Half Marathon races near Syston

The Run Leicester Festival begins and ends in Victoria Park. This offers runners a city-centre race based in a park, rather than a point-to-point course. The event takes place in October and includes two options: a 10K or a half marathon, allowing participants to choose between a shorter city run and the full 13.1-mile distance. The course guides runners through Leicester’s central streets and parks before they return to Victoria Park. Mesothelioma UK utilizes the event as a fundraiser. Participants who join their team receive a fundraising pack, assistance from the charity’s fundraising staff, entry to a private Facebook group, and a branded vest or T-shirt for race day. Supporters can also purchase T-shirts and other fundraising items to wear while cheering.

Victoria Park provides a fitting start for runners: busy, practical, and with just enough anticipation before the road opens. The Leicester half marathon uniquely blends nature and the city center. The route crosses the Golden Mile, heads toward Watermead Country Park, and returns through lived-in streets. The event also has a community focus, with the organization supporting local health charities, including places for runners fundraising for bereavement support services. The course is largely flat and fast, but pace yourself. Runners will experience "fresh air" and "peaceful canals" before returning to the "urban buzz." New Walk presents the final challenge: a "magnificent historic pedestrian promenade" with a "gentle uphill false flat" to the finish. Expect numerous bands and roadside cheers, and a crowd whose enthusiasm remains strong when fatigue sets in.

The Rugby Half Marathon begins on Hart Field at 09:00, taking participants on a 13.1-mile, road-closed course through Rugby. This October event features town-centre streets, country roads, and mild undulations, suitable for runners seeking a consistent pace rather than a flat-out sprint. The route incorporates parts of the former Great Central Railway, now a linear nature reserve and wildlife area, before heading back to town for the finish. Participants receive chip timing, kilometre markers, complimentary race photos, a themed medal, and post-race refreshments. An event village offers food and drink, with optional event T-shirts available for purchase during registration.

The Nottingham MoRun takes place at Memorial Gardens Riverside on Victoria Embankment, featuring races of 1.5k, 5k, 10k, and a half marathon. As a November running event associated with Movember, the atmosphere is relaxed, encouraging participation from families, friends, and teams, often in costumes or headbands, with many running for a cause. The 1.5k Mini MoRun offers a chip-timed race for children, while adults can select from shorter runs up to a half marathon. The event benefits Movember, the charity focused on raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Participants can contribute through donations during registration or by creating fundraising pages via Movember or JustGiving. All race distances are chip timed, providing immediate results. Finishers are awarded a MoRun medal and a MoRunning headband, with refreshments available at the finish line. Merchandise, including t-shirts and running vests, can be purchased for those seeking the complete MoRunner appearance.

The Anglesey Trail Half Marathon & 10K takes place in Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn on Anglesey, North Wales. Participants can select from a half marathon, 10K, 5K, or Canicross. This attracts a diverse field, including seasoned trail runners, newcomers to the surface, road runners exploring different terrain, and those participating with dogs in the Canicross race. The course begins near Newborough Forest, proceeds through the trees to Llanddwyn Island, and then follows winding woodland trails, single-track forest paths, and sandy stretches. On open sections, views extend across to the Llyn Peninsula and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). This trail area previously hosted the Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Running Championships. The event is organized by Always Aim High Events, a North Wales-based organizer with experience in sports ranging from local events to Commonwealth Games teams.

Derby MoRun is a November running event held in Markeaton Park, Derby. It offers 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances, plus a 1.5k Mini MoRun for children. This event is part of the MoRunning series, which connects races across the country to support Movember fundraising and awareness. The routes are contained within Markeaton Park, focusing the day on a single Derby park instead of a point-to-point road race. The event is designed for everyday runners, families, children, and friends. MoBros, MoSistas, and Mini MoRunners are encouraged to participate, raise funds for Movember, and wear MoRunning attire like tees and running vests. The Mini MoRun for children is also chip timed.

The Derby MoRun is a November running event held at Markeaton Park in Derby. It starts at 09:30 on a Saturday and offers distances for various runners. Adults can select the 5k, 10k, or half marathon, and children can participate in the 1.5k Mini MoRun, which is fully chip-timed. This event is part of the larger MoRunning series and connects the day's runs to Movember, the men's health charity that addresses prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The course is situated within Markeaton Park, near Ashbourne Road and Queensway. This keeps the event in a single, accessible Derby park location, avoiding a city-wide route. The event is designed for everyday runners, families, children, friends, first-time participants, and those aiming for a timed personal best. All finishers get a MoRunning medal and headband, along with refreshments. The Movember theme extends to the prizes, with bonus medals for the fastest MoBro and MoSista, and special awards for best dressed, best moustache, and other Movember-themed efforts. Participants can also contribute through donations during registration or by setting up fundraising pages via Movember or JustGiving.

The Keyworth Turkey Trot is a December half marathon held in Keyworth, a village eight miles southeast of Nottingham. Organized by the 1st Keyworth Scout Group, it is a staple of the local winter running schedule, attracting many returning participants annually. The race is for adults only, with a three-hour time limit, requiring entrants to maintain an average pace of approximately 14 minutes per mile. The course winds through the countryside of the South Nottinghamshire Wolds and is managed like a well-organized club event, featuring clear route markings, marshals, and three aid stations. First aid is available at the start-finish area and along the course. Awards are presented to the top three overall finishers, age-category winners, the leading local runners, and the first team of three, in addition to random spot prizes. The village facilities are also convenient, offering free parking, restrooms, gear storage, refreshments, running equipment vendors, pre- and post-race massage services, and an indoor area for spectators with entertainment. All finishers receive a hot or cold beverage and post-race snacks.

The ATW Nottingham Holme Run in December takes place at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, on the regatta lake site. Organised by ATW Events, the course is a traffic-free, flat tarmac route, suitable for runners aiming for a fast time or those seeking a simple, low-stress run. It is licensed by UK Athletics, with officially measured distances and chip-timed results published on Power of 10. The route circles the regatta lake on smooth paths, free from road crossings or vehicle traffic. The event includes ATW's standard race-day additions: custom medals, free event photos, and refreshments at the finish. A free fun run for families takes place before the half marathon, requiring no prior booking. Alzheimer’s Research UK is the partner charity, with options to donate or fundraise during entry.

The ATW Mallory Park Winter Run features several races at Mallory Park Motor Racing Circuit: a half marathon, 10k, 5k, and Fun Run. The unique aspect is the location: runners race on a motor racing circuit instead of streets or lanes. The event is designed for cold-weather running, with options from a family Fun Run to a fast, flat half marathon. The course follows the circuit, offering closed-road running, consistent footing, and a venue suited for speed. The 5k is for a moderate winter challenge, while the 10k is for those seeking a tougher race. Wheelchair participants begin with the half marathon, and the Fun Run welcomes all ages and fitness levels, creating a diverse field compared to a typical club race.