With the London Marathon just gone (2025’s race took place on Sunday 27th April), marathon fever is well and truly in the air. Whether you’ve been watching on TV, cheering from the sidelines, or lacing up your trainers feeling inspired, it’s hard not to get swept up in the buzz of it all.
I’ve been lucky enough to run quite a few UK marathons now, some iconic, some local, some with incredible crowd support, and some that have tested me to my absolute limit. I often get asked, “Which marathons would you recommend?” So, I thought I’d pop together a quick summary of the ones I’ve done, what I loved (or didn’t love!) about them, and whether I’d recommend them to other runners.
London Marathon (April)
Would I recommend? 100% yes – with a few caveats!
There’s no denying the London Marathon is iconic. For many it’s a bucket list marathon. The crowd support is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced – from start to finish you’re cheered on like an absolute rockstar. The route takes you past so many famous landmarks and the atmosphere is electric.
Pros:
- Incredible crowd support
- Iconic landmarks and buzzing atmosphere
- Flawlessly organised
Cons:
- It’s expensive – if you don’t live in London, travel and accommodation can really add up
- The ballot is a bit of a lottery, so the chance of getting a place gets slimmer each year.
If you ever get the chance to run London, do it – it’s the kind of race you’ll remember forever.
Manchester Marathon (April)
Would I recommend? Absolutely!
Manchester holds a special place in my heart, I’ve run it five times now, which even earned me a spot on their Legends Wall! It’s a super friendly, well-organised race with a flat course that’s ideal whether you’re chasing a PB or tackling your first marathon.
Pros:
- A great Mancunian welcome – with fantastic crowd support and community vibes
- Flat, fast course
- More affordable than London
Cons:
- Some stretches of the course can feel a little quiet, especially in the later miles
It’s a brilliant spring marathon option, and I always recommend it to friends looking for a good UK race.
Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon (formerly May – now discontinued)
Would I recommend? I would… if it still existed!
Sadly, the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon is no longer running, which honestly breaks my heart a bit, as it was such a good one. I ran it a few times and always loved the party vibe, with live music at nearly every mile and medals that were genuinely fun and unique. There was also a half marathon on the same day, which made it a great event for runners of all levels. Rock ‘n’ Roll still hosts races globally, but sadly there are no longer any UK marathons in their series, a real shame, as it was one of the most fun UK marathons I’ve done.
Pros:
- Festival atmosphere with music all along the route
- Gorgeous route through the city and along the docks
- Fab medals and goodies
Cons:
- The final stretch can be tough if it is windy along the waterfront
If this ever makes a comeback, I’d be first in line to sign up!
Loch Ness Marathon (Usually late September/early October)
Would I recommend? Yes – for the scenery alone!
This one is truly stunning. You’re bussed out to the start line and run along the shores of Loch Ness back into Inverness. It’s peaceful, remote, and absolutely breathtaking.
Pros:
- Incredible Highland scenery
- Unique point-to-point route
- Very well organised
Cons:
- Not flat! Those hills will test your legs
- Tricky logistics with getting to Inverness and the early start
If you’re after a marathon experience that’s a bit different, Loch Ness is a great shout – just don’t expect a PB.
Yorkshire Marathon (October)
Would I recommend? Yes – with a bit of local bias!
The Yorkshire Marathon feels like my home race. I live in York, so I can train on the route and roll out of bed to the start line – which makes a huge difference! It’s a very friendly, well-organised event, and it attracts a great mix of runners.
Pros:
- Friendly and welcoming atmosphere
- Beautiful countryside views
- Brilliantly organised and the park and run is your best option on race day
Cons:
- The long out-and-back section can be a mental challenge
- A few sneaky inclines!
If you’re local or fancy a weekend in Yorkshire, it’s definitely one to put on your list.
Chester Marathon (October)
Would I recommend? Yes!
Chester is another solid UK marathon option. It has a very similar vibe to the Yorkshire Marathon, with friendly crowds, a scenic route, and a few challenging hills thrown in for good measure.
Pros:
- Well marshalled and organised
- Lovely mix of city and countryside
- The best post race goody bag I’ve ever received
Cons:
- That big hill towards the end – oof!
- It can get a bit quiet out in the countryside stretches
I really enjoyed this one and would happily run it again.
So… which UK marathons would I recommend the most?
It honestly depends on what you’re after. It really comes down to what you’re looking for in a marathon. For unbeatable atmosphere, London takes the crown. After a fast and flat course? Manchester is hard to beat. Craving breathtaking scenery and don’t mind a few hills? Loch Ness delivers. And for proud Yorkshire runners like me, York or Chester offer brilliant, well-organised races closer to home.
Every marathon has its own personality, from city vibes to scenic countryside routes and I’ve loved the challenge and experience of each one. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just aiming to cross the finish line, there’s a marathon out there for you.
Feelin’ inspired? Check out my marathon training tips here to help you get started on your own journey!
