5K races near Exeter

Exeter Training Notes

Exeter hosts 15 5K races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

Locals use the River Exe, Exeter Quayside, Riverside Valley Park, and Exeter Ship Canal when they want flat base miles or quick intervals. Exeter Riverside parkrun starts on Bromhams Field and keeps the effort honest on shared tarmac, gravel, and fields. Killerton parkrun gives you a one-lap multi-terrain loop across open parkland, woodland, and working farmland near Broadclyst. Front Foot Exeter Run Club meets Thursdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Haven Banks Car Park. Exeter Harriers trains Tuesdays and Thursdays at Exeter Arena. South West Road Runners and Greenbow Running Club keep the week social. Exeter 10K River Run, Run Exe 5k, Exeter Autumn Half Marathon, Green Lantern, and Exeter Half Marathon are the anchor races.

Locals ride the Exe Estuary Trail when they want clean Z2 and a route that runs between Exeter and Exmouth or out toward Dawlish Warren. The trail runs 7 miles one way, and trains make the return simple. The Granite Way follows the former Southern Region railway line, and Okehampton to Lydford gives you an 18-mile round trip after the train from Exeter. Exeter Wheelers Cycling Club carries the serious club scene, with road racing, 10-mile time trials, crits, an open hill climb in September, and South West Cyclo-cross links. The climbs sit in the hilly Wednesday nights and the shorter, hillier Saturday Social rides.

July gives Exeter its best shot at summer training, with warm, changeable days and enough light for evening intervals, chain gang work, or longer Quayside runs. Summer also suits the flat Exe work, the Exmouth or Dawlish Warren rides, and steady marathon laps through Exwick and St Thomas. November brings the wettest month, and winter turns the city toward mild, wet miles with short colder spells. Runners keep using lit routes, Riverside Valley Park, and club sessions. Exeter Wheelers shifts Thursday race training toward swift tempo in winter, while Sunday Club Runs still roll every week in 14-16 mph, 16-18 mph, and 18-20 mph groups.