April gets the headlines with its big-city marathons, but there are plenty of great races in May too. From low-key trail events to high-octane, city-centre classics, it’s packed with options for runners of all tastes and experience levels. Here’s our shortlist of some of the month’s best options.
Worsley Woods Ladies 5 Mile Trail Race
Worsley, Greater Manchester, 4 May, swintonrc.weebly.com
This women-only race is now in its 33rd year. Such longevity is likely down to its welcoming atmosphere, excellent organisation and scenic route – a 5-mile loop taking in the City of Salford’s largest conservation area, including the Bridgewater canal and Worsley Woods. The multi-terrain course can be tackled in trail or road shoes, though the organisers recommend the former if there’s been wet weather in the week leading up to the race. It’s also received accreditation from SheRaces, for its efforts to promote and improve the female racing experience.
Green Belt Relay
Surrey, 17-18 May, greenbeltrelay.org.uk
Open to anyone organised enough to assemble a team of 11 runners, The Green Belt relay – created by The Stragglers running club – is a 22-stage running relay covering roughly 220 miles of London’s Green Belt (a long-distance walking route beginning at Hampton Court Palace and ending in Hampton Court Maze). Although it’s a relay, each stage has a fixed start time to keep things competitive. A May weekend of running that ends with a barbecue? Glorious.
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
Manchester, 18 May, greatrun.org
Featuring some of Greater Manchester’s most iconic landmarks (yes, including the Coronation Street set), this 10K race started in 2003, with a half marathon distance introduced in 2017. Beating all of its London counterparts, the Great Manchester Run is regarded as the largest 10K in Europe. Part of the Great Run road race series, it also attracts some of the world’s best elite runners. Who will you be sharing the start line with this year?
Black to the Trails 2025
Dunstable, Bedfordshire, 11 May, blacktrailrunners.run
With 1K, 5K and 10K events staggered throughout the day, The best UK races to enter this May is planning a party with its Black to the Trails event. Designed to encourage more Black and brown people to take up trail running, this event will take place at The National Trust’s Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, featuring some of the South East’s most beautiful trails. Event start times also allow for multiple race entries. Anybody for a triple-trail-whammy?
Endurancelife Exmoor
Exmoor National Park, 10 May, endurancelife.com
Part of the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series, this event – featuring distances from 10K to ultra – takes place in Exmoor National Park. Not for the fainthearted, runners can expect everything from stiff climbs and long descents to open moorland and dizzying cliffs. That’s all worth it for the beautiful rivers and coastline, though. Organisers are confident there’s no course in Britain with such a variety of terrain within such a compact area. Why not test them on that claim and find out for yourself?
Three Castles 50K
Kent, 31 May, embraceultra.eventrack.co.uk
Looking for your first ultra? We might have found it. With a flat, accessible route, Three Castles 50K has well-stocked aid stations, a victorious finish on the Tonbridge athletics track and no shortage of beautiful, quintessentially British countryside. The course takes you along the scenic River Medway, where, as the name suggests, you’ll run past three medieval castles: Rochester Castle, Allington Castle and Tonbridge Castle. Complete this ultra, and you’re bound to feel like the King/Queen of the castle.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
Leeds, 11 May, runforall.com
Celebrating former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow, who died in June last year, four and a half years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, this event encourages participants to fundraise – including for the MND Association. Passing plenty of Leeds landmarks, the marathon route takes runners from the iconic Headingley Stadium and through areas including the scenic suburb of Adel and Bramhope’s Golden Acre Park. A great race honouring a great man.
Marlow 5
Marlow, Buckinghamshire, May 11, handycrossrunners.co.uk
Two words runners like to hear? Fast and flat. And that’s exactly what the Malow 5 promises. Starting and finishing in the delightful Higginson Park, overlooking the River Thames, this 5-mile road race takes runners down closed roads around Marlow – a gem in the English county of Buckinghamshire. If you’re currently chasing a PB, this could be the race for you. Buggy runners, you’re also very welcome. It should be a pretty smooth ride for you, too.
Eyam Half Marathon
Eyam, Derbyshire, 18 May, eyamhalfmarathon.org
Nicknamed the ‘Rat Race’ for its challenging course, the Eyam Half Marathon – nestled within the Peak District National Park – isn’t a likely PB course, but if it’s stunning views you’re after – those are guaranteed. Yes, the road route might involve more than 1,000ft of ascent, but just think of the breathtaking views you’ll get to see across five different counties. And the Strava stats. Think of those too.
Swansea 5K
Swansea, 25 May, swansea5k.com
Been meaning to book in a 5K race for a while? Let the Swansea 5K be the nudge you’ve needed. A great way to kick off a summer season of running, this 5K race is fast and flat – there are those magic words again – and is generally just a fun time. With lovely views of Swansea Bay, this event is open to all abilities and attracts the full spectrum of runners – from speed snakes to first-timers.
Eastnor Castle Backyard Ultra
Eastnor, Ledbury, May 10, relishrunningraces.com
Inspired by Lazarus Lake’s gruelling Barkley Marathons? The Eastnor Castle Backyard Ultra – held in the gorgeous private grounds of Eastnor Castle Deer Park – might be the next best thing. It can be run solo or as part of a relay team and comprises two events – a 33.3-mile ultra in eight hours and a 50-mile ultra in 12 hours. Solo runners, you can choose either format and must run the 4.167-laps on the hour – so pacing is key. Relay runners, you’ll be doing the 33.3-miler and have discretion on when you start your laps. It’s guaranteed to be a good – if long – night.
Race to the Base
Lochinver, Highland, 11 May, racetothebase.co.uk
Don’t let the 1700ft elevation gain put you off this unique Scottish Highlands half marathon. On a mix of tarmac and rough track, this event sees runners race to the base of one of Scotland’s most mighty mountains, Suilven. Beginning in the quaint fishing village of Lochniver, situated on the world-famous North Coast 500 driving route, you’ll tackle trails featuring lochs, deer, moorland and rivers. Come for the views, stay for the free Race to the Base snood.
Rampage Run
Mid Ulster, 10-11 May, thejungleni.com
With events for children, teenagers and adults across the weekend, Mid Ulster’s Rampage offers runners something a little bit different. Featuring 2K, 5K and 10K obstacle runs, you can expect mud – and lots of it. In fact, there might just be more mud than actual running, so take that as you will. With live music, DJ sets and a chance to camp under the stars, it’s definitely one to make a weekend of.
