Races

Our Top 25 UK Christmas Race Recommendations 2023

With Christmas just around the corner, there’s plenty of running fun to be had throughout December and into the New Year! 

So, why not get yourself down to one of these festive runs and join the thousands of Santas, Elves, Reindeers and more who will be walking/jogging and running and racing all over the UK.

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Image by Brian Bracher from Pixabay

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Here are our Top 25 UK SportsShoes recommendations for the best road, trail and fell races for Christmas 2023;

(Please note: These races are listed in date order, not in order of recommendation)

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1. PHOENIX CHRISTMAS ADVENT RUN (London)

Friday 1st December 2023 @ 8:30am

Choose from 5K to ultra marathon and complete as many, or as few, laps of a 5.3K out and back, course along the beautiful river Thames. Operating on uniquely flexible 'rock up and run' start times within a 1 hour start window, so no waiting around if you arrive early and no added pressure if you're running a bit late.

Type: Riverside path

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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2. RUNTHROUGH VICTORIA PARK 5K, 10K & HALF MARATHON DECEMBER 2023 (London)

Saturday 2nd December 2023 from 9:30am

Come and run a chip-timed 5k, 10k or Half Marathon around the wide, flat paths of Victoria Park on Saturday 2nd December 2023! If you are looking for a PB course, or wanting to try out a new distance – this is the race for you.

START TIMES:

Half Marathon: 09:30
10k: 10:00
5k: 10:15

As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

Part of the RunThrough Santa Runs Series!

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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Photo credit: RunThrough Events

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3. RUNTHROUGH RUNNING GP AT GOODWOOD MOTOR CIRCUIT (Chitchester)

Sunday 3rd December 2023 @ 3pm

Kick off the festive season with a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, 20 Mile, Marathon or 50k around the iconic Goodwood Motor circuit!

At the world famous Goodwood Motor Circuit, home to the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, you will enjoy the thrill of racing your way to a new chip timed personal best on this smooth traffic free tarmac motor racing circuit.

Located at the foot of the Sussex Downs, the track is the only classic circuit in the world to remain entirely in its original form. Goodwood Motor Circuit originally opened its gates to the public on September 1948, to host Britain’s very first post-war motor race meeting at a permanent venue.

As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

Part of the RunThrough Santa Runs Series!

Type: Motor circuit

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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4. PERCY PUD 10K (Sheffield)

Sunday 3rd December 2023 @ 9:30am

The 2023 race is now full. There is no wait list, but people who can’t run often advertise places on social media in the run up to the race.

The event has grown in popularity from the first race in 1993 when 600 finished the race to recent years when the entry has had to be limited to around 3,000. Such is the demand for numbers that in each of the last 10 years the race has sold out ahead of time.

Why is it so popular? Traditionally each finisher in the race receives a Christmas pudding for their efforts. Food and seasonal music are provided after the race. Of course, the route is not bad either.

For many, the Percy Pud signals the start of the festive period.

Type: Road Race

Most suitable for: All abilities

VISIT THE WEBSITE HERE

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5. RUNTHROUGH CHASE THE MOON QE OLYMPIC PARK 5k & 10k (London)

Wednesday 6th December 2023 @ 7pm

Beat those Winter blues and race around the inspiring grounds of London Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the flat and fast course is the perfect opportunity for a chip timed personal best. You can chose to run a quick 5k or take on a full 10k.

As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

Part of the RunThrough Santa Runs Series!

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE
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6. LANGDALE CHRISTMAS PUDDING 10K (South Lakes)

Saturday 9th December 2023 @ 12:10pm

Get into the festive spirit with a fun and friendly 10k run through the beautiful Great Langdale valley! 

The Christmas Pudding 10K is a popular start to the festive season in the Lake District for locals and visitors alike. With over 1000 entered at its peak, this race appeals to all who enjoy the fun side of running, with festive fancy dress encouraged! Every finisher receives a Christmas pudding and there’s a prize for the best dressed to help get you into the Christmas spirit!

Type: Road Race (Undulating)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE
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7. RUNTHROUGH BATTERSEA PARK 5K & 10K (London)

Saturday 9th December 2023 @ 11am

Battersea Park is one of London’s most picturesque parks and has been a favourite course for those wanting to run a PB! The course is totally flat, offering the perfect opportunity to push yourself to a personal best. Starting and finishing at the Parks Bandstand, this course laps the park making it easy to follow and great for any spectators to catch you flying around the course.

As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

Part of the RunThrough Santa Runs Series!

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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8. RUN4ALL SANTA 5KM RUN (Port Talbot, Wales)

Saturday 9th December 2023 @ 11am

This friendly 5k Santa Run is back! 

Fully chip timed and licensed by Welsh Athletics, this is a flat and fast race with an added twist - you'll be wearing a Santa Suit (provided)!  The 5km run consists of one small loop and one large loop, taking in both the upper and lower promenade. It is a fully tarmac course.

Type: Road Race

Most suitable for: Suitable for experienced club runners and beginners alike (age 11+)

ENTER HERE

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9. TELFORD 10K (Shropshire)

Sunday 10th December 2023 @ 10:30am

Statistically proven as the fastest 10k course in the UK, the Telford 10K is back for 2023. This is a generally flat 2 lap traffic free sheltered tarmac course using Telford Town Park, as well as the Silkin Way. Course record set in 2019 Adam Craig 28-32, and in 2022 Samantha Harrison 31-10.

Incorporating the 2023 England Athletics 10k Championships for the third time and Inter-Area Match. We have previously hosted an England Athletics Age Group Masters Qualifying event for 4 years.

Type: Road Race

Most suitable for: All abilities and particularly those wishing to achieve a personal best time.

ENTER HERE

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10. FRIDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS 5-MILER (Battersea Park, London)

Friday 15th December 2023 @ 7pm

A fast, flat, 3 lap course around Battersea Park in South-West London with chip timing.

2021 UK's Fastest Times achieved by Lucy Reid 26:26 & Mahamed Mahamed 23:20

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: For aspiring Club Runners (Entry Standard: Sub 38-00 mins Men, Sub 43-00 Women for 5 miles)

ENTER HERE

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Photo credit: RunThrough Events

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11. RUNTHROUGH TATTON PARK 5k & 10K

Saturday 16th December 2023 from 9am

This fast, undulating, road closed 10k race set at the beautiful Tatton Park in Cheshire is a perfect opportunity to set yourself a personal best over the 5k or 10k distance.

The races start, runs around the roads inside and finishes within the parks grounds. This will be a accurately measured and chip timed.

As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

Part of the RunThrough Santa Runs Series!

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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12. RUNTHROUGH QE OLYMPIC PARK 5K & 10K

Saturday 16th December 2023 from 9:30am

Come and run a chip timed 5k or 10k through the incredible grounds of the North Park in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This course is not only flat and fast, but also inspiring. The RunThrough Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 5k & 10k event is a great opportunity for a quick time and a fun morning out with a unique themed medal waiting for you at the finish!

Included is a themed medal, water, fruit & mince pies! Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

Part of the RunThrough Santa Runs Series!

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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13. TURKEY TROT (Hurst Green, Lancashire)

Saturday 16th December 2023 @ 1pm

A 5-mile trail race with a bit of everything, including some amazing prizes for the best fancy dress outfits!

So, get your Christmas costumes dusted off for this one - it's an event not to be missed!

Type: Trail Race

Most suitable for: Runners of all abilities, in particularly those who like to dress up!

ENTER HERE

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14. THE VALHALLA WINTER RUN (York)

Sunday 17th December 2023 @ 10am

This is a 6-hour lapped event taking place through the grounds of York University, on an out and back route of 2 miles. The route incorporates an ascent that in York terms is challenging, but in reality is just a pimple. It is your challenge. You decide the distance. You can run 1 lap, finish and collect your medal. You can run 6 laps and then to the cone of doom to complete a tough half marathon, 13 laps and then to the cone of doom for a tough marathon or just keep on going for the full 6 hours!

All runners receive a bespoke medal (new medal for 2023), a goody bag, homemade cake, mulled wine and festive goodies.

Type: Trail Race (Undulating)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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15. RUNTHROUGH 'CHASE THE MOON' BATTERSEA PARK 5K & 10K (London)

Wednesday 20th December 2023 @ 7pm

Battersea Park is one of London’s most picturesque parks and has been a favourite course for those wanting to run a PB! The course is totally flat, offering the perfect opportunity to push yourself to a personal best. Starting and finishing at the Parks Bandstand, this course laps the park making it easy to follow and great for any spectators to catch you flying around the course.

As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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16. RUNTHROUGH WIMBLEDON CHRISTMAS RUN

Saturday 23rd December 2023 @ 9:30am

This picturesque course takes you running through the stunning grounds of Wimbledon Common to cover the 5k & 10k distances.

As always with RunThrough, you will each get a themed medal, water and post-race snacks on the day. Each kilometre is accurately marked out with signposts and there are plenty of helpers to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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Photo credit: RunThrough Events

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17. PARKRUN ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

Monday 25th December 2023 @ 9am

Parkrun on Christmas Day? Surely the greatest gift of them all! Plus, it's free to enter!

Click on the link below to see which parkrun venues are staging an event on Christmas Day and/or New Year’s Day.

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

LIST OF EVENTS HERE

18. THE CHEVIN CHASE (Otley, West Yorkshire)

Tuesday 26th December 2023 @ 11am

The Chevin Chase is a hilly, multi-terrain race starting and finishing in Guiseley via a scenic 7-mile circuit of Otley Chevin and traditionally always held on Boxing Day.

It's a popular race within the Christmas festivities, with race proceeds supporting local community organisations. The race is now 45 years old. This year the organisers will be increasing the number of entries to 2000, starting in two waves. It is chip timed and a technical T-shirt is awarded to all finishers.

Type: Trail Race (Challenging)

Most suitable for: Keen trail runners

ENTER HERE

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19. AYRODYNAMIC 10KM TURKEY TROT & 5KM FUN RUN (Ayr, Scotland)

Wednesday 27th December 2023 @ 11:15am (5K), 12pm (10K)

Blow away the Christmas cobwebs with one of these Boxing Day races!

Both the 5km fun run AND the 10km race are PRE-ENTRY ONLY. Chip-timing will be used for both races.

Type: Road Race

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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20. WANSFELL (Ambleside, South Lakes)

Wednesday 27th December 2023 @ 12pm

This classic up and down 2.1-mile route is a festive favourite for fell runners.

Although short and sweet this race should not be underestimated as the route is very steep and extremely rough underfoot. Slippery, wet conditions can make the descent treacherous and if the mist is down the ability to navigate is essential.

Please bring your full FRA kit to registration with you. Kit will be checked before registration. No kit; no race.

Please read the FRA safety requirements here before you enter.

Type: Fell race (challenging)

Most suitable for: Experienced fell runners

ENTER HERE

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21. THE RIBBLE VALLEY 10K (Lancashire)

Sunday 31st December 2023 @ 10am

This fast, traffic free and chip timed 10K is organised by Blackburn Harriers and sponsored by Forbes Solicitors. This race also incorporates the North of England 10k championships.

Type: Road Race

Most suitable for: All abilities, but very popular with elite road runners

ENTER HERE

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22. JOLLY HOLLY JOG 10K (Ripon)

Sunday 31st December 2023 @ 11am

A one lap, scenic, multi terrain undulating course of approximately 10k which is run mainly on footpaths through the magnificent Studley Royal deer park.

Type: Trail Race (Undulating)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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Photo credit: RunThrough Events

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23. DALESIDE AULD LANG SYNE (Haworth, West Yorkshire)

Sunday 31st December 2023 @ 11.30am

Starting from Penistone Hill Country Park, this 6.7-mile route heading towards Top Withens, the upper reaches of Ponden Clough and Stanbury Moor. Traditionally, this race always attracts an all-star line up at the sharp end of the race, with Olympic triathletes, Alastair and Jonathan Brownlee AKA. The Brownlee Brothers, often making an appearance.

Fancy dress is always encouraged for this race, so make sure you come well prepared as there are plenty of prizes on offer!

Type: Fell race

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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24. SERPENTINE NEW YEAR'S DAY 10KM RACE AND 3KM FUN RUN (Hyde Park, London)

Monday 1st January 2023 @ 11am

The NYD10k starts at 11am in Hyde Park and is run on entirely traffic free paths through Hyde Park, with the majority of the race taking place in Kensington Gardens.  Runners complete two short laps in Kensington Gardens before returning to Hyde Park, finishing on the north side of the Serpentine by the Boat House.

The course takes in many iconic landmarks including Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens and the Henry Moore statue.

650 runners take part. All entries are in advance with no entries available on the day.  The race is open to all abilities with a cut off time of two hours.

The 10k course is accurately measured and UKA licensed.

Type: Fast and flat (Park)

Most suitable for: All abilities

ENTER HERE

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25. NINE STANDARDS (Kirkby Stephen)

Monday 1st January 2023 @ 12pm

Blow off that hangover or start your new years resolution as you mean to go on! A classic out and back race on the hills above Kirkby Stephen.

Registration venue: Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Base, Christian Head (CA17 4HA).  A short walk from the start in the market square (CA17 4QT)

BM – 8 Miles (12.9km)/1801ft (549m)

The race is licensed by the FRA under UKA rules. Full FRA kit is compulsory, kit checks will be carried out.

Type: Fell race (challenging)

Most suitable for: Experienced fell runners

ENTER HERE
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SportsShoes is committed to organising the most exciting and unique races, whether it's on the track, road or trail. Keen to find out more? Then check out our Races category for more information about events, latest news and results. Because it's no fun standing still.