Ipswich · United Kingdom

Marathon races near Ipswich

16 races in 2026 next one in 22 days

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Race calendar

Upcoming Marathon races near Ipswich

JUL 10

Run · trail · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Summer 10 In 10

Bury St Edmunds · 37 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge - Day 1

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 2 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 3 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 4 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

+11 more Marathon racesShow fewer ↓

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 5 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 6 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 7 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 8 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 9 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

AUG 4

Run · road · Marathon

Great Barrow Challenge Day 10 - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Ultra Marathon

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5AX · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

The Lucky Clover Run

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

The Lucky Clover

Bury Saint Edmunds · 36 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Colne Valley Path Marathon

Essex · 28 km away

SEP 2

Run · road · Marathon

FEAR (Forget Everything And Run)

Brandon IP27 0AF · 54 km away

Run · road · Marathon

The Lucky Horseshoe

Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 · 45 km away

Ipswich · 80 km

16 races mapped View on map →

Recurring Marathon races near Ipswich

Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly

Chelmsford Marathon & Half Marathon

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.

Ely Tri Club Runfest 2026

Ely Tri Club Runfest is a running festival held in October at Palace Green in Ely. The Half Marathon begins and ends outside Ely Cathedral. The event features out-and-back courses with multiple distances: 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, and an ultra option. This caters to runners seeking anything from a shorter mixed-surface run to a longer endurance challenge. The Half Marathon covers 21.1 km on tarmac and compact trail along Cycle Path 11, with a turnaround point in Wicken village. Courses are marked, results are timed, and the event has a 300-participant limit, closing registration when full. The Runfest originated as an ultra event, with the Half Marathon introduced as the festival expanded beyond its initial long-distance focus.

St Edmund Way Ultra Marathon

The St Edmund Way Ultra Marathon is an 80-mile winter ultra from Manningtree to Brandon, run in December across eastern England. The route links Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, offering runners a point-to-point race instead of a loop. It begins at 10am, with registration from 8am, and the full-course time limit is 28 hours. Course checkpoints and some route details are still being finalised, but four checkpoints are planned at roughly 17, 28, 45, and 63 miles. A morning bus can transport runners from the finish area back to the start before the race, aiding the point-to-point logistics. Open Tracking will monitor runners remotely and includes an SOS function, and the mandatory kit list requires capacity for at least one litre of fluid plus gear for staying warm and dry if assistance is needed.

'Twas The Run Before Christmas 2026

'Twas The Run Before Christmas is a festive lap race at High Lodge in Thetford Forest, near Brandon in Suffolk. Runners can choose from 5k to 10k, 15k, half marathon, heavy half, marathon, or ultra, all on a 5.3km forest loop. There are two start times: the earlier start offers up to six hours on course, while the later start offers four hours. This is the event's sixth running and it is part of Zig Zag Running's Christmas-season schedule. The course is mostly pathway, with a smaller section of trail and woodland, so road shoes are generally suitable, though trail shoes might be considered after wet weather. The lap format allows participants to stop at a short distance or continue adding loops within the time limit; a heavy half typically involves five laps, while the ultra begins with nine laps and can extend further if time permits. The venue is self-contained, with exclusive use of the main area, an aid station at the lap point, registration at Oak Lodge, and refreshments available after finishing. Festive attire is encouraged, finishers receive a bespoke medal or a past medal via lucky dip, and a portion of each entry fee supports forest and woodland care.

WTF - Where's The Finish Run

WTF - Where's The Finish Run begins the New Year at Brandon Country Park in Brandon, Suffolk, situated in Thetford Forest. This is a timed lap race, not a fixed-distance event. Runners select either a 6-hour or a 4-hour start, completing as many 5.3 km laps as desired before their time concludes. The structure allows participants to finish after an initial 5k or 10k, progress to a half or full marathon distance, or continue into ultra territory on the same circuit. The lap course consists of gravel footpaths and some grassy sections, with marshals present and an aid station at Base Camp after each circuit. Rest periods between laps are permitted. Anyone departing Base Camp before the time limit expires is allowed to finish an additional lap, which is the origin of the race's name. A standard half marathon comprises five laps, with the possibility to extend on the day, while the standard ultra is nine laps and can be extended further if time permits. The arrangement is suitable for both novice and seasoned runners due to minimal navigation requirements, no mandatory special equipment, and simpler logistics compared to many trail ultras.

Windmill Way Wander 2027

Windmill Way Wander is a road-running event held at Suffolk Running Centre on Church Road, near Bury St Edmunds. Participants select their own distance on the day, with 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and ultra options available. This format accommodates short runs, first long races, or extended training challenges. The event offers flexibility with an early start providing a seven-hour cutoff and a later start with a five-hour cutoff. The course follows Windmill Way and Golding Hills, crossing Higham, Gazeley, Ashley, Dalham, and Denham via village lanes. Distances under a half marathon are out-and-back. The half marathon is a single loop, the marathon consists of two loops, and the ultra extends to the 5K turnaround point. Race HQ is located at the start/lap point, offering refreshments every 10K. Parking is provided, and finishers receive a bespoke medal or, if available, a lucky-dip medal from past events.

Valentines Challenge

The Valentines Challenge is a six-hour lap event held at the Suffolk Running Centre on Church Road in Bury St Edmunds. All participants begin together at 9am. Runners then decide how much of the day they wish to complete: a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, a marathon, or an ultra distance if capable. The format is intentionally straightforward, requiring no specific kit, minimal navigation, and an aid station at the start/finish area on each lap. The course follows a 10K out-and-back loop, bringing runners back to Base Camp between laps to rest before setting out again. Any runner departing Base Camp before the six-hour mark concludes may begin another lap, providing an incentive for those aiming for a marathon or ultra distance. This event is suitable for newcomers, club athletes, consistent high-mileage runners, and anyone seeking the structure of a looped road race without the complexities of a trail ultra.

Marriott's Way Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

The Marriott's Way Trail Marathon & Half Marathon is a February trail event in Norfolk. The full marathon begins in Norwich, and the half marathon starts at Whitwell Station. Both races conclude at Friendship Hall in Aylsham. It is intended for runners and walkers, with an 8-hour time limit for the marathon and a 4-hour limit for the half, accommodating those seeking a relaxed outing and those competing seriously. The route utilizes Marriott's Way, a level, disused railway line connecting Norwich and Aylsham. The majority of the path is free from traffic, although the course intersects with busy roads, managed with marshals or signage where feasible. The stated distances are approximate as the course lacks official UKA measurement. Boghopper Races organizes the event under UK Athletics rules with an Association of Running Clubs licence. Five percent of each entry fee supports the East Anglian Air Ambulance, whose volunteers also assist with race marshalling.

Thetford Festival of Running

The Thetford Festival of Running, a Zig Zag Running event, takes place at High Lodge in Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk. Now in its second year, this race offers participants a 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, or ultra marathon within the forest venue. The format accommodates mixed groups, allowing one runner to complete an official 5k while another tackles marathon or ultra laps. Two start times are available, with a six-hour cut-off for the earlier start and a four-hour cut-off for the later one. The course follows a flat 5.3km loop within Thetford Forest, with the aid station located at the lap point. A standard half marathon consists of five laps, though runners may opt for six or seven laps on the day. The ultra marathon begins with nine laps and can be extended to twelve, depending on available time. The High Lodge site provides a dedicated main area and ample open space, allowing runners to return to the same base each lap instead of following a point-to-point route. The participants range from beginners to experienced runners, including those achieving significant milestones, such as Nomi Hallam completing her 201st marathon at this event.

St Peters Way Ultra Marathon

The St Peter's Way Ultra Marathon is a winter point-to-point ultra across Essex. It begins at 8:30am from The Pleasance public car park in Ongar and finishes at the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell-on-Sea. The race covers roughly 43 miles along the St Peter's Way footpath, with participants heading east from inland Essex toward the coast via muddy trails, fields, rural tracks, and roads. The route traces an old pilgrimage line dating to the 7th century, passing historic churches and countryside, with some sections connected to the Domesday Book. The course is largely rolling and runnable, featuring some hills, though wet conditions can make the terrain difficult. The final section follows a raised sea wall, where the concluding miles can be exposed to cold, wet, and windy weather. Four checkpoints are positioned along the route, offering drinks, sweet and savory food, with vegan and vegetarian choices available.

Camuplodunum Trail Marathon

The Camuplodunum Trail Marathon is a self-navigation trail race circling Colchester, the Essex town known as Camulodunum in Roman times. It begins and ends at Bannatyne Gym & Spa Kingsford Park, covering a distance of 28.6 miles. Participants navigate using a GPX file or written directions, as the course is not fully marked. Checkpoints and stocked aid stations are situated approximately every 10 km. The race commences in the morning, with a 7.5-hour cutoff. Derek Keeble originally devised the route in 1974 as a 25-mile circuit of Colchester’s town boundary. The current iteration retains the concept of a town circuit but extends it beyond marathon distance. It crosses field paths, woodland, a sea wall, prehistoric earthworks, a conservation valley, riverside trails, and urban areas. The event is cupless, requiring runners to provide their own cup at aid stations. The entry option allows for a reduced fee for those forgoing the medal or T-shirt.

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About Marathon races in Ipswich

Ipswich Training Notes

Ipswich hosts 27 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

Ipswich runners keep it practical, with steady miles around Ipswich Waterfront and the River Orwell. Ipswich JAFFA Running Club gives the town its main training hub, with Monday announcements at 7:15pm and group runs from 4-8 miles at 10 to 6:30 mins per mile. The junior section meets at 6:45pm, and the beginners group makes it easy to settle in. The Waterfront loop runs 22 km with +129 m gain. 195km.

Ipswich riders get a proper club scene, not just solo Z2. Ipswich Bicycle Club has been going since 1892, with over 200 members riding road, track, cyclocross, and MTB. The club runs Saturday social no-drop rides from 12mph+ to 18mph+, and green rides run April to September at 12-14mph. National Cycle Route 1, National Cycle Route 51, Fonnereau Way, Orwell Bridge Loop, and Alton Water Circuit all sit in the regular mix. The harder climbing comes on Scenic South Suffolk, which packs 686 m into 102.1 km, and Cafe Como, which gives 643 m over 81.4 km.

July and August suit the cleanest block of base miles here, with warm days and enough daylight for evening intervals. Ipswich summers run mild by feel, but July highs sit close to London and Colchester, so locals still plan bottles properly before a longer gran fondo effort. The town centre works for cycling from both directions between 16:30 and 10:30 daily, and Buttermarket stays open both ways all day. Winter changes the rhythm more than the routes, with 55.33 air-frost nights in an average year. Ipswich runners keep club nights sharp, while riders lean harder on no-drop groups, crit training, and steady Z2.