5K races near Haywards Heath

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.

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.

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.

The Lancaster Bomber Run is a Phoenix Running timed event on the River Thames, held on the Friday of a Remembrance-themed weekend. Participants select their own distance, from 5K or 10K up through half marathon, marathon, and ultra, by completing the desired number of laps. Each lap covers 5.3 km, or 3.28 miles, on an out-and-back course along the Thames. Completing a single lap qualifies a runner as a finisher. The event acknowledges the bravery of Lancaster bomber crews. The weekend also features the annual Lest We Forget run and the Remembrance Day Run, allowing participants to combine multiple events and medals, including a substantial 1 kg anniversary medal at the Remembrance Day event.

Frozen Phoenix is a timed, lapped run held at Xcel Sports Hub in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. It begins in the morning, situated in the quiet period between Christmas and New Year. This event is part of Phoenix Running's Twixmas Triple, allowing participants to combine it with the Year End Marathon or Half and Winter Runderland on adjacent days. The structure is adaptable; runners can complete 5km, opt for the marathon distance, or continue into ultra distances within the allotted time. The course consists of a 5.3km out-and-back lap along the River Thames. The event centers on multiple traversals of this riverside path rather than a single, extended point-to-point route. Completing a single lap qualifies as finishing, making the event accessible for less experienced runners, while more capable runners can challenge their endurance limits. Frozen Phoenix is now in its tenth year, and all finishers receive a unique medal.

PHOENIX Winter Runderland is a winter running event on the River Thames, structured around laps rather than a single fixed distance. Participants can select from 5km to 10km, half marathon, marathon, or ultra distances by completing 5.3km out-and-back laps within a 7-hour timeframe. The start is flexible, with runners able to begin within a 1-hour window, and special start times can often be arranged based on the planned distance. The course follows the Thames out and back, allowing a straightforward format: complete one lap for a finish, or continue laps to increase distance. The event welcomes all abilities, from those targeting a 5km lap to runners utilizing the full time limit for an ultra. Each participant receives a custom finisher's medal; this edition features the event's Snow Globe medal design with a new color palette.

The Crystal Palace 5k, 10k, Half Marathon & Juniors is a January running event held in Crystal Palace Park, South East London. It offers races for adults and children, with choices of 5k, 10k, a half marathon, or a junior race. This event suits newer runners, families, and those seeking a longer winter challenge. The route winds through the park along the Norwood Ridge, featuring undulations rather than a flat course. It goes past the dinosaur park and provides views of the surrounding area. Kilometre markers and marshals will guide participants. The half marathon consists of four full laps plus additional distance. All finishers will receive themed medals, and chip timing will be used for recorded results.

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 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.