Preston · United Kingdom

Marathon races near Preston

9 races in 2026 next one in 2 days

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5K 10K Half MarathonMarathon

Race calendar

Upcoming Marathon races near Preston

This week 1

Run · road · Marathon

Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon

Coniston · 72 km away

JUL 2

Run · trail · Marathon

Phoenix Manchester Blaze

Manchester · 45 km away

Run · road · Marathon

Ilkley Half Marathon & 5k

Ilkley · 61 km away

AUG 2

Run · road · Marathon

Running Grand Prix Oulton Park August

Little Budworth · 65 km away

Run · trail · Marathon

Phoenix Manchester Afterglow

Manchester · 45 km away

+4 more Marathon racesShow fewer ↓

SEP 4

Run · road · Marathon

Phoenix Manchester Freddie Purrcury Run

Oldham · 46 km away

Run · trail · Marathon

Rodley · 20 km away

Run · trail · Marathon

Bronte Bike Challenge

Yorkshire · 49 km away

Run · trail · Marathon

PFW Running Lancashire Loop Trail Run

Blackpool · 24 km away

Preston · 80 km

9 races mapped View on map →

Recurring Marathon races near Preston

Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly

Big Cow Sports Delamere Forest Wildwood Trail Series Half Marathon & 10K Trail

Delamere Forest dictates the experience: wide forest trails, sections of single file track, and ample space to find a steady pace beneath the trees. It offers a straightforward woodland race, aligning with the organizers' "trail running revolution" concept, though the route seems more suited for running than technical challenges for the majority of its length. The course is mostly flat with minor undulations, presenting a challenge to pace yourself for the "sting in the tail" – the "climb Old Pale in the final miles." Effort yields the "stunning view from the top," followed by a return to the finish. A notable detail: dogs are permitted at the start and finish areas but cannot accompany participants on the course.

Priya's Birthday Biryani Dash

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.

Delamere Forest 10K, 21K & 42K - November

Sea 2 Summit - Offas Dyke Half/Full/Ultra

Sea 2 Summit begins on Prestatyn seafront, leading runners from the coast onto the Offas Dyke footpath in North Wales. The series provides Half Marathon, Marathon, and Ultra distances, all conducted as point-to-point hill races with staggered morning starts to allow slower participants to depart before quicker ones. The course follows National Trail waymarkers into the Clwydian Hills, with the terrain becoming more challenging as it progresses south. The Half Marathon concludes at Moel y Parc Summit, the Marathon at Moel Gyw Summit, and the Ultra proceeds to Horseshoe Pass Summit, passing checkpoints such as Mynydd y Cwm, Grove Hall near Bodfari, Bwlch Penbarras, and Llandegla. No additional race markers are present on the Offas Dyke Footpath, making navigation reliant on national trail signs until the final ascent. Essential equipment is mandated for the terrain and unpredictable weather, with coach transport available for pre-booking, and all finishers will be awarded a custom wooden medal.

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.

View all recurring races near Preston →

Looking for something else near Preston?

5K running Preston → 100 10K running Preston → 134 Half Marathon running Preston → 72

Other races in the next 90 days

All sports & distances →

JUL 438 km away ocr

Pretty Muddy Manchester

JUL 441 km away swimming

MediaCityUK Swim Challenge

1.5 km5 km10 km

JUL 443 km away other

On A Plod MCR

JUL 843 km away cycling

Kent Valley RC 10 NLTTA Spoco

JUL 1113 km away cycling

Southport CC 10

JUL 1163 km away cycling

Seamons CC (incl. VTTA Manchester & NW)

JUL 1232 km away cycling

Lancaster GP

JUL 1242 km away cycling

Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride

About Marathon races in Preston

Preston Training Notes

Preston hosts 18 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

Locals run Preston from the parks outwards. Avenham and Miller Parks keep the River Ribble close, and Haslam Park adds the nature reserve feel without leaving town. Preston Harriers bring the serious club rhythm, with UCLan Track sessions, Avenham and Miller Parks work, Penwortham hill reps, and Tarleton 400m intervals. Red Rose Road Runners keep Tuesday and Thursday steady, with Fulwood, New Longton, Bamber Bridge, London Road, and Friday runs from South Meadow Lane. Preston Fast 5K May, Preston Fast 5K June, Preston Fast 5K July, Central Lancashire New Year's Half Marathon, and Avenham Amble give the calendar its anchor events.

Locals ride the Guild Wheel when they want simple base miles with options. The Guild Wheel gives Preston a 21-mile circular route, and the city centre links it through Avenham Park, the River Ribble, South Ribble, and Preston Docks. Cuerden Valley Park links onto the Old Tramway Cycle Route on National Cycle Network Route 55 heading south to Preston, so gravel and singletrack-leaning rides stay close. Preston CC covers road and cyclocross, Preston Wheelers brings the traditional club feel, and Ribble Valley Cycling and Racing Club runs Sunday rides, time trials, and cycle races. The Guild Wheel is 51 km and gains 1,470 m.

April to September suits Preston runners who want trail runs, park loops, and evening Z2 after work. Red Rose Road Runners use Tuesday Trail runs from various locations near Preston in that spell, and summer lets locals run through Avenham and Cuerden Parks. Preston Harriers Interclub Race brings seven clubs back to Miller and Avenham Parks on tarmac paths, which feels like proper club summer. October to March changes the rhythm for both sports, with Tuesday Fulwood runs of 6 to 8 miles from Fulwood Leisure Centre at 18:30 and Preston Harriers Development Training moving to UCLan Track. Cyclists still bank chilled miles, chaingang work, and club rides, but the evenings make the session choice matter.