2025 at a Glance – The Numbers That Defined the Year
- Over 6.5 million people in England ran regularly between late 2023 and 2024.
- 40% of the UK population now runs at least once a week, with 27% running 1–3 times weekly — a year-on-year rise.
- The 2025 London Marathon saw a record ~840,318 ballot applications.
- The 2025 race set a new world record with 56,640 finishers, becoming the world’s largest marathon.
- The 2025 Manchester Marathon registered 36,000 participants, its biggest field ever.
- Over half of Manchester’s runners in 2025 were first-time marathoners.
These statistics paint the picture of a booming UK running landscape, driven not just by elite athletes, but by everyday runners embracing the sport.
2025 UK Running Events: Key Highlights and Takeaways
Major Marathons: Record-Breaking Participation
The 2025 season delivered historic participation levels across the UK’s biggest races.
London Marathon 2025
- More than 840,000 ballot applications.
- Over 56,000 runners crossed the finish line — the most finishers in any marathon in history.
- Reflects extraordinary mass-participation demand.
Manchester Marathon 2025
- Welcomed 36,000 runners, solidifying its status as one of Europe’s fastest-growing marathons.
- More than half of all entrants were first-timers, showing that marathon running is expanding beyond core club runners.
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
- Maintained strong participation across marathon, half marathon, and festival events.
- Continued appeal for new runners and destination seekers.
Running Participation: A Lifestyle, Not a Niche
In 2025, data shows UK running becoming more mainstream than ever.
- 40% of UK adults now run weekly.
- Running remains one of the most popular, accessible fitness activities in the country.
- National physical-activity reports show record numbers of adults achieving recommended weekly exercise levels.
- Running’s low cost and flexibility continue to increase its appeal.
This rapid growth directly supports expanding race calendars and rising demand for running content, training programmes, and community-led activities.
Looking Ahead to 2026: The Trends to Watch
Demand for Major Marathons Will Surge
- The 2026 London Marathon saw over 1.13 million ballot applications — up from 840k the year before.
- Gender split among applicants is nearly 50/50, suggesting the sport is approaching full gender balance at marathon level.
- Expect competition for places to intensify across all major UK marathons.
Rise of Variety: Trail, Coastal, Night & Hybrid Events
As more people enter the sport, interest in non-traditional races continues to grow.
Expect the 2026 UK running calendar to expand with:
- Coastal marathons
- Night-time ultras
- Themed city runs
- Multi-day endurance challenges
- Road-to-trail hybrid events
Experience-Based Running Will Grow
More runners seek events that offer:
- Scenic courses
- Boutique race experiences
- Festival-style weekends
- Travel + accommodation packages
- Wellbeing and recovery zones
Health & Community Motivation Will Drive Participation
The running boom is fuelled by:
- Mental wellbeing benefits
- Social running groups
- Charity fundraising
- Local community events
Expect to see more accessible, family-friendly and inclusive runs in 2026.
Top UK Running Events to Target in 2026
For Personal Best Targets
- London Marathon
- Manchester Marathon
- Milton Keynes Marathon
For Atmosphere & Crowd Support
- Great North Run
- Cardiff Half Marathon
- Great Scottish Run
For Scenic or Unique Courses
- Edinburgh Marathon
- Snowdonia Marathon
- Dorset, Northumberland & Pembrokeshire coastal races
For Beginners
- 5K & 10K series
- Parkrun events
- Great Run 5K events
- Vitality London 10,000
Why 2026 Could Be the Biggest Year Yet
With record-breaking marathon interest, rising national fitness trends, and an explosion of new runners, 2026 is shaping up to be the UK’s most exciting year of running yet.
Whether you’re training for your first 5K or aiming for a marathon PB, there has never been a better time to be part of the UK running family.
Sources
- Statista — Running participation in England (Nov 2023–24).
- SportsShoes Running Report 2025 — UK running habits and frequency.
- London Marathon Events — 2025 ballot application numbers (world record).
- Guinness World Records / Marathon records via London Marathon results 2025.
- Manchester Marathon — 2025 race participation data.
- Sport England — National physical activity levels (2023–2024).
- Athletics Weekly — 2026 London Marathon applicant numbers & gender breakdown.
