Running
The UK's best 10k races
Elite runner Sonia Samuels picks out her favourite city 10ks taking place across the UK.
Signing up for a 10k race is a great goal to aim for. The perfect blend of speed and endurance, it will test your fitness and stamina, but won't require months of training.
For instance, a 10k race could also be a great gauge of running stamina ahead of the Wings for Life World Run, an event that raises millions of pounds to help fund research into spinal cord injury. Returning on May 5, 2024 runners and wheelchair participants race simultaneously in locations all over the world, all attempting to stay ahead of the moving finish line. For registration updates, complete global results and unforgettable highlights: visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com and download the new Wings for Life World Run App for iOS or Android.
But whatever goal you choose, a 10k is a great entry level race day event. “It gives you the opportunity to iron things out before the big day – maybe you don’t like your trainers, your shorts rubbed in the wrong place or your vest annoyed you,” says elite runner and Britain's seventh fastest female marathon runner Sonia Samuels, who recommends having a 10k race as part of your marathon training plan.
With 10k races organised every weekend around the UK, Samuels suggests visiting runbritain or RunThrough to find a race local to you. But for a city 10k race with a big atmosphere, Samuels recommends heading to one of these six races...
1. Vitality London 10,000
Runners pass iconic landmarks including Big Ben at Vitality London 10,000
© Vitality London 10,000
Date: 22 September 2024
Terrain: Road
Level of difficulty: Relatively flat with no real shocks or surprises
Now in its 12th year, the biggest London 10k race takes place on the late May bank holiday Monday, and is one of Samuels favourites, with its finish in front of Buckingham Palace in St James’s Park. "This race is very well organised and a great course through the city," says Samuels, "it's also pretty fast.“
As well as taking in the royal residence, runners also pass famous London landmarks including Nelson’s Column, St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben on a flat, fast course. It’s not just PB hunters and charity runners that are in the pack, either – Mo Farah has won the race a record six times and is expected to be lining up again for the 2021 edition.
2. Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run
Date: 26 May 2024
Terrain: Road
Level of difficulty: Relatively flat with a gentle climb as you approach the finish line
The largest 10k in Europe sees 30,000 participants and even more spectators taking to the streets of Manchester in one of the UK’s biggest running events – only the Virgin Money London Marathon and Simplyhealth Great North Run eclipse it. Samuels recommends the race for its atmosphere and the fact it makes up a weekend of events in the city. "The Great Manchester Run is another well-organised race and fast course. The day before you can also watch the street athletics spectacle on Deansgate, (the Arcadis Great CityGames Manchester) which attracts some of the world's best track and field athletes.“
The course is a relatively flat out-and-back from the city centre to Trafford, with runners passing the iconic Old Trafford football stadium before heading back towards the start line. A gradual climb within the last kilometre creates a slight sting in the tail at the end but nothing the adrenaline from the buzzing atmosphere won’t get you through.
3. Sunderland City Run 10K
The Siglion Sunderland City 10K was founded by running legend Steve Cram
© Siglion Sunderland City 10K
Date: 12 May 2024
Terrain: Road and small section on park path
Level of difficulty: Slightly lumpy with a long drawn-out climb to the finish
Samuels also highlights the Sunderland City 10k, founded and directed by running legend Steve Cram. "It's a relatively new event which is growing in popularity," she says.
The route is a variation of an out-and-back course, offering stunning views out across the coast, as well as the chance to run across the iconic Wearmouth Bridge, twice. Runners begin at Keels Square, in the heart of the city centre, heading north of the river and down to Roker seafront, before crossing Wearmouth Bridge and heading back to the south side of the river.
The race takes place on closed roads and the organisation is second to none – runners can expect an excellent fleet of marshals providing directions and support, as well as plenty of water stations positioned at various points along the route. There's also a brand new 5k race taking place at 6pm on the evening before.
4. Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash
For an end-of-year target, sign up for the super speedy Leeds Abbey Dash
© Age UK
Date: 13 October 2024
Terrain: Road
Level of difficulty: Fast and flat course with a gentle rise at the midway point followed by the same descent
If looking for a fast course to target a PB and finish the year on a high, then Samuels recommends this race in Leeds. Now in its 34th year, the closed-road race sees competitors set off from the city centre and dash out to Kirkstall Abbey along a pan-flat route, before turning round and retracing their steps to the finish line. "The Leeds Abbey Dash is a great opportunity to run a fast 10k at a time of year when the road race calendar is reasonably sparse," says Samuels.
Although the field is 10,000 strong, and has its fair share of fun and fancy dress runners, the wide roads help prevent too much congestion. It’s also possible to enter as a three-or-more-strong team, with prizes on offer for various categories, including fastest mixed team and top fundraisers.
5. Trafford 10K
Date: 3 March 2024
Terrain: Road
Level of difficulty: As close to pan flat as you’ll find
“More of a local 10k rather than a mass participation event such as the Vitality 10,000 or Great Run events, this is a good fast, flat course in preparation for a spring marathon,“ explains Samuels.
Not to be confused with the Great Manchester Run, this 10k on the outskirts of the city is a favourite among PB hunters. The point-to-point Paignton to Dunham Massey loop around closed country lanes is popular with both elite and amateur runners, but is limited to only 1,000 spots so you’ll have to be lightning quick to bag yourself a spot. Unlike other races on this list, finisher medals and t-shirts aren’t included in the entry price, but complimentary snacks at the finish line are. A new PB and a free banana – what more could you want?
6. Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run
Runners make their way up St. Vincent Street at the Great Scottish Run 10km
© Great Run/Jeff Holmes
Date: 6 October 2024
Terrain: Road
Level of difficulty: Fast and flat course with gentle rise at the midway point followed by the same descent
The final city centre 10k of Samuels’ recommendations is also one of the toughest, but that doesn’t put off the 10,000 or so people who sign up to race it each year. “It's a good course through the streets of Glasgow and finishes among some fantastic crowds,“ says Samuels.
The course sets off from Glasgow's George Square with a steady climb and fast descent on St Vincent Street, before levelling out for the rest of the route. Runners pass the likes of the Hydro, Finnieston Crane and Pacific Quay, as well as crossing the River Clyde four times, on their way to the finish line on Glasgow Green. A water stand and shower just after 6k will be welcome if it’s a particularly hot day, while the likes of bagpipers, a drumming band and the event’s ‘Wall of Sound’ are sure to keep you pushing on towards a PB finish.
It could also be a great gauge of running stamina ahead of the Wings for Life World Run, a race that raises millions of pounds to help fund research into spinal cord injury. Returning on May 9, 2021 at 11am UTC, Runners and wheelchair participants race simultaneously in locations all over the world, all attempting to stay ahead of the moving finish line. UK participants can head to Cambridge to take part.
