5K races near Skipton

The Leeds 5K is a monthly, traffic-free 5 km race held at the University of Leeds Brownlee Centre, taking place from February through November. It begins at 19:30 on a flat, three-lap road course with a 200-runner capacity, designed for those preferring a focused evening race over a large, busy event. The race is chip-timed, EA licensed, and open to wheelchair athletes. The process is simple: register beforehand, then collect or reuse a race number containing a timing chip, which can be kept for subsequent Leeds or York 5K races. Results are sent via text immediately after finishing, with mile splits available the following day, aiding in monitoring progress over time or competing against clubmates. Basic facilities include toilets and water, but no changing rooms, showers, or baggage storage. A small post-run tradition is receiving a chocolate bar.

Grim Reservoir Dogs is a dog-friendly trail race at Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs in North Yorkshire. Runners can choose between a 3.3-mile loop (5K) or a 6.7-mile loop (10K), with both options following a short or longer circuit on the same off-road trail. This is a relaxed, low-key race, not a formal canicross event, and participants may enter with or without a dog. The route follows looped paths around the reservoirs, combining woodland sections with stretches alongside the water. The trails are good quality and primarily off-road, with an undulating profile. The course is marshalled and signed, with aid stations approximately every 3 miles. Parking and toilets are available on site. Every finisher receives a bespoke medal, and dogs are given a neckerchief, reflecting the event’s sociable, informal character.

Manchester Wings of Remembrance, a Phoenix Running event, takes place in Alexandra Park, North Manchester. Runners begin in the morning, completing laps of a 3.28-mile circuit. The route is primarily tarmac, suitable for road shoes in wet conditions, and includes approximately 246 feet of elevation gain per lap. The course is contained within Alexandra Park, a Victorian park established in the 1860s. Participants receive a Lancaster Bomber medal. At 11 am, all observe a two-minute silence. Phoenix Running provides standard race support, including an aid station for those running multiple laps.

The Leeds 5K is a monthly traffic-free 5K held at the University of Leeds Brownlee Centre, taking place from February through November. The race offers a straightforward, repeatable setup: chip timing, an EA licence, Power of 10 results, and immediate finish-line text results. Race HQ is located at the Brownlee Centre on Bodington Playing Fields. This event is suited for runners seeking a consistent benchmark rather than a singular challenge. Club runners can use it to compete against rivals, while newer runners can monitor their progress. Mile splits are published the following day, and all finishers receive a chocolate bar. First-time participants are issued a race number with an embedded timing chip, which can also be used at the York 5K.

The Great Skipton Santa Fun Run is a charity run and walk in Skipton, with hundreds of people in seasonal attire moving through town before the Christmas Lights switch-on. It began in 2010 with 400 participants on a five kilometre route starting and finishing at Aireville Park. The event now starts and finishes on Skipton High Street, and anyone aged six or over can join, from solo runners to family teams and community groups. The main route is a 5k loop around Skipton, going through Aireville Park and Skipton Woods. There is also a shorter 3k route for walkers and wheelchair users, starting on the High Street and circling Aireville Park; dogs on leads are allowed only on that shorter route. Fundraising is central to the day: the run has supported Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Martin House Hospice, and other local charities, with recent editions drawing about 2,500 participants, dozens of commercial sponsors, and tens of thousands of pounds for end-of-life care and bereavement support.

The Heaton Park MoRun is a November running event held in Manchester's Heaton Park, starting at The Bowl. It provides 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances, alongside a chip-timed 1.5k Mini MoRun for children. This setup accommodates first-time runners, families, and individuals seeking a longer run within the park. The event is part of MoRunning and benefits Movember, the men's health charity supporting initiatives for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Participants can make a donation during registration or set up a fundraising page via Movember or JustGiving. The event incorporates the MoRun theme with categories like MoBros, MoSistas, and Mini MoRunners, offering optional merchandise such as tees and running vests.

The Winter Solstice Strider is a nighttime run held at St Ives Estate in Bingley. Participants can choose between in-person 5k and 10k races, or a virtual entry for those unable to attend. The 5k covers one circuit, while the 10k involves two circuits. All participants will receive chip timing. Walkers are welcome on the single 5k circuit; however, the event is not suitable for wheelchairs. The course is multi-terrain with an undulating profile, offering more variety than a flat road race. Race headquarters are located at STRI on the estate, with support from STRI and Bingley St. Ives Golf Club. Each participant will receive a custom Solstice Strider medal, serving as a memento of the night run.

Run Heaton Park is a January road race held in Heaton Park, north of Manchester, offering 5k, 10k, half marathon, and junior race distances on the same morning. The half marathon begins at 9:30am, with the 10k following at 10:00am, the 5k at 10:10am, and the junior race at noon. The race takes place in Heaton Park on Middleton Road in Higher Blackley. This large park features an 18th-century Grade I listed neoclassical house and open parkland. Participants receive chip-timed results, a themed medal, and free race photos, along with post-race treats. The event is suitable for families, new runners, and those aiming for a timed 10k or longer distance.

The Keighley 10k & 5k is a Mothers' Day running and walking event held in Keighley, West Yorkshire, offering participants a choice between a 10-kilometre or 5-kilometre distance. The event commences at 09:00 from Victoria Park, with Race HQ located at Keighley Leisure Centre. Proceeds from the event benefit Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. The courses are multi-terrain, featuring undulations and challenges that provide an early-season test, distinct from a flat road race. Both race distances follow a single loop course utilizing paths, pavements, and towpaths through Keighley, Utley, and Riddlesden. The route includes a section alongside the Leeds Liverpool Canal and offers a view of East Riddlesden Hall. The 10k route incorporates Keighley Golf Club. The event has an entry limit of 1,200 participants. Water stations and distance markers will be available on the course. Finishers will receive a unique wooden medal crafted from recycled Christmas trees. Many participants run or walk with their mothers, for their mothers, or in memory of their mothers.