5K races near Burgess Hill

Run Kent Tonbridge begins at The Judd School, guiding runners on a marked, measured single loop through the Kent countryside. The event provides three distances: a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, with staggered morning starts, beginning with the longer race. It is a RunThrough event featuring chip timing, kilometre flags, stocked water stations, and marshals at key turns. The race returns road running to the streets around Tonbridge, with support from Tonbridge Rotary Club and Tonbridge Lions. Demelza, the local children’s hospice, serves as the event charity, enabling many runners to raise funds. Spectator areas, course entertainment, and cheering marshals contribute to a community atmosphere, distinct from a basic club run. The finish area offers food, drink, complimentary race photos, post-race items, and a themed medal.

Run Kent’s Tonbridge race series starts and finishes at The Judd School in the historic town of Tonbridge. It is an October road-running event with three distances on the same day: a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, all held on closed roads. Each route is a professionally marked and measured single loop, going through Tonbridge and out onto the surrounding Kent countryside roads. The races support Tonbridge Rotary Club and Tonbridge Lions, with local bands, aid stations, and spectators adding to the day along the course.

The Hurt Trail Run is a challenging autumn trail race situated near Guildford, approximately 45 minutes from London. It offers 15k and 21k distances, both commencing from Hound House Road. The routes traverse the Surrey Hills and Hurtwood Forest, presenting a test of fell and cross-country running rather than a straightforward park run. Participants will collect their timing chip and race number on the morning of the event. Facilities including parking, toilets, and refreshments are located adjacent to the start area. The course navigates rugged hill terrain instead of flat roads, reinforcing its reputation as a demanding autumn trail race. The 21k course includes three aid stations, and the 15k has two. Both events are designed for runners seeking a demanding yet supported experience within the woods and hills. The common start point contributes to a straightforward event atmosphere: choose the 15k or 21k, start together, and anticipate Surrey mud, ascents, forest trails, and cross-country running from the outset.

Guildford 5k, 10k & Juniors is a running event on closed roads in Guildford, with the 5k and 10k starting and finishing on Guildford High Street. Both races begin at 08:00, and the 2k Junior Race follows at 08:10, accommodating both adult runners and younger participants. The 5k and 10k follow out-and-back courses from the town centre, proceeding towards Clandon via Epsom Road before returning to the High Street. A 90-minute cutoff is in place because of the road closures. The event benefits Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy, a local service established in 2008 that assists individuals living, working, or visiting the town, and supports clients and volunteers of all beliefs.

This winter marathon takes place at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Runners complete 26.2 miles on the closed racing circuit typically used for motorsport. The course is flat, situated at the foot of the Sussex Downs. Its appeal lies in offering a measured marathon on smooth circuit roads, distinct from a point-to-point road race through town streets. The marathon is included in the Goodwood House Running Grand Prix series, which also features half marathon, 10k, and 5k races. This format benefits mixed groups, allowing marathon participants to run alongside friends completing shorter distances, all within the Goodwood venue.

The Surrey Half, 5K, and Junior Race is a running event held in March, starting at Woking Park on Kingfield Road in Woking, Surrey. Participants have three distance options: a 21.1 km half marathon, a 5 km run, and a Junior Fun Run. The event accommodates mixed groups, including adults, shorter-distance runners, and children, all starting from the same event base. The route distances are straightforward: the main race is a half marathon, the secondary race is 5 km, and the junior event allows younger participants to race without tackling longer courses. A significant charity element is present through Team White Lodge, offering training assistance, fundraising support, online groups, a charity vest with name letters, cheer squads, post-race refreshments, and a dedicated fundraising officer. Half-marathon runners registering with White Lodge have a fundraising target, whereas 5K and Junior Fun Run entries do not have a minimum target.

The Surrey Half Marathon is a chip-timed 13.1-mile road race held at Woking Leisure Centre, with the main field starting in central Woking each March. It is Surrey’s largest half marathon, UKA affiliated, and part of a race day that also includes a 5k and a 2k children’s race. The half marathon runs on fully closed roads, and the route is professionally measured and marked as a single loop. The course heads out from Woking into the surrounding countryside on relatively flat roads, contributing to its reputation for fast running and one of the quickest half marathon finish times on record. The 5k uses some of the same event setup, including a start and finish under the main gantry. Local bands play along the route, aid stations support runners, and spectators from nearby communities line sections of the course. Finishers receive chip-timed instant results, free race photos, access to training plans, and a large medal; the event has also received three consecutive Gold Awards from the British Association of Road Races and strong runner ratings on Racecheck and Let’s Do This.