Marathon races near Hertford

Thames Meander Autumn offers a flat riverside race from Richmond, with 10K, half marathon, and marathon distances available on the Thames Path. All distances begin at the Petersham & Ham Sea Cadets HQ, near the river, and follow out-and-back routes. The autumn timing secures its place in the race calendar, with the appeal being simple: fast running on a well-marked towpath alongside the Thames. The 10K turnaround is at Kew Gardens Car Park. The half marathon extends to a point opposite Barnes Sports Club, and the marathon covers the half marathon route twice. The course is ideal for runners seeking a fast time because of its flatness, smooth surface, and clear navigation, supported by marshals. Aid stations are provided, and medical support is available throughout the event, making the setup suitable for both novice distance runners and those aiming for peak performance.

The Thames Meander - Autumn is a flat riverside race series in Richmond, commencing and concluding at the Petersham & Ham Sea Scouts HQ on Petersham Road. Participants can select from 10km, half marathon, or marathon distances, with all three utilizing the Thames Path towpath for out-and-back courses. The format is straightforward: run alongside the river, turn at the designated checkpoint for your chosen distance, and return to the original finish area. The 10km turnaround point is at Kew Gardens Car Park on Ferry Lane. The half marathon extends to the Thames Path opposite Barnes Sports Club. The marathon follows the same 13.1-mile out-and-back course as the half marathon, run twice. The path is suited for consistent running, not technical trail running, and as a public thoroughfare, runners will encounter walkers and cyclists. Marshals are stationed along the course and at turnaround points. Checkpoints provide gels, drinks, electrolyte powders, and high-energy food. KLP Medics are present at the start/finish and Kew Gardens Car Park.

The Chelmsford Marathon & Half Marathon begins at 9:00 am in Chelmsford, Essex. Both distances follow accurately measured, undulating road courses. This autumn race offers a marathon or half marathon option and attracts over 1,500 participants, establishing it as a significant event on the Essex race calendar. A six-hour cut-off defines the marathon structure, and pacers are typically available for both distances if sufficient numbers are confirmed. The route departs Central Park via tree-lined avenues, then proceeds onto rural country lanes. This provides participants with a blend of town running and Essex countryside, distinct from a city-centre circuit. The courses are frequently chosen for good-for-age qualifying attempts, though their undulations prevent them from being a flat time-trial course. A substantial aspect of the race involves fundraising for Little Havens Children's Hospice and Havens Hospices, organizations supporting individuals with complex or incurable conditions. Runner contributions generated over £53,000 in a recent running. Participants can select a HAVENS HEROES ticket, which incorporates a donation, and the race also relies on hospice supporters and marshals within the event village.

The Top Gun 40th Anniversary Marathons & Half Marathons is a running event in Milton Keynes MK7, United Kingdom, offering marathon and half marathon distances. The main race weekend takes place in October, with both the 42.2 km marathon and 21.1 km half marathon listed as sold out. The series also features a 5 km race, scheduled for a Sunday start at 11:00. This shorter race is also sold out, indicating sufficient local interest to fill all available distances.

The Battersea Park Running Festival is a flat race day held at the Millennium Arena on Carriage Drive East in Battersea Park. It includes a marathon, a half marathon, and a 1km children's race, catering to both adults seeking a full marathon and families looking for a short run. Science in Sport presents the festival. The marathon course consists of 11 laps within the park, and the half marathon uses 5 laps. Participants begin and conclude on the athletics track at the Millennium Arena. The children's race takes place entirely around the track. The course features flat loops and paths lined with trees, offering a suitable option for runners focused on achieving a personal best rather than tackling a challenging, hilly route.

The Wendover Woods Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k is a multi-terrain running event held within Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire, part of the Chiltern Hills. This event is included in the Autumn Festival of Running and features a marathon, half marathon, 10k, and a junior run. Participants can select a distance ranging from a short forest race to a full marathon. The course has hills and includes significant ascents, with a six-hour time limit for all participants. The 10k race follows a multi-lap course on forest trails. The longer races extend this challenge across similar rolling woodland terrain. This event is suitable for novice trail runners, experienced runners seeking a hilly challenge, and marathon runners desiring a more demanding course than a flat road race. It welcomes pets, and the venue is family-friendly, offering an on-site cafe, Go Ape, adventure play areas, biking trails, and a nearby Gruffalo trail for children.

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.

At Enigma Fireworks, runners circle Caldecotte Lake repeatedly: 7.5 clockwise laps for the marathon or 3.5 for the half. The two-day event is based beside the lake in Milton Keynes, near the hotel and pub car park area, and each day offers both distances in November. The format is straightforward: everyone runs clockwise on the same lake loop, with water and toilets available every lap. Course details are provided at the venue, runners must attend a briefing ten minutes before the start, and the race team includes a starter, timekeeper, and referee. Marathon finishers have a 7-hour cutoff.

PHOENIX - Lest We Forget is a remembrance-themed running event on the River Thames, held around Remembrance Day. Runners have seven hours to cover as much or as little distance as they want, with options starting at 5km and stretching through 10km, half marathon, marathon, and ultra distance. The route uses repeated laps of a 5.3km out-and-back course along the Thames, so one lap is enough to finish and longer distances come from carrying on. All abilities are welcome, and every finisher receives a bespoke medal shaped around an Unknown Soldier silhouette in antique brass, showing a lone soldier paying respects to the fallen; the ribbon can be removed with a Velcro join, and the medal stands on its own base. PHOENIX also runs an annual Remembrance Day Run the following day, with a separate 1kg medal, so some runners make a full weekend of the two events.

The Richmond Marathon begins at 7 a.m. at 1st and Broad Street in downtown Richmond. It is a full road marathon with a USA Track & Field sanctioned and certified course, and it qualifies runners for the Boston Marathon. The route is suitable for first-time marathoners, though it includes rolling hills. The course travels through historic city areas and includes sections along and across the James River. All races conclude downhill at 5th and Tredegar Street, near Brown’s Island and the Canal Walk on the downtown riverfront. Hydration stations are available at the start and approximately every two miles. The finish area becomes the CoStar Group Post Race Party after runners complete the race.