The running blog

Everything you need to get started including tips and advice, event guides, first time guides, running for charity and more.

Running blog posts

Tips and advice, event guides, first time guides, running for charity and more.

Race 101: the 13 Valleys Ultra
  • 10 mins read
Event guide

Race 101: the 13 Valleys Ultra

Introducing the 13 Valleys Ultra plus the event's shorter distance options, helping you to push your limits and get involved!

The best runs that you've never heard of
  • 10 mins read
Best events

The best runs that you've never heard of

To celebrate Global Running Day, we're rounding the best unsung marathons, half marathons and more in the UK!

The best trail runs this summer
  • 10 mins read
Best events

The best trail runs this summer

Head off-road and into a world of epic trail running this summer, exploring the mountains, forests and coastlines of the UK.

Best autumn half marathons
  • 5 mins read
Best events

Best autumn half marathons

Enjoy the sensational atmospheres and fast courses at these half marathon races, from the world's biggest half to the UK's fastest half marathon.

10 best ultra marathons in the UK
  • 8 mins read
Best events

10 best ultra marathons in the UK

Take on an epic endurance challenge with one of the most popular ultra runs in the UK, from traditional fell runs to the UTMB World Series!

What is the best 10K near me?
  • 10 mins read
Best events

What is the best 10K near me?

6.2-miles is the perfect distance for beginner runners and experienced athletes alike, with hundreds of runs around the UK - find the best 10K in your local region right here.

10 best autumn marathons
  • 5 mins read
Best events

10 best autumn marathons

Looking for a fresh challenge this year? Sign up to an end-of-season marathon to focus your training through the summer and finish the year on a high!

4 reasons why the Hackney Half is one of London's most popular events
  • 5 mins read
Best events

4 reasons why the Hackney Half is one of London's most popular events

Fusing fast running with an electric atmosphere, the Hackney Half celebrates the very best of East London.

What is the best marathon for running a PB?
  • 12 mins read
Best events

What is the best marathon for running a PB?

Chasing a fast marathon time is as much about picking the right course as training hard! Check out our selection of the fastest and flattest marathons in the UK.

3 reasons to run an obstacle course race for charity
  • 5 mins read
Events | Run for charity

3 reasons to run an obstacle course race for charity

Elevate your race day experience by raising money for a great cause, connecting with other people and enjoying a discounted entry fee!

Why is the Great Manchester Run the biggest 10K in Europe?
  • 10 mins read
Event guide

Why is the Great Manchester Run the biggest 10K in Europe?

With thousands of runners taking part each year, this headline race is Manchester's original and greatest running event - here's why you should be there in 2024!

5 things you need to know before your first ultra
  • 5 mins read
First time guide

5 things you need to know before your first ultra

Ultra marathons are some of the greatest tests of endurance on the planet and yield unforgettable experiences - if you're well prepared.

Run a marathon for charity
  • 5 mins read
Events | Run for charity

Run a marathon for charity

Whether it's your first or fifth marathon, entering a 26.2-mile race on behalf of a charity will elevate your experience! Here's how to get started.

Running your first marathon
  • 10 mins read
First time guide

Running your first marathon

Signing up to run 26.2 miles for the first time will be one the most rewarding decisions you ever make! This guide has everything you need to get started, from training tips to a basic kit list.

Run a half marathon for charity
  • 5 mins read
Events | Run for charity

Run a half marathon for charity

Taking on a half marathon on behalf of a good cause could be exactly the challenge you need! This is all the information you need to get started.

Cross-training for runners
  • 10 mins read
Training coach

Cross-training for runners

Weightlifting, bodyweight exercises and yoga all have a place in improving your running form and staving off injury. This is your complete guide to cross training for runners.

Running your first half marathon
  • 10 mins read
First time guide

Running your first half marathon

Signing up to a half marathon for the first time can be both exciting and daunting in equal measure! This guide will run you through how to train for it and what to expect on the day.

How long is a half marathon anyway?
  • 5 mins read
Events

How long is a half marathon anyway?

The short answer: 13.1 miles. Understanding what that looks and feels like isn't that simple, though, so we've set out what it's like to run a half marathon bit by bit!

Running kit to wear in the dark
  • 5 mins read
Kit list

Running kit to wear in the dark

Just because the nights draw in doesn't mean you need to head indoors - with the right clothing and equipment, you can keep running through the winter!

What is the best half marathon near me?
  • 10 mins read
Best events

What is the best half marathon near me?

Looking for a half marathon this year? This is your guide to the best half marathons in the UK, organised into regions so you can find a race near you!

10K tips for beginner runners
  • 10 mins read
First time guide

10K tips for beginner runners

This popular distance is great for both racing and exploring local trails, but where do you get started? Well, right here.

Your guide to the BMW Berlin Marathon
  • 5 mins read
Event guide

Your guide to the BMW Berlin Marathon

Considered to be the fastest marathon in the world, Berlin is a brilliant choice for any runner, whether it's your first 26.2-mile race or you're looking for a PB!

Your guide to the TCS Amsterdam Marathon 2023
  • 5 mins read
Event guide

Your guide to the TCS Amsterdam Marathon 2023

One of the fastest marathons in the world, Amsterdam is a brilliant fusion of a great running experience and a superb cultural immersion. This is everything you need to know!

Your guide to the Paris Marathon
  • 5 mins read
Event guide

Your guide to the Paris Marathon

The second largest marathon in the world, the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon attracts 65,000 runners to the French capital for an incredible route and an international EXPO.

Your guide to the London Landmarks Half Marathon
  • 5 mins read
Event guide

Your guide to the London Landmarks Half Marathon

The only half marathon to run through Westminster and the City of London, this is a fantastic race touring the capital's most iconic landmarks. This is everything you need to know about the race!

What to wear for trail running
  • 5 mins read
Kit list

What to wear for trail running

Adventure, exploration and freedom are at the heart of what makes trail running so addictive - to make sure you're getting the most from your experience, get kitted up and be trail-ready.

The best places in the UK for trail running
  • 5 mins read
Best places

The best places in the UK for trail running

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to off-road routes in the UK but if you're looking for some inspiration, this is where you'll find it!

Everything you need to know about trail running shoes
  • 5 mins read
Gear guide

Everything you need to know about trail running shoes

Lugs, rock plates and cushioned midsoles - what are they and why do you need them?

The beginner's guide to trail running
  • 10 mins read
Starting out

The beginner's guide to trail running

Off-road running is on the march, with new races being announced and more people keen to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. This is everything you need to know to get involved.

Your guide to the Edinburgh Marathon
  • 10 mins read
Event guide

Your guide to the Edinburgh Marathon

Alongside the headline 26.2-mile run, there are eight other races to choose from at this vibrant festival in the Scottish capital.

Your guide to the adidas Manchester Marathon
  • 5 mins read
Event guide

Your guide to the adidas Manchester Marathon

Known as one of the UK's fastest, flattest and friendliest marathons, this popular 26.2-mile race attracts thousands of runners each year to the North West's biggest city.

Race 101: the TCS London Marathon
  • 5 mins read
Event guide

Race 101: the TCS London Marathon

The biggest marathon in the UK - and one of the biggest in the world - is an event that every runner wants to tick off their bucket list. Here, we deal with the most-asked questions on the web!

Run for charity in the TCS London Marathon
  • 5 mins read
Event guide | Run for charity

Run for charity in the TCS London Marathon

This iconic event is always oversubscribed at the ballot but there are plenty of charities to run for and plenty more reasons to do so.

Your guide to the TCS London Marathon
  • 5 mins read
Event guide

Your guide to the TCS London Marathon

This is the UK's biggest marathon and one of the greatest in the world - here's what you need to know!

Race 101: the Great North Run
  • 5 mins read
Event guide

Race 101: the Great North Run

All your questions about the Great North Run answered in one place, helping you to take the plunge and get involved!

13 reasons to enter the biggest half marathon in the world
  • 10 mins read
Best events

13 reasons to enter the biggest half marathon in the world

The Great North Run attracts 57,000 runners each year to the North East, all keen to enjoy its world-famous atmosphere!

Run for charity in the Great North Run
  • 5 mins read
Event guide | Run for charity

Run for charity in the Great North Run

There are a huge range of fantastic charities with places available for this popular half marathon every year - and this is how you can get involved.