20-miler, and a half marathon, with 7-mile and 10-mile routes also available during the same weekend. This event is a small, family-friendly gathering, attracting a few hundred runners for each of the three main distances, unlike large city races. The setting provides a distinctive atmosphere; Larmer Tree Gardens is an elegant country estate, and the organizers humorously refer to using the Rushmore Estate’s “backyard” for the race routes.
The courses consist of hilly trail routes, and the terrain can become muddy based on weather conditions, making it more of a countryside run than a quick road race. The shorter 7-mile and 10-mile races are suitable for beginners and include dog-friendly options, while the half marathon and 20-miler serve as good early-season training for runners preparing for a marathon. The marathon covers the full 26.2 miles, and all finishers in the main races are awarded peacock-shaped medals, each distance featuring a unique design. The event spans Saturday and Sunday, with the marathon, 20-miler, and 7-mile race on Saturday, and the half marathon, 10-mile race, and a dog-friendly 10-mile race on Sunday.
Looking for something else near Bristol?
Other races in the next 90 days
JUL 137 km away
cycling
Sheila Edwards Cup 10 Mile Time Trial - Jack Nunn No 7
JUL 228 km away
cycling
Sherston Velo Club 13.8
JUL 428 km away
cycling
Bristol South Cycling Club 50
JUL 474 km away
multisport
Questars Summer Adventure Race 4 - Malvern Hills
JUL 42 km away
other
Superhuman Games 2026
JUL 524 km away
cycling
Welsh Time Trial Championships 2026
JUL 771 km away
cycling
Worcester St. Johns CC Club 15
JUL 837 km away
cycling
Sporting 10 Mile time trial No 4 Malmesbury
About Marathon races in Bristol
Bristol Training Notes
Bristol hosts 23 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals run Bristol like a hill session with views attached. The Frome Valley Walkway can stretch up to 30 km, and the canopy and sound of the river mask the urban bustle. Stoke Park Estate gives 5-8 km loop options, while Clifton Down and the Avon Gorge trails cover 5-10 km. Ashton Court Estate has 5-15 km of trails, and Leigh Woods has 5-20 km when you want to take your Z2 run off-road. Bristol Run Club, Queen Square Running Club, Southville Running Club, Westbury Harriers, and Vegan Runners, Bristol keep the week busy. Great Bristol Run and the Bitton 5k series anchor the calendar.
Locals ride out from the city centre on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, then turn base miles into proper work on the Bristol Green Belt 360. Bristol Road Club runs every Saturday all year round, with two-four groups rolling at 26-33 km/h over 90-160 km. Das Rad Klub gives the gravel crowd a natural home. Ashton Court and Leigh Woods put mountain bike trails 10 minutes outside Bristol, with singletrack close enough for a lunch blast. The South 180 loop is definitely more hilly and technical, and Dundry Hill gives the legs a clean reminder. Keynsham off-road climb brings the Rocky Horror Show energy.
Spring and Summer suit Bristol best, because the days run warmer and the dry windows make intervals, long runs, gran fondo prep, and cyclocross skills feel easier to place. Summer brings variable sunshine, rain, and clouds, so locals keep a second layer nearby and use The Downs, Harbourside, Ashton Court, and Leigh Woods when the city gets crowded. Autumn and winter turn wetter, and winter frosts are frequent while snow occasionally falls from early November to late April. The cycle track from town to Fishponds stays useful, and the city centre still gives runners smooth pavements, cobbled paths, and city lights reflecting off the water.