But whether you're running alongside tens of thousands of people or a few die-hard competitors, crossing the finish line is a brag-worthy feat.įor many people, running a marathon is an opportunity to raise money for a charity close to their heart. These days, marathons can be found across the UK and the world, from major events in London, Boston and Berlin to off-road marathons encompassing fells and precarious trails. To be fair to him, the guy had fought a battle against the Persians before running - not something we recommend before you race. victory), he toppled over and died on the spot. Either way, committed training and a healthy dose of grit will be needed!Īccording to running folklore, the marathon traces its roots back to Ancient Greece, when in 490 BC the Athenian soldier Pheidippides ran 26.2 miles home from the Battle of Marathon to announce the Greek victory. For many people, getting over the finish line at all will be the pinnacle of their running experiences for others, chasing a PB time to shout about will be their motivation. Looking for something a little different to kick start your runs? Why not check out our calendar of Virtual Runs and Fun Runs.Requiring physical and mental strength to complete, running a marathon is no mean feat. A 5K race is a great place to start for a manageable distance and first race, with Parkruns providing a supportive group atmosphere to enjoy on a regular basis.

Running is a really accessible sport with loads of easy ways to get your shoes on and get started. If you’re thinking of picking your first run challenge or just getting started, check out our article on all of the benefits of running for just 30 minutes. Take the step up with Half Marathons and Marathons and then for those really looking to push themselves we’ve got exhaustive calendars of Mud Runs, Ultra Marathons, Running Holidays and Adventure Races. If you’re seeking a beginner’s starting point or a fast-paced sprint, 5k and 10k races are your best bet. At Find A Race you can discover the perfect run and your next goal to smash whether you’re hitting the course for your first ever race, or you’re a seasoned road warrior looking to shave seconds off your PB.

Check out our comprehensive listings of UK running events and races in 2023 - 2024.

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