5K races near Chichester

Run the South Downs. The course crosses the East and West Sussex border, with woodlands, farm trails, and ridgeways. It's a challenge.

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.

The AJ Bell Great South Run is a 10-mile road race in Southsea, taking place in October on a flat paved course designed for fast times. It begins and ends near the Portsmouth coast. A Saturday 5k is also held that weekend, offering a shorter, hill-free alternative for less experienced runners or those preferring a shorter distance. The course passes the Spinnaker Tower, runs along Southsea Seafront, and goes through Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including a section by HMS Victory. Participants include those aiming for personal bests, charity fundraisers, first-time runners, and well-known figures like Hugh Dennis and Iwan Thomas. Previous race starters have included CBBC's Radzi and Olympian Lizzie Yarnold. Spectators in Portsmouth provide music, encouragement, and high fives along the route, and all finishers get an event t-shirt.

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.

The Wittering Beach Run is a chip-timed event on West Wittering Beach in Chichester, offering 15.3 km, 10 km, and 5 km distances. When the tide is low, runners navigate the wide sandy flats, making it feel more like a beach-and-trail run than a road race. The route traces a Blue Flag coastline, providing open views towards Selsey Bill, the Isle of Wight, Chichester Harbour, the Solent, and the South Downs. The course incorporates nearby trails and off-road paths, marked by pink arrows and tape, with caution signs at hazards and road crossings. Water stations are available for each distance, operating plastic-free, requiring runners to bring a reusable cup or bottle. Dogs are permitted, with one dog per runner, and canicross participants should bring poo bags, water, and a suitable lead. Finishers are awarded a metal medal, a drink, goodies, and a personalised certificate.

MoRunning Southampton is a Movember-themed running day at Southampton Common on The Avenue, with a 1.5k Mini MoRun, 5k, 10k, and half marathon on the same programme. The half marathon starts first in the morning, the 5k and 10k follow together, and the Mini MoRun gives children and newer runners a short chip-timed option later on. Registration opens early, closes shortly before each race, and runners collect a race number, timing chip, safety pins, and MoRunning headband before heading to the start. Every distance is chip timed, with instant results after the finish, and placings use gun time rather than net time. The course is set inside Southampton Common, with the event hub in the park beyond the Cafe at the Hawthorns, in the field next to the playground. It is public land, so runners share the space with local residents and need to stay aware around the route. The day is tied closely to Movember, raising money and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The moustache theme is part of the fun: runners are encouraged to grow one, paint one on, or turn up in fancy dress, with bonus medals and spot prizes for fastest MoBro, fastest MoSista, best dressed, best Mo, and other MoRunning categories. Finishers get a medal, drinks, and snacks, while parking and bag storage are both limited enough that arriving early and travelling light matters.

The St Andrew's Day Run is a 5K race in Gosport, Hampshire, starting at Alexandra Sports. This event marks the fourth and final race in the four-part Run the Saints series, with Alexandra Sports Ltd providing sponsorship and support for all the races. The designated start location is Alexandra Sports, with the postcode PO6 3EN. The race coincides with St Andrew's Day, and participants have the option to fundraise for a charity via GoFundMe.

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.