Alternatives to the London Marathon

Marathons to run instead of the London Marathon

Were you unlucky in the London Marathon draw? We've been there too, so we know how it feels. However, there are a good number of other marathons taking place around the same time. Perhaps one of these will be interest you.

We've listed a few marathons, in chronological order, that we think are worth consderation. Being that most London Marathon applicants are primed to train for an April event, we have focused on events around a similar time to the London race.

1. Great Welsh Marathon
A scenic 26.2 miles through Pembrey Country Park and along the magnificent Millennium Coastal Path.

Date : 8 March 2026
Location : Llanelli, Wales
Cost : £45 - £50
URL : https://www.greatwelshmarathon.co.uk

2. Brighton Marathon
With great coastal views and an amazing atmosphere, this race is sure to be over-subscribed.

Date : 12 April 2026
Location : Brighton, East Sussex
Cost : £79.99
URL : https://www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk

3. Boston UK Marathon
Run a marathon in the original Boston.

Date : 12 April 2026
Location : Boston, Lincolnshire
Cost : £40 - £42
URL : https://www.bostonmarathon.co.uk

4. Kent Spring Marathon
Organised by the Nice Work team, the Kent Spring Marathon is a popular race, especially in the south east.

Date : 12 April 2026
Location : Ashford, Kent
Cost : £36 - £38 (2025 prices)
URL : https://www.nice-work.org.uk

5. Connemarathon
Based near Galway, Ireland, this marathon is considered to be "one of the world's most scenic events".

Date : April 2026 (TBC)
Location : Connemara, Ireland
Cost : € 75 (2025 prices)
URL : https://www.connemarathon.com

6. Manchester Marathon
A flat and fast marathon around one of the North's friendliest cities. Sure to sell out.

Date : 19 April 2026
Location : Manchester, Lancashire
Cost : £65 - £97
URL : https://www.manchestermarathon.co.uk

7. Madrid Marathon
Enjoy the amazing atmosphere and sites of the biggest running party in Spain.

Date : 26 April 2026
Location : Madrid, Spain
Cost : € 70 - € 100
URL : https://rocknrollmadridrun.com/?lang=en

8. Milton Keynes Marathon
With an impressive stadium finish, this award-winning event is another that fills every year.

Date : 4 May 2026
Location : Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Cost : £48 - £60
URL : https://mkmarathon.com

9. Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
Established in support of local rugby player, Rob Burrow, and to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Appeal. Sadly, Rob is no longer with us. However, the race goes on, continuing to raise funds for this great cause.

Date : 10 May 2026
Location : Leeds, West yorkshire
Cost : £64 - £66
URL : https://www.runforall.com

10. EMF Edinburgh Marathon
Starting in the centre of Edinburgh, this race passes the Royal Mile, Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace before leading runners along the scenic golf coast.

Date : 24 May 2026
Location : Edinburgh, Lothian
Cost : £82
URL : https://www.edinburghmarathon.com

Others Marathons
There are many more superb marathons we could mention, including Rome Marathon, Paris Marathon, Guernsey Marathon, Belfast Marathon and Prague Marathon.

If none of these marathons appeal to you, there are many others around the same time, and later in the year. Check out our UK, European and International lists for a wealth of marathon options.