You had Belfast in mind. You were going to enter. You just needed to check a few things first.
Now general entries are gone, and your spring marathon plans need a rethink.
Fortunately, missing out on Belfast does not mean abandoning the idea of running 26.2 miles next spring. There are other races around its Sunday, May 2nd date, including an Irish option on the very same morning.
We have picked five alternatives for runners based in Ireland and the UK, covering everything from a straightforward change of destination to a weekend away in Prague. Each falls within a week of Belfast, and all are currently advertising entries.
1. Great Limerick Run
Sunday, May 2nd, 2027.
For runners in Ireland, Limerick is the obvious starting point.
The Regeneron Great Limerick Run marathon begins at 9am at Pery Square, meaning you can keep the same race date in your diary and redirect your attention towards the Treaty City. The wider event also includes a marathon relay, half marathon and six mile race, which makes it a useful option for friends or clubmates with different distances in mind.
The appeal goes beyond convenience. A city centre setting, local support and music along the route give the day a sense of occasion. You are still getting a proper spring marathon target, with plenty happening around it.
The current marathon entry tier is listed at €85. Race pack postage is included for entries bought before April 4th, with a surcharge for addresses outside the Republic of Ireland. Later entrants must collect their number at the University of Limerick on the Saturday, as there is no collection on race morning.
For anyone whose main requirement is an Irish marathon on the weekend they had already earmarked, this is our first pick.
Milton Keynes keeps you on the same bank holiday weekend, although the marathon itself takes place on Monday.
Its main selling point is the finish. After running through the city’s green spaces, participants enter Stadium MK and complete a lap around the pitch before crossing the line. If you have spent the final few miles questioning your decision to enter, a stadium reception should help restore some goodwill.
The organisers describe the course as fast and scenic, with long sections free of traffic. The race starts at 9am and has a six and a half hour time limit.
There is a practical detail worth remembering when arranging travel: Milton Keynes Central station is approximately four miles from the stadium. Bletchley is the nearer railway station, so factor the final part of the journey into your plans.
This would suit runners who want to stay close to Belfast’s date and like the prospect of a memorable finish.
Stratford upon Avon offers a different setting for your spring marathon, combining a historic town with stretches of Warwickshire countryside.
The Shakespeare Marathon starts at 9am and follows two laps, with the second extending through Long Marston. The route takes in villages including Luddington and Welford on Avon, along with the Stratford Greenway, before finishing at the Recreation Ground.
It is worth knowing that this is not entirely a tarmac course. The organisers describe a mixture of road and compact paths, with gravel sections, and list approximately 188 metres of elevation gain. There is a six hour time limit.
At the time of writing, marathon entry is £45 plus a 5% booking fee. That includes a medal, chip timing and race photographs, making it an appealing option if the cost of the whole weekend matters as much as the race itself.
For runners happy with two laps and a mixture of town and countryside, Shakespeare deserves consideration.
Leeds offers a marathon with a strong sense of purpose.
Held in memory of Rob Burrow, the event supports the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal and the MND Association. Runners can also raise funds for other charities.
The race starts at 9am at AMT Headingley Stadium, with a route taking runners through Meanwood and towards Golden Acre Park, Bramhope and Otley before returning to the stadium.
The hills need to be part of the decision. The climb out of Otley is a recognised feature of the event, so this is a race to approach with realistic pacing and some hill preparation. If your only priority is finding the flattest possible route for a personal best, that matters.
For runners drawn to the community spirit and fundraising significance of the day, however, Leeds has a compelling identity of its own.
The published marathon time limit is seven hours, giving runners more time than several other events on this list.
If missing Belfast has given you an excuse to turn the marathon into a trip abroad, Prague is worth a look.
The Vodafone Prague Marathon starts at 8am local time in Old Town Square and takes runners through the Czech capital’s historic centre. It holds a World Athletics Elite Label, with a certified course closed to traffic, pacers and music along the route.
The attraction is straightforward: keep the same marathon date while building a city break around it. There is plenty for travelling companions to enjoy, although you may need to negotiate how much walking counts as a reasonable activity the day after a marathon.
The current individual entry fee is €120, with a €3 service fee at that order value. The official race shirt costs extra. The organisers have confirmed the date and start location, but the route maps currently displayed are from 2026, with the 2027 version still to follow.
Check the full cost of flights, accommodation and entry before committing. This is the option for making a holiday of it.
Missing Belfast is frustrating, but there is still a good choice of spring start lines. Limerick offers the simplest switch for many Irish runners, while the other four give you different settings and challenges without moving far from your original date.
Entry availability and advertised prices checked on October 13th, 2026. Fees and availability can change.
