5K races near Horsham

A midweek run to chase personal bests. The course follows the River Thames. Runners can complete it multiple times within the 7-hour limit.

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

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.

Scare Bear Run is an annual spooky-themed run held at Herrington Country Park in Houghton-le-Spring, near Penshaw and New Herrington. It is designed as an inclusive event for all abilities, welcoming both walkers and runners. The theme draws on 1980s Care Bears nostalgia, reimagining the concept into a cute yet slightly menacing finisher medal. Members receive a reduced entry price of £17, assured entry, and a mini-me medal pin at each event they participate in.

We Will Remember Poppy Run is a midweek running event built around remembrance, with entrants marking the sacrifice of people who died in conflicts around the world. It is set up as a low-cost event rather than a high-pressure race, with multiple distances implied by the entry options and a lowest-price tier reserved for members. The event welcomes runners of all abilities, and walkers can join too, so it suits people chasing a personal goal, adding another finish to their tally, or simply wanting a purposeful midweek outing. Each participant receives a Poppy medal, and £5 from every entry fee goes to charity.

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.