Our Top UK Christmas Race Recommendations 2024
With Christmas just around the corner, there’s plenty of running fun to be had throughout December and into the New Year!
So, why not get yourself down to one of these festive runs and join the thousands of Santas, Elves, Reindeers and more who will be walking/jogging and running and racing all over the UK.
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Image by Brian Bracher from Pixabay
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Here are our Top 25 UK SportsShoes recommendations for the best road, trail and fell races for Christmas 2024;
(Please note: These races are listed in date order, not in order of recommendation)
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1. PERCY PUD 10K (Sheffield)
Sunday 1st December 2024 @ 9:30am
The 2024 race has now been run.
The event has grown in popularity from the first race in 1993 when 600 finished the race to recent years when the entry has had to be limited to around 3,000. Such is the demand for numbers that in each of the last 10 years the race has sold out ahead of time.
Why is it so popular? Traditionally each finisher in the race receives a Christmas pudding for their efforts. Food and seasonal music are provided after the race. Of course, the route is not bad either.
For many, the Percy Pud signals the start of the festive period.
Type: Road Race
Most suitable for: All abilities
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2. RUNTHROUGH Blackburn 10k
Sunday 8th December 2024
Start and finish your 10k inside Ewood Park, home of Blackburn Rovers FC. This new and unique course takes in Blackburn town centre and Ewood Park on closed roads, a great opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and run a pre-Christmas PB.
START TIMES:
10km: 9:30am
Junior races: 11:15am
As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race goodies on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.
Type: Fast and flat
Most suitable for: All abilities
3. RUNTHROUGH Chase the Moon QE Olympic Park 5k & 10k (London)
Wednesday 11th December 2024
Come and run a chip-timed 5k or 10k around the inspiring grounds of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Wednesday 11th December 2024! If you are looking for a PB course, or wanting to try out a new distance – this is the race for you.
START TIMES: from 19:00
As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race goodies on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.
Type: Fast and flat
Most suitable for: All abilities
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Photo credit: RunThrough Events
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4. RUNTHROUGH Tatton 5k & 10k (Cheshire)
Saturday 14th December 2024
This fast, undulating, road closed 10k race set at the beautiful Tatton Park in Cheshire is a perfect opportunity to set yourself a personal best over the 5k or 10k distance.
The races start, runs around the roads inside and finishes within the parks grounds. This will be a accurately measured and chip timed.
START TIMES:
10k: 9:00am
5k: 9:20am
As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race goodies on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.
Type: Fast and undulating
Most suitable for: All abilities
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5. LANGDALE CHRISTMAS PUDDING 10K (South Lakes)
Saturday 14th December 2024 @ 12:10pm
Get into the festive spirit with a fun and friendly 10k run through the beautiful Great Langdale valley!
The Christmas Pudding 10K is a popular start to the festive season in the Lake District for locals and visitors alike. With over 1000 entered at its peak, this race appeals to all who enjoy the fun side of running, with festive fancy dress encouraged! Every finisher receives a Christmas pudding and there’s a prize for the best dressed to help get you into the Christmas spirit!
Type: Road Race (Undulating)
Most suitable for: All abilities
6. The RunThrough Foundation LONDON TEN, presented by ASICS
Sunday 15th December 2024
The first ever free, closed road race in London! This unique event has been very popular and the ballot has now closed.
START TIME: 9am
As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race goodies on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.
Type: Fast and flat
Most suitable for: All abilities
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7. TELFORD 10K (Shropshire)
Sunday 15th December 2024 @ 10:15am
Statistically proven as the fastest 10k course in the UK, the Telford 10K is back for 2024. This is a generally flat 2 lap traffic free sheltered tarmac course using Telford Town Park, as well as the Silkin Way. Course record set in 2019 Adam Craig 28:32, and in 2022 Samantha Harrison 31:10.
This race is now full but you can find out more information about the event and elite entries by clicking the link below.
Type: Road Race
Most suitable for: All abilities and particularly those wishing to achieve a personal best time.
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8. FRIDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS 5-MILER (Battersea Park, London)
Friday 20th December 2024 @ 7pm
A fast, flat, 3 lap course around Battersea Park in South-West London with chip timing.
2021 UK's Fastest Times achieved by Lucy Reid 26:26 & Mahamed Mahamed 23:20
Type: Fast and flat (Park)
Most suitable for: For aspiring Club Runners (Entry Standard: Sub 38-00 mins Men, Sub 43-00 Women for 5 miles)
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Photo credit: RunThrough Events
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9. TURKEY TROT (Hurst Green, Lancashire)
Saturday 21st December 2024 @ 1pm
A 5-mile trail race with a bit of everything, including some amazing prizes for the best fancy dress outfits!
So, get your Christmas costumes dusted off for this one - it's an event not to be missed!
Type: Trail Race
Most suitable for: Runners of all abilities, in particularly those who like to dress up!
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10. THE VALHALLA WINTER RUN (York)
Saturday 14th December 2024 @ 10am
This is a 6-hour lapped event taking place through the grounds of York University, on an out and back route of 2 miles. The route incorporates an ascent that in York terms is challenging, but in reality is just a pimple. It is your challenge. You decide the distance. You can run 1 lap, finish and collect your medal. You can run 6 laps and then to the cone of doom to complete a tough half marathon, 13 laps and then to the cone of doom for a tough marathon or just keep on going for the full 6 hours!
All runners receive a bespoke medal , a goody bag, homemade cake, mulled wine and festive goodies.
Type: Trail Race (Undulating)
Most suitable for: All abilities
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11. RUNTHROUGH 'CHASE THE MOON' BATTERSEA PARK 5K & 10K (London)
Wednesday 18th December 2024 @ 7pm
Battersea Park is one of London’s most picturesque parks and has been a favourite course for those wanting to run a PB! The course is totally flat, offering the perfect opportunity to push yourself to a personal best. Starting and finishing at the Parks Bandstand, this course laps the park making it easy to follow and great for any spectators to catch you flying around the course.
As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.
Type: Fast and flat (Park)
Most suitable for: All abilities
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12. RUNTHROUGH WIMBLEDON CHRISTMAS RUN
Sunday 22nd December 2024 @ 9:30am
This picturesque course takes you running through the stunning grounds of Wimbledon Common to cover the 5k & 10k distances.
As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.
Type: Fast and flat (Park)
Most suitable for: All abilities
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Photo credit: RunThrough Events
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13. PARKRUN ON CHRISTMAS DAY!
Wednesday 25th December 2024 @ 9am
Parkrun on Christmas Day? Surely the greatest gift of them all! Plus, it's free to enter!
Click on the link below to see which parkrun venues are staging an event on Christmas Day and/or New Year’s Day.
Type: Varied
Most suitable for: All abilities
14. THE CHEVIN CHASE (Otley, West Yorkshire)
Thursday 26th December 2024 @ 11am
The Chevin Chase is a hilly, multi-terrain race starting and finishing in Guiseley via a scenic 7-mile circuit of Otley Chevin and traditionally always held on Boxing Day.
It's a popular race within the Christmas festivities, with race proceeds supporting local community organisations. The race is now 45 years old. This year the organisers will be increasing the number of entries to 2000, starting in two waves. It is chip timed and a technical T-shirt is awarded to all finishers.
Type: Trail Race (Challenging)
Most suitable for: Keen trail runners
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15. WANSFELL (Ambleside, South Lakes)
Friday 27th December 2024 @ 12pm
This classic up and down 2.1-mile route is a festive favourite for fell runners.
Although short and sweet this race should not be underestimated as the route is very steep and extremely rough underfoot. Slippery, wet conditions can make the descent treacherous and if the mist is down the ability to navigate is essential.
Please bring your full FRA kit to registration with you. Kit will be checked before registration. No kit; no race.
Please read the FRA safety requirements here before you enter.
Type: Fell race (challenging)
Most suitable for: Experienced fell runners
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16. THE RIBBLE VALLEY 10K (Lancashire)
Sunday 29th December 2024 @ 10am
This fast, traffic free and chip timed 10K is organised by Blackburn Harriers and sponsored by Forbes Solicitors. This race is not sold out but you can find out more information about future events below.
Type: Road Race
Most suitable for: All abilities, but very popular with elite road runners
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17. JOLLY HOLLY JOG 10K (Ripon)
Sunday 29th December 2024 @ 11am
A one lap, scenic, multi terrain undulating course of approximately 10k which is run mainly on footpaths through the magnificent Studley Royal deer park.
Type: Trail Race (Undulating)
Most suitable for: All abilities
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Photo credit: RunThrough Events
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18. DALESIDE AULD LANG SYNE (Haworth, West Yorkshire)
Tuesday 31st December 2024 @ 11.30am
Starting from Penistone Hill Country Park, this 6.7-mile route heading towards Top Withens, the upper reaches of Ponden Clough and Stanbury Moor. Traditionally, this race always attracts an all-star line up at the sharp end of the race, with Olympic triathletes, Alastair and Jonathan Brownlee AKA. The Brownlee Brothers, often making an appearance.
Fancy dress is always encouraged for this race, so make sure you come well prepared as there are plenty of prizes on offer!
Type: Fell race
Most suitable for: All abilities
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19. SERPENTINE NEW YEAR'S DAY 10KM RACE AND 3KM FUN RUN (Hyde Park, London)
Wednesday 1st January 2024 @ 9:30am
The NYD10k starts at 11am in Hyde Park and is run on entirely traffic free paths through Hyde Park, with the majority of the race taking place in Kensington Gardens. Runners complete two short laps in Kensington Gardens before returning to Hyde Park, finishing on the north side of the Serpentine by the Boat House.
The course takes in many iconic landmarks including Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens and the Henry Moore statue.
650 runners take part. All entries are in advance with no entries available on the day. The race is open to all abilities with a cut off time of two hours.
The 10k course is accurately measured and UKA licensed.
Type: Fast and flat (Park)
Most suitable for: All abilities
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20. NINE STANDARDS (Kirkby Stephen)
Wednesday 1st January 2024 @ 12pm
Blow off that hangover or start your new years resolution as you mean to go on! A classic out and back race on the hills above Kirkby Stephen.
Registration venue: Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Base, Christian Head (CA17 4HA). A short walk from the start in the market square (CA17 4QT)
BM – 8 Miles (12.9km)/1801ft (549m)
The race is licensed by the FRA under UKA rules. Full FRA kit is compulsory, kit checks will be carried out.
Type: Fell race (challenging)
Most suitable for: Experienced fell runners
SportsShoes is committed to organising the most exciting and unique races, whether it's on the track, road or trail. Keen to find out more? Then check out our Races category for more information about events, latest news and results. Because it's no fun standing still.
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