The best UK races to enter this January
If taking part in a race (or several) is one of your New Year’s resolutions, then why not get started straight away? Here’s out pick of the best races to do in the first month of January.
Knacker Cracker 10K
What goes up doesn’t always come down, especially if the finish line is located higher up the hill than the start line. This epically tough but incredibly fun trail 10K features four big uphills but only three downhills for an ascent of 473m and descent of 335m. The Knacker Cracker does an amazing job of getting its atmosphere just right: very silly and irreverent (fancy dress welcome) but also a serious and tough trail run. A real gem to start off the new year.
Westhumble, Surrey, 1 January
South Downs Way & Arundel Marathon and 15
The South Downs is a runner’s paradise with one small caveat: it’s rather hilly. And muddy at this time of year. Still, if you can get on board with that, you’ll be richly rewarded with panoramic views on this challenging course. If you’re not in marathon shape in late January – and, truly, who is? – then the 15-mile race feels like smart option here.
Midhurst, West Sussex, 26 January
Endurancelife South Devon
The 10K, half marathon and marathon for this event are all a little bit longer than they should be, but you’ll hardly notice with all the beautiful and exhilarating scenery that surrounds you. There’s also a 54.4k ultra on offer, and with all four events winding through rolling Devon hills with dramatic Devon coastlines as far as the eye can see, it’s a shame that you can only choose one of them.
Beesands, Devon, 25 January
Race over the Glens 2025
It’s really hard to imagine a better way to usher in the new year than this. The race starts at a hangover-friendly midday, and your musty head will be treated to bracing winds and gorgeous views right from the start. Your body, too, is in for a treat: there are plenty of descents to cruise down and of course a few uphills to help you sweat out any residual nastiness – including a nice big one up to the finish line.
Glenariff, Co. Antrim, 1 January
The 2025 Great Perthshire Last Mince Pie Run
Most of us will be quite sick of them by the time January comes around, but if you are a true mince pie lover then this is definitely the best way to bid them farewell until December rolls around again. This event aims to get people out and running and to hopefully form a new running habit that, as we all know, can change your life in the most positive way. It’s very beginner-friendly and lets runners choose a distance of 1K to 5K.
Perth, Perthshire, 2 January
First Chance 10K
If you are one of those impressive people who stays fit and in good racing shape all through Christmas, here’s a great opportunity to show off your impressive form. This 10K is fast and flat so a good time should be possible even if the gravel surface might not be quite as quick as tarmac. You’ll mostly be following the various branches of the River Exe just outside Exeter, with a few interesting crossings over quaint and narrow bridges. This course will be absolutely gorgeous on a crisp and cold winter’s morning.
Exeter, Devon, 5 January
Windmill Way Wander 2025
Longer road events can be hard to come by at this time of the year, so this event fills an important niche quite nicely. There are options for every distance from 5K to a 47K ultra, but note that this event is not flat just because it’s on roads. These Suffolk country lanes undulate almost constantly, but with a generous seven-hour cut-off you don’t have to rush if you don’t want to.
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, 18 January
Romsey 5 Mile
There aren’t a whole lot of five milers out there to choose from, so this fast and flat event attracts a very broad range of runners from the super-speedy to the normal-speedy like the rest of us. This popularity can make the start a bit congested but the field will concertina out before too long, allowing you to enjoy a well-supported and well-organised race in the lovely surroundings of the Broadlands Estate.
Romsey, Hampshire, 19 January
MacTuff New Year 2025
It takes a very special type of runner to willingly immerse themselves in outdoor water in January in Scotland. We’re not afraid to say that we’re not that type, but maybe you are – in which case you’ll love this event. Icy water features in a couple of the tough but fun obstacles that line your path along the 8K, 15K or 21K routes, many of which will be made even more tough (and therefore even more fun?) by the inevitable sub-zero temperatures.
Dunfermline, Fife, 4 January
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