Here at Race at your Pace, we’re passionate about inspiring people of all ages and abilities to get outdoors and keep fit. Regularly exercising is crucial to living a healthy life, and running is one of our favourite ways for helping to ensure you stay in good shape.

One of the most effective ways that you can add purpose to your training is to enter a running event. Knowing that you’ve signed-up for an upcoming challenge can act as an incentive and motivate you to keep training during the days you just don’t feel up to it.

A wide range of awesome running events take place throughout the year in various locations across the UK so regardless of where you live, you’re certain to find an event nearby, but here we’ve listed and explained some of our favourite London-based events that you might like to participate in.

See more: Best UK Fitness Challenges

London Landmarks Half Marathon

Certainly one of our personal favourites, the Landmarks Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile run through central London that takes you past some of the most famous sights in the city. Starting at Pall Mall, you’ll head past Nelson’s Column, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Eye and other iconic landmarks, as well as run along the bank of the Thames, before finishing at Downing Street.

It’s an incredibly popular event with more than 13,000 runners expected to take part.

To find out more or to register: https://www.llhm.co.uk/

London Winter Run

First launched in 2015, the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run is a 10k challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK and a range of other worthy causes. People of all skill levels brave the cold to participate in the run and are all cheered on by the thousands who line the streets. It’s London’s largest 10k event and is well known for its unique race experience – in no other 10k race can you party with penguins on the course or run into the arms of cuddly polar bears as you cross the finish line!

To find out more or to register: https://www.londonwinterrun.co.uk/

London Marathon

The London Marathon isn’t just the city’s most famous running event, it’s also one of the world’s most famous and biggest sporting events. The 26.2 mile route is completed by amateurs and elite runners alike, and even people dressed in wacky fancy dress costumes!

What makes the London Marathon particularly awesome is the incredible atmosphere generated by the large crowds, especially as you run over Tower Bridge and along The Mall towards the finish line.

Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world apply to enter every year, but only a fraction of applicants are successful at securing a place, so don’t be too disheartened if you miss out this time.

To find out more or to register: https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/

Color Run London

If you’re wanting to run and have fun at the same time, then The Color Run is definitely the one for you. Inspired by Disney’s World of Colour, Holi and several other brightly-themed festivals from around the world, The Color Run is a relaxed and untimed running event that focuses more on health and happiness rather than your ability.

You start the 5K course in a special white t-shirt, but as you progress through the different zones you’ll quickly become covered from head to toe in a rainbow of colours. This event is perfect for those who’ve never ran before as you’re not even required to run – you can walk, skip, jog or even dance your way around the course!

To find out more or to register: https://thecolorrun.co.uk/

Santa Run London

Taking place at Victoria Park in East London, Santa Run London is the capital’s largest Santa Run, attracting thousands of participants every year. Runners don’t necessarily have to come dressed as Santa, you can instead choose to become a reindeer, elf or snowman for the day if you’d prefer – as long as it follows a Christmas theme, you’ll be welcome!

Regardless of whether you tackle the 5k or 10k route, taking part in this event is a great way of spreading festive fun whilst also burning a few calories at the same time! Not to worry if you don’t own an appropriate costume – a 5-piece Santa costume that includes a red cloak and bobble hat is provided to all runners as part of the entry fee.

To find out more or to register: https://londonsantarun.co.uk/

Running Challenges with Race at your Pace

If you’re looking for a fun new running challenge to get stuck into, then have you considered entering a virtual challenge? Virtual challenges are currently one of the most popular types of fitness challenges, tasking you to run a specified number of miles during the course of a month. You can cover the distance in however many stints necessary, wherever you like and whenever you like, making it a flexible challenge that can fit around your daily schedule.

They’re also an ideal method of training for those looking to complete a marathon, half-marathon, 10k, or any other type of long-distance running event in the future.

If you’d like to find out any more information about virtual challenges, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the Race at your Pace team. Or if you’re feeling up to the challenge, sign-up today!

See more: How to Keep to Your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions

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