There's nothing quite like race day. From the buzz at the start line to the cheers from the crowd and the thrill when you cross the finish line, it's no wonder long-distance running is so popular.
From flat city races to scenic countryside routes, the North of England is packed with plenty of marathons and half marathons (and 10Ks!) to try – and Northern can get you to every one.
Ready, steady... Go Do Your Thing!
Marathons in the North of England
Windermere Marathon
When: Sunday 15th June 2025
Start: Waterhead
End: Brockhole
Nearest station: Windermere
Experience one of the UK's most scenic marathons, circling Lake Windermere with challenging hills and breathtaking views. The Windermere Marathon follows an anticlockwise route around Lake Windermere, passing High Wray, Newby Bridge and Bowness-on-Windermere. Take on the 26.2 mile run with a +600 meter elevation, soaking up the beauty of the Lake District as you go. This year, the Windermere Marathon ends at Brockhole, where finishers can celebrate beside finishers of the Great North Swim.
Morecambe Marathon
When: Sunday 21st September 2025
Start and end: Bare Methodist Church
Nearest station: Morecambe
Discover the charm of Morecambe Bay with this trio of races, offering flat and fast courses ideal for personal bests or simply soaking in the sea air. The marathon is two laps of the route, while one lap is a half marathon and 10K follows the first few miles of the course. The route takes you along Morecambe promenade, extending out to the shore near Red Bank Farm and back. Choose the level that suits you best and enter right up until the day itself, if you have some last minute motivation!
MBNA Chester Marathon
When: Sunday 5th October 2025
Start: Chester Racecourse
End: Castle Drive
Nearest station: Chester
With closed roads and a mostly flat route, the award-winning Chester Marathon prides itself on being suitable for runners of all abilities. Organised by runners themselves, it's the only marathon in the UK that covers both England and Wales, boasting beautiful scenery from each. Pass landmarks like the Roman Walls, Amphitheatre and Medieval Rows in Chester, before heading to the North Wales countryside and returning to run by the River Dee. They also host a Mini Marathon, so kids can join in the fun!
Altra Yorkshire Marathon
When: Sunday 19th October 2025
Start & end: University of York
Nearest station: York
Taking place in the historic city of York, enjoy a fun route that takes you past iconic landmarks like York Minister, through woods and trails, and back to finish where you started at the University of York. Whether you're chasing a new personal best or just aiming to cross the finish line, the Altra Yorkshire Marathon is mostly flat and welcomes seasoned runners and newbies alike. Best of all, the locals love to support those taking part, creating a buzz that pushes you around the course.
Best running routes in the North
Whether you’ve decided it’s time to dust off your old running shoes and get back out there or you’re already a keen runner looking for some inspiration, we’ve pulled together some of the best running routes the North’s cities have to offer.
Stretch your legs in the NorthHalf Marathons in the North
RunThrough Newcastle Half Marathon
When: Sunday 13th July 2025
Start & end: Kingston Park
Nearest station: Newcastle
Back for another year, the Newcastle Half Marathon takes you through a closed roads course, onto the countryside beside Newcastle Airport to Dinnington. Race along the quayside, while being cheered on by the locals and the promise of a medal, snacks and post-race goodies at the end. If you're not quite up to 13.1 miles, there's also a 10K route on offer with the same great atmosphere for less steps. Each mile is clearly marked with distance flags and there will be plenty of helpers to keep you right along the way.
AJ Bell Great North Run
When: Sunday 7th September 2025
Start: Newcastle city centre
End: South Shields
Nearest station: Newcastle
Each September, the North East rolls out its warmest welcome for over 60,000 runners – and thousands more supporters – for the world’s biggest half marathon. It's not just a race, it's a celebration. One for every runner's bucket list, the event attracts the loudest, most supportive crowds round the 13.1 miles route. Expect music and entertainment, as you take in the city with the Red Arrows flying overhead. The run attracts a variety of people, from pros to everyday heroes, and is just as fun to watch as it is to take part in.
The Great Cumbrian Run
When: Sunday 5th October 2025
Start & end: Sheepmount Athletic Stadium
Nearest station: Carlisle
Returning for its 41st year, the Great Cumbrian Run offers a scenic and supportive race through the heart of Carlisle and the surrounding countryside. The race is managed by Better and Sport in Action, the largest social enterprise in the UK operating over 250 leisure centres, who put their profits back into their facilities and local communities. This means every stride you take is supporting children and adults alike to be more active. They also host a 10K run and family fun runs, so everyone can take part and support the cause.
Delamere Forest Half Marathon
When: Sunday 28th September 2025
Start & end: Delamere Forest Visitors Centre
Nearest station: Delamere
Love your runs with a side of mud, hills, and tree-lined trails? The Delamere Forest Wildwood Trail Series offers both a half marathon and a 10K, giving runners of all levels the chance to take on a scenic yet challenging course through dense woodlands and natural terrain. The half marathon takes on two laps of the route, while the 10K is one lap, both of which feature a mix of forest paths, climbs and muddy sections. What's more, if you want to run with your dog, this event is entirely dog-friendly and requires you run with a waist belt, bungee line and harness.
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.