We heard you loud and clear, last time we brought you a list of London Marathon alternatives, and, well… most of them were in places like Lithuania, Germany and Greece. Lovely spots, no doubt, but maybe a bit too exotic for our UK & Ireland readers just looking to save a few quid.
So this time, we’re keeping it local-ish. Five cracking marathons happening in the UK (plus one in Ireland), all falling around the London Marathon weekend. No ballots. No long-haul drama. Just five races where your trainers can still cross a finish line this spring.
🌊 Brighton Marathon – Sunday April 12th 2026
Think London’s seaside cousin: same big-city buzz, but with more ices-on-a-sunny-day vibes and far fewer ballot tears. Brighton serves up a flat route beginning by the city’s regal old Pavilion, sweeping through leafy squares before your final stretch along the Promenade. Expect thousands of enthusiastic runners, enthusiastic crowd support, and a proper sense of festival spirit. Places tend to fill by spring, so sign up early if you fancy that perfect mix of PB attempt and seaside fun.
Entry Fee: £80
Why go? It’s flat, it’s friendly, and that post-race fish-and-chips is well deserved. And it’s only a couple hours from London, zero exotic flight hassle.
💨 Newport Marathon – Sunday April 19th 2026
Wales’ answer to a perfectly flat race, Newport’s built for PB chasers. The course threads past the Transporter Bridge, coastal marshes and the docks area, and it’s widely regarded as one of the UK’s flattest and fastest, with over 70% of runners smashing their personal bests in previous editions. Expect thousands of runners, efficient aid stations, and a competitive yet friendly vibe.
Entry Fee: £52 (Increasing to £58 later)
Why go? Seriously fast course, top-tier logistics and a proper chance to chase that shiny PB.
🏴 Blackpool Festival of Running Marathon – Sunday April 26th 2026
Second time being featured! Flat, breezy, and rooted in proper British funfair culture. This promenade marathon is pure carnival kitsch: deckchairs, donkey rides, seagulls and oversized candy-floss tents. The course stays flat but don’t be fooled , the sea breeze can throw you a curve if you’re not prepped. Expect an hearty support from locals and fellow runners alike. Bring strong layers, a sense of humour, and perhaps sunglasses for the glare off the Irish Sea.
Entry fee: £40
Why go? The cheapest serious marathon on offer. Plus you get chips by the finish line, a triumphantly retro medal, and a day of no-frills seaside joy.
🎭 Shakespeare Marathon – Sunday April 26th 2026
Fancy running in the Bard’s backyard? The Shakespeare Marathon takes you on a scenic, two‑lap tour of Stratford‑upon‑Avon and its leafy outskirts. The course is road‑closed for the most part, with smooth tarmac, a flat-and-fast profile (it hugs riverside paths and greenways), and that runner‑friendly vibe you want, chip timing, pacers, freebies and photos included. The race starts and finishes in the Recreation Ground, making logistics easy, and supports the Shakespeare Hospice, a feel‑good cause with every step you take.
Entry Fee: £42
Why go? It’s proper country‑charm meets PB potential. You get quiet stretches through charming villages like Luddington and Long Marston, plus that runner‑buzz of a small yet well‑supported event. Ideal if you want something different from the big-city races but still smooth, fast and meaningful.
🍀 Connemarathon (Ireland) – Sunday April 19th 2026
Not in the UK but close enough for the Brits and trip west for the Irish. This is as scenic a marathon scenic as you will get. Set in Connemara, Co. Galway, this race starts at Lough Inagh, finishes in Maam Cross, and offers full, half and a 39 mile ultra . Rugged lake views, rolling hills and a wild Atlantic buzz you won’t forget.
Entry fee: €75 (bus transfers included)
Why go? Stunning scenery, flexible distance options, and a real sense of adventure—all without needing a passport beyond the Common Travel Area.
So, which one suits you best?
- Chasing a PB on flat roads? → Newport or Shakespeare
- Want a seaside run with festival vibes? → Brighton or Blackpool
- Prefer quiet roads and countryside charm? → Shakespeare
- In the mood for rugged scenery and a proper adventure? → Connemarathon
So there you have it, your 2026 marathon alternatives, all within the UK and Ireland. No ballot drama and no need to fundraise eyewatering amounts of money.
Just five solid races, each offering the same 26.2 miles with a bit more breathing room and a lot less pressure.
Pick your race. Get it booked. Train for it. Run it.
Because London might’ve said no, but the roads are still wide open.