I have no idea who got the lucky dip in the club ballot last night after raining and got an entry to the London Marathon 2020. However If you didn’t, and still wanted to do a marathon, there are others available to run in the UK march to May time. Such as:
Sussex Coastal Marathon Date: March 14 Venue: Birling Gap
If you’re open to swapping London’s streets for the rugged coastline paths then this Sussex event could be an option as runners take on an undulating route which shoulders the coastal towns of Eastbourne and Seaford. www.endurancelife.com/sussex
Manchester Marathon Date: April 5 Venue: Manchester
Part of the route for the 2020 event will, for the first time, head into the centre of Manchester, showcasing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Manchester Opera House, Spinningfields, Albert Memorial Hall and The Midland Hotel. www.manchestermarathon.co.uk
Brighton Marathon Date: April 19 Venue: Brighton
This seaside event in one of the country’s most vibrant cities continues to grow in popularity, with the course winding through the city streets and finishing up on the Brighton seafront. General entries are set to reopen soon and runners will need to register interest here by October 20.
www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk
ABP Newport Wales Marathon Date: April 19 Venue: Newport, Wales
The event, which boasts ‘a fast, scenic route’, starts and finishes on Newport’s riverfront and the course takes in iconic landmarks, coastal wildlife and picturesque medieval villages.
Boston Marathon UK Date: April 19 Venue: Lincolnshire, England
The other Boston Marathon offers a flat road route in Lincolnshire, rather than Massachusetts, with the event starting at Boston Market Place and ending at Boston College.
ABP Southampton Marathon Date: April 26 Venue: Southampton
Again on the same day as London, with the course passing iconic landmarks including Bargate, QE2 Anchor and St Mary’s Stadium as well as the ascent – and more enjoyable descent – over the Itchen bridge. www.abpsouthamptonhalf.co.uk
Blackpool Marathon Date: April 26 Venue: Blackpool
Forming part of a festival of running, the full 26.2-mile event takes place alongside a half-marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km. The flat two-lap marathon course has been designed for PBs and takes in Blackpool’s promenade, passing a number of landmarks.
Shakespeare Marathon Date: April 26 Venue: Stratford-upon-Avon
This event offers runners the chance to run among some of the most historical buildings in the country and through miles of beautiful Warwickshire countryside, with the route starting in the centre of the town, opposite Shakespeare’s old school.
www.shakespearemarathon.org.uk
Deep Riverrock Belfast City Marathon Date: May 3 Venue: Belfast, Northern Ireland
The 2019 event took place on a new ‘flatter, faster marathon route’, encompassing North, East, South and West of the city, and it is on that course which the event returns for 2020. Starting in the grounds of the iconic Stormont Estate, the event finishes at Ormeau Park, while there is also an eight-mile walk, relay and fun run on offer.
Rightmove MK Marathon Date: May 3 Venue: Milton Keynes
Much of the route is green and scenic, taking in parks and lakes, picturesque villages and the canal towpath and starting at the Stadium MK.
Three Forts Marathon Date: May 3 Venue: West Sussex
If you’re looking for a slightly different challenge then this 27-mile course includes 3450ft of climb, with stiles and some challenging tracks underfoot.
www.threefortschallenge.org.uk
Asics Windermere Marathon Date: May 17 Venue: Lake District
Run entirely within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the event finishes in the grounds of Brathay Hall with views over the tranquility of England’s largest lake.
Exeter Live Better Marathon Date: May 17 Venue: Exeter
The route takes runner past the River Exe historical Quayside and along the parallel footpaths and cycle tracks of the Ship Canal.
exetercitycommunitytrust.co.uk/running-events
Edinburgh Marathon Date: May 24 Venue: Edinburgh, Scotland
The route takes in some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and offers picturesque views along the East Lothian coastline, with the event offering guaranteed entry for unsuccessful London Marathon applicants.