10K Running Events 2026–2027

Where is it? Sence Valley Forestry Park is a Forestry England site with a café and toilets near Ibstock, Leicestershire. Use the post code LE67 6NW for Sat Navs . It is here  on What 3 Words. You do have to pay to park, it costs between £2.20 and £4.50 (correct at time of writing).  That said, be a hero and car share, save money and the world! It is 11 minutes from Ashby-De-La-Zouch and 12 minutes from Junction 22 of the M1. The closest train station is Loughborough. What’s a 6 hour event? I’ve made a short video here to try to explain a little. It is an event that enables all abilities of runner to run together (or hike/walk!). Ultimately you can run as many 5k laps as you wish in the time limit. You can run one lap in 20 minutes, pick up your medal and Big Bear drink and go home! Alternatively you can head out on your 15th lap at 14:55 and finish in 6:30 having covered over 50 miles! It’s completely up to you. There is no pressure from us, but we’ll also see if you want one more lap! The format is great for people looking to run further than they’ve ever done before, do a long training run for future events or to enjoy a sociable event with your friends. Can I run with my dog? Yes!! We’ve had great success at events with canicross and we’re pleased to add this event too. You must keep your leads short and be considerate of the other runners. We’ll start the canicross runners off with the main field. If your dog won’t respond well to this consider starting a few minutes later or don’t bring your dog. It’s important that the dogs, you and the other runners have a pleasent day! Please read our general canicross rules here. Please make sure you enter the canicross specific race when you click on the enter button above. Course description The route takes in all of Sence Valley Forest Park, an old mine. As with many of these old mines there are a few chunky climbs! the course starts with a long downhill and goes around the pools at the bottom of the park. It then climbs out the back of the park through the young trees and you will run down the middle of the pine forest. The lap finishes by returning up the hill you started coming down. Underfoot it is mainly crushed stone paths of varying degradation. There are sections that are on grass - depending on how wet it has been these may be slippy and muddy. We’ll know more closer to the time but be prepared for this to be a trail shoes course. Unaffiliated entrants pay £2 extra. Why not join your local running club or sign up the Big Bear Brigade and save 10% off entries for ever! How far is the race? You decide! The 3.3-mile off-road loop means your race can be 5k or even over 80K and anywhere in between. You decide how many laps you're going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If you're looking to cover a marathon distance you'll need to complete 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps, anything 9 laps and over is an ultramarathon! Do I have to raise money or run for charity? No… BUT! We have a great partnership with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. They provide specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children. There are currently over 200 Roald Dahl Nurses caring for more than 40,000 seriously ill children. During the sign up process you can opt to set up a Just Giving page to raise money for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity or to make a small donation alongside your entry fee - 100% of that goes straight to the charity to help with their amazing work. We want to help them towards making sure every seriously ill child has a Roald Dahl Nurse. If you want to find out a little more about our partnership click here. Has the event been run before? Yes but… not since 2019! The course will be slightly different as some of the course wasn’t event owned by Forestry England when we were last there! You can view previous results and the course records here. I’m unsure what to expect at a 6 hour event? We’ve made some videos to try and help newcomers understand Big Bear Events and 6 hour events a little more here. We’ve got lots of videos on our You Tube channel that might help you see what we’re all about!. I’ve heard you do nice medals. What will it look like? Once it’s in our hands we’ll share the design with you! (You’ll love it though!) I’m not that fussed by a medal… In that case our partnership with Earth Runs will be perfect! Rather than give you a medal you don’t really want (and to help reduce waste) we’ll give you a Big Bear Tree Token. Not only will a tree be planted for each token given out but the token is also full of wildflower seeds for you to grow at home! Is there a gpx of the route? The route gpx can be found here or visit plotaroute.com here. The route may be subject to last minute changes and there will be plenty of markings up on race day so you do not need to have this - but I know some of you like to anyway! Is this event suitable for Rucking? Definitely! Read all about how we do rucking here (or if you’ve no idea what rucking is find out here too!) I really want to take part in the event but the day isn’t convenient for me! What can I do? We’ve partnered with our friends at Skamper to offer On-demand events! It’s not quite the same as being there on the day but it’s the next best thing! Using the Skamper app you can be directed around the route on a day of your choosing. When you sign up we’ll send you the medal in the post that was given out on the day of the event. This way when you finish you’ll be able to claim the medal you’ve earned for the run straight away! Why not load your car boot with snacks and goodies, get some mates to join you and have your own Big Bear event! Full details on our Big Bear On-Demand events is here. I still have questions… Then why not join our Big Bear Events Facebook group and ask our ever so experienced runners in there or email us directly here. We want you to enter with the confidence you’ll have a great (if not tiring!) day so are happy to answer any question we’ve not covered off here.

From Run Fanatics

ABBATHON brings together the fun of an ABBA tribute show with the buzz of a 5K or 10K run. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a complete beginner, or simply a devoted ABBA fan, ABBATHON is designed to be welcoming, accessible and full of feel-good energy from start to finish. Run, jog, walk or dance your way around the course through one of the city’s most iconic parks, with ABBA hits keeping the atmosphere high every step of the way. Whether you’re chasing a PB, running your first 5K, or just here for the ABBA vibes, ABBATHON is all about enjoying every step. We’re taking the tribute act out of the pub and into the park for the whole family to enjoy, combining live music, a DJ, on-course music guides, professional photography and finisher’s medals to create a fully immersive themed race experience. What to Expect: 💃 Dress the part (optional)– Come in your favourite ABBA-inspired outfit or recreate one of their iconic retro looks! 🎵 Music to set the mood – The atmosphere starts strong with ABBA’s biggest hits playing at the start line. 🎤 ABBA Tribute Performance & Warm-Up – Our ABBA tribute act will perform live for at least 45 minutes before the race kicks off – the perfect way to warm up and get into the groove! 🏃 Music Guides – Run alongside our music guides, each carrying a speaker, so you can enjoy music as you run! While we can’t guarantee music coverage for the entire route, our team will be spread out to keep the tunes going. 📸 Free Event Photographs – Professional photographers will capture some of the best running moments. Photos will be available for free on our website within 72 hours after the event to share and treasure. ⏱ Chip-timed race – For those chasing a PB or wanting to track their pace, all runners will be provided with race bibs featuring chip timing. You’ll receive your official time after the run, so you can see how you did – whether you're racing competitively or just curious. 🏅 Special-Edition Finisher’s Medal – A one-of-a-kind medal inspired by iconic ABBA elements. The perfect keepsake to show off your ABBATHON pride! 🍉 Post-Race Refreshments – Refuel with fresh fruit after you cross the finish line. 👕 Limited Edition ABBATHON Finisher’s T-Shirt (£19.99 extra cost) ✨ An inclusive, fun-filled atmosphere – Whether you're running, jogging, or walking, this event is for ABBA fans of all fitness levels. From the live tribute performance to the music around the course and finisher’s medal, ABBATHON is a feel-good running experience like no other. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

Kick-start your October racing season at the Meadows 5K & 10K in the heart of Edinburgh. Hosted by Up and Running Events, this flat, fast, and friendly race is perfect for runners of all abilities — whether you're chasing a new PB or taking on your first 5K or 10K. Set on the smooth, tree-lined paths of the iconic Meadows, the course offers ideal racing conditions and a vibrant event atmosphere. The 5K and 10K routes follow a clearly marked, multi-lap course designed for great pacing and strong support throughout. All runners will receive chip-timed results, a finisher’s medal, professional photography, and full on-course support. With easy access from the city centre and a buzzing event village, this is the perfect Edinburgh race to add to your 2026 calendar. Secure your place and join us on the start line this October.

There is a great history behind the Loch Rannoch Marathon, going back to the 1980's when it was the course of the Scottish Championships. Run Nation revived the race in 2015 and it has re-established itself on the bucket list for marathon runners in the UK. Take in the scenery and backdrop on the north and south shore of Loch Rannoch by running this event in 2026 10km 10th October 2026 @ 10:00am Half Marathon 11th October 2026 @ 9:30am Marathon 11th October 2026 @ 9:30am Chip Timing will be used on this accurately measured route. All finishers will receive a great Rannoch medal and finishers pack

Get ready to jump, bounce, slide and swing through the World's BIGGEST and CRAZIEST Inflatable 5k Obstacle Course! The Inflatable 5k Obstacle Course is coming to Cheltenham on Saturday 10th October 2026 and it's going to be Epic! The obstacles are BIGGER, BOUNCIER and BETTER than ever before! You'll be jumping, sliding and laughing all the way to the finish line. Grab your friends, family or tackle it on your own. Lace up your trainers and get ready for the ultimate day out! **The inflatable 5k is open for ages 5 - 15 years old. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult at all times (3:1 child:adult ratio)** DISTANCES 2.5KM | 5KM | 10KM | 15KM

Join us for Tatton Park 5k & 10k on Saturday 10th October 2026 Come and join us for the return of the Tatton 5k & 10k. This undulating, road closed 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, run around the roads inside and finish within the park's grounds. The races are accurately measured and chip timed. Start Times 08:45 am - 10k 09:05 am - 5k Race End 11:00 am

Set in the stunning surroundings of Epping Forest, the Epping Forest Half Marathon & Epping Forest 10K offer a unique trail running experience just outside London. Runners will take on scenic forest paths, winding trails and a mix of terrain that keeps things interesting from start to finish. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, well-marked routes and a supportive race day environment, making it perfect for both experienced trail runners and those new to off-road racing. Whether you’re chasing a strong time or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the forest, this event combines challenging running with incredible natural surroundings. With a professionally organised setup, quality facilities and a memorable finish line experience, it’s a standout event in the trail running calendar. Join hundreds of runners for an unforgettable day on the trails.

Pure Running, Precisely Measured. MCTF Run The Track 5km & 10km Step onto the track and rediscover what running is really about. Our 5km and 10km races bring the sport back to its purest stage — a proper athletics track, a limited field, and every single lap that matters. Held across the country through late summer and autumn, these relaxed afternoon races run from 2pm/2:30pm with racing complete by 5:30pm, and they're open to every kind of runner — whether you're chasing a personal best or simply lacing up to enjoy the distance at your own pace. Every heat is set by expected finishing time, so you'll always be running alongside similarly paced runners, and with deliberately small fields you'll never be lost in a crowd — just you, the track, and the steady rhythm of the laps ticking by. Every runner gets the full championship treatment. Personal split-lap chip timing captures each and every lap, so you can see exactly how you paced your race from start to finish, while overall chip timing gives you a clean, accurate finish time to be proud of. Cross the line and you'll earn a bespoke medal, custom-designed for the series and yours to keep as a mark of the day. No traffic, no potholes, no getting lost — just flat, fast, honest running on a surface built for it. With early-entry places from just £17 for the 5km and £23 for the 10km, it's premium racing at a friendly price. Limited places, big atmosphere — secure your spot and run your best.

Don’t miss the Hampton Court Palace Running Festival on Saturday 11th October 2026! Choose from the 10K and Half Marathon and run through history this autumn on a multi-terrain course that showcases the beauty of the palace grounds and riverside paths. This event is a crowd favourite for both new and returning runners, with a scenic setting and a brilliant race-day atmosphere. Start Time 09:00 am - Half Marathon & 10k Race End 12:00 pm

We are thrilled to announce the Alcester 10k is back for its twelfth year on Sunday 11th October 2026! Starting and finishing in the beautiful market town of Alcester near Stratford Upon Avon it’s a race not to be missed! The 2025 events had more runners than ever and sold out early, so make sure you get registered fast! Starting on the High Street the route takes runners out into the stunning country lanes of Warwickshire for a single loop with two drinks stations along the way, finishing with welcome cheers from the friendly locals. We offer finishers medals and t shirts FOR ALL runners! Chip timing, post-race snacks and the chance to purchase race photography all come as standard from Raceways and afterwards why not stay and enjoy what the town has to offer from its many lovely cafes and pubs? As with all Raceways events, there is a FREE to enter 1Km Kids Fun Run which starts and ends next to the adult finish line and all children receive a FREE medal, so the whole family can enjoy the fun!

Get ready to lace up and conquer the scenic trails of Rother Valley Country Park in the exhilarating Sheffield 10k! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and lush woodlands, our race offers participants an unforgettable journey through nature's splendor. Whether you're a seasoned athlete aiming for a personal best or a first-time runner seeking an exciting challenge, the Sheffield 10k promises an experience like no other. Embark on a thrilling adventure as you navigate the pristine paths of Rother Valley, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings with every stride. With a well-marked course designed to showcase the park's stunning landscapes, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of natural wonder as you push yourself to new heights. As you cross the finish line, a sense of accomplishment and exhilaration awaits, fueled by the camaraderie of fellow participants and the support of enthusiastic spectators. But the excitement doesn't end there – stick around after the race to enjoy the park's array of amenities, from picturesque picnic spots to exhilarating outdoor activities. With its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere, the Sheffield 10k promises not only a memorable race experience but also a day of fun and relaxation for participants and spectators alike. Don't miss your chance to be part of this thrilling event – join us for the Sheffield 10k and discover the beauty of Rother Valley Country Park in a whole new way! Course Record: Male: Marcus Dey 33:37 Manchester University (2022) Female: Marsha Hanby 39:33 Sheffield (2024) Features: - 2 Laps around Rother Valley Country Park - Accurately measured course - Directions: Follow brown signs, from MI, Junction 31, A57 and A618 - Toilets and drop off. - England Athletics Affiliated Event - First Aid - Water at various parts of the course - Terrain: Pathway - Results published on www.mccpromotions.com; - Plenty of parking spaces available - parking costs €1.00 per hour - On-Day registration - Bespoke Medal & Spot Prize - Trophies for first 3 male & female - Charities: Sport In Mind