Leeds · United Kingdom
Marathon races near Leeds
8 races in 2026
next one in 10 days
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Race calendar
Upcoming Marathon races near Leeds
JUL 4
11JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
Phoenix Manchester Blaze
Manchester · 62 km away
12JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
Rasselbock Marathon and Half Marathon
Mansfield · 76 km away
12JUL
Run · road · Marathon
Ilkley Half Marathon & 5k
Ilkley · 24 km away
12JUL
Run · road · Marathon
Rasselbock Marathon & Half Marathon
Nottinghamshire · 76 km away
AUG 1
22AUG
Run · trail · Marathon
Phoenix Manchester Afterglow
Manchester · 62 km away
Leeds · 80 km
8 races mapped
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Recurring Marathon races near Leeds
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Priya's Birthday Biryani Dash
Knaresborough Soft Shoe Shuffle
The Knaresborough Soft Shoe Shuffle is a trail running series held in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Distances range from approximately 10k to an ultra marathon, with options for a half marathon, 20-miler, and marathon, allowing participants to select their preferred distance.
The route begins in Knaresborough town centre, utilizing a 6.5-mile trail loop. Each race distance is completed by running a specific number of laps. The course features a gradual climb through parkland before following the former railway line connecting Knaresborough and Harrogate. Approximately one week prior to the event, participants receive maps detailing parking, registration, and start-finish locations. It is explicitly stated that the event's start, finish, and registration are not located at Mother Shiptons Cave.
Yorkshire Marathon & 10 Mile
The Yorkshire Marathon & 10 Mile offers a full 26.2-mile race and a 10-mile race on the same day in York. The marathon begins and ends at the University of York. The 10 Mile starts in the city center, providing a shorter option that includes many of the same local sights.
The marathon course guides thousands of runners annually along country lanes and past historic locations surrounding York. The 10 Mile route goes by York Minster and the medieval City Walls before proceeding onto country roads in the Yorkshire countryside. This route suits runners who wish to see city landmarks without completing the full marathon.
Hubble Bubble & Ghostly Mile
Hubble Bubble & Ghostly Mile is a Halloween running event held on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal at Kirkstall. Race options range from a 1-mile fun run to a 50km ultra. The longer distances include 10K, 10 miles, half marathon, 20 miles, marathon, and ultra, with the Ghostly 1 Mile Fun Run offering a shorter option for children and families.
The course follows a flat, out-and-back path along the canal towpath, providing straightforward navigation and consistent footing instead of a technical trail. The 20-miler consists of two 10-mile laps, and the marathon comprises two half-marathon laps. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the best Halloween outfits. All finishers will receive custom medals and Halloween treats. The races are Trail Running Association licensed, and marshals and aid stations will be present to support participants.
Running GP Croft Motor Circuit November 2026
In November, runners at Croft Motor Circuit in North Yorkshire trade cars for laps on a smooth, traffic-free tarmac racing circuit. The event provides 5k, 10k, half marathon, 20-mile, and marathon distances, catering to both short-course runners and those seeking a longer chip-timed result on a flat, controlled course.
The route follows the motor racing circuit, with each mile clearly marked and marshals present to guide participants. Croft has hosted motorsport, including the British Touring Car Championship, British Rallycross, and Pickup Truck Racing, since the 1920s, making a chequered-flag finish appropriate for the venue. Entry includes a themed medal, chip-timed results, free race photos, water, and post-race refreshments.
Dalby Forest Winter Trail Runs
The Dalby Forest Winter Trail Runs are winter trail races held in Dalby Forest, near Low Dalby in North Yorkshire, on the edge of the North York Moors. Wild Deer organises the event. The races start at 9:30 am from Adderstone Field, located a few miles past the visitor centre within the forest.
Participants can select from a trail Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10km race. The Marathon covers 26.2 miles over two laps of the Half Marathon course and has a six-hour cut-off. The Half Marathon is 13.1 miles and follows a single lap. The forest setting is the primary attraction, as it is a venue used specifically for off-road winter running, distinct from road racing.
Crikey its the Christmas Cracker Day 1
Crikey Its the Christmas Cracker Day 1 starts and finishes at Hollybush Conservation Centre in Kirkstall, Leeds, with runners heading onto the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath. It is a Christmas-themed trail running event in the It’s Grim Up North Running series, with 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon options. The flat canal route and good-quality trail make it workable for first-timers, steady club runners, and people using the day for a longer winter run.
The course follows an out-and-back format along the canal, so pacing is simple and the terrain stays straightforward. It is fully marshalled and clearly signed, with feed and drink stations at regular intervals, but it is cup-less, so runners need to bring a reusable cup or bottle. This race is Day 1 of the Christmas Cracker Weekend, and runners can choose one day or both. Race HQ keeps the seasonal theme going with music, food, festive treats, a Christmas tree, and a bespoke Christmas medal for every finisher.
Crikey its the Christmas Cracker Day 2
Crikey It’s the Christmas Cracker Day 2 is a festive trail running event in Kirkstall, Leeds, held at Hollybush Conservation Centre next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Participants can select distances from 5K up to a marathon, with additional longer options in the full event schedule. This event is part of the It’s Grim Up North Running Christmas Cracker Weekend, allowing participants to enter for one day or both. The race begins in the morning, designed for those seeking an organised winter race rather than a difficult, technical trail.
The course follows a flat, well-maintained canal towpath in an out-and-back style, simplifying pacing and offering a good chance for personal bests. The route is marshalled and signed, with aid stations provided. Race HQ embraces the Christmas theme with music, food, decorations, and a Christmas tree, creating a social atmosphere. The event is suitable for various runners: novices attempting a shorter distance, club runners aiming for a fast, flat course, and marathoners wanting a simple canal-side run in West Yorkshire.
Adidas Manchester Marathon
The Adidas Manchester Marathon is a 26.2-mile road race through Greater Manchester, following a fast, flat course. It ranks as the UK's second largest marathon and one of Europe's biggest, drawing participants globally.
The flat course appeals to regular runners aiming for a personal best. Elite athletes and first-time marathoners also start on the same line. Mancunian support lines the route, a distinct local feature of the race.
Manchester Marathon
The Manchester Marathon is known as the UK's flattest marathon course, featuring only 54 metres of climb. This Adidas-sponsored road marathon takes place annually in Greater Manchester since 2012, covering the full 26 miles 385 yards.
The current route begins on Trafford Way and concludes on Oxford Road, passing through Chorlton, Hulme, Old Trafford, Stretford, Sale, Timperley, Altrincham, Urmston, Salford, and Manchester city centre. Previous routes ended at Old Trafford cricket ground and included Manchester United’s stadium, while the current route incorporates a three-mile city-centre loop. Over 21,000 runners completed a recent edition, indicating its status as a large mass-participation event. The race has a notable historical detail: three editions were found to be 380 metres short, leading UK Athletics to invalidate those times. This measurement error was attributed to the calibrated bicycle wheel used for course marking and has since been rectified.
Tissington Trail Marathon & Half Marathon
The Tissington Trail Half Marathon is a point-to-point race from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne in Derbyshire. It covers 13 miles along a disused railway line that formerly connected Ashbourne with Buxton. Participants can run on Saturday or Sunday. The course is traffic-free, multi-terrain, and gently slopes downhill, making it suitable for those new to the half marathon distance or runners aiming for a fast finish.
Race headquarters are located at Ashbourne Leisure Centre. Coaches transport runners to the start at Parsley Hay, from where they return to Ashbourne. The route offers views of the Derbyshire Dales. The event sells out prior to race day and includes a custom medal, complimentary race photographs, and awards for top finishers.
Looking for something else near Leeds?
Other races in the next 90 days
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Whitelow Lane Hill Climb
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JUL 455 km away
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Pretty Muddy Manchester
JUL 461 km away
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On A Plod MCR
JUL 453 km away
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City RC (Hull) 10
JUL 554 km away
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Struggle Moors
JUL 863 km away
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Sheffrec CC 19 mile SPOCO
JUL 1058 km away
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Gravel Rocks Trail Running Weekend Friday
About Marathon races in Leeds
Leeds Training Notes
Leeds hosts 19 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals use Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor, the River Aire, and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal for easy laps and steady base miles. Roundhay Park gives you proper space without leaving the city. The Roundhay Park loop is 1 mile with 141 feet of elevation. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath runs 35 miles with 567 feet of elevation. The Leeds Country Way is a 60 mile off-road circuit of the city. Hyde Park Harriers cover road, cross-country, fell, hills, intervals, and strength work. Green Room keeps Saturday simple with a sociable 5k down the Leeds to Liverpool canal from 9:30 am. Leeds Running Festival March and the Leeds 5K Series are the anchor events locals keep circling.
Locals ride the Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath, the Aire Valley Towpath, Roundhay Park, Meanwood Valley Trail, and Eccup Reservoir Loop when they want Z2 without much fuss. The Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway gives a 14km line between the two cities. The gravel crowd uses Temple Newsam to Canal, Middleton Park Offroad Down & Up, and Meanwood Ridge to the Ring Road for mud, roots, and singletrack. Airedale Olympic CC, Albarosa Cycling Club, Bramley Wheelers CC, Leeds Urban Bike Club, Seacroft Wheelers, Valley Striders CC, Venture Racing, and Yorkshire Road Club all focus on club racing. Garforth Velo, LS-TEN BMX Club, Wetherby Wheelers, and Wheels 4 Fun keep the social side moving. Riders head toward Otley Chevin, Langbar, Embasy Cliff, and Halton Edge when the climbing needs to bite.
Spring is the best block for both sports, especially if the Leeds Country Way is on your list. July and August bring the warmest riding and running, and the mean temperature sits around 17.5°C. The small area just south east of the city centre gets daytime highs above 20°C when the elevation drops under 50m. Summer sessions suit canal Z2, park intervals, evening runs, and longer gran fondo miles before the trails get too overgrown. Winter turns the city colder and cloudier, with occasional snow and frost. January and February sit around 5°C, so locals swap fast trail plans for steadier roads, cyclocross grit, and careful base miles.