What is the Beer Mile World Classic 5K What is a ‘good’ 10K finish time parkrun offers 65 locations in which to do so at no cost. But what about 10K? Although there aren’t as many as 65 in London and, alas, most of them aren’t free, many excellent 10Ks still take place in England’s capital throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for fast, flat road courses or hard, hilly trail routes, our list below has something for you. On your marks, get set, go…
The London 10K
Where? Piccadilly
When? of the best marathons around the world
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In terms of offering a sightseeing tour of central London, this race is well ahead of the pack. The closed-road route takes in Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Bridge and Whitehall. Perhaps because of this, it sells out every year, attracting a wide range of runners from racing snakes to first-timers. It’s busy and loud out on the course, which some runners may find a little overwhelming. But, if you’re in the market for a high-energy, mass participation 10K, you won’t be disappointed.
RunThrough Foundation 10K
Where? Endure Relays: The four-hour running event for all
When? Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network
A free 10K, you say? We do not jest when we say that the RunThrough Foundation 10K, which takes place within the vibrant, runner-friendly Endure Relays: The four-hour running event for all in east London, has no entry fee, making it a brilliantly inclusive, summertime occasion that prioritises first-time runners and underrepresented groups. Due to its popular appeal, entry into the event is via three ballot rounds, which means that you have not one but three chances to get in.
LDNX
Where? Wembley
When? Summer running gear sale
There aren’t enough big road races in northwest London, so it’s good to see the LDNX emerge as a rival to some of the established central London options. It starts close to Wembley Stadium, follows a flat, closed-road route and ends close to the iconic statue of Bobby Moore, who captained England’s famous (and only) World Cup victory, back in 1966. Hopefully, you’ll experience similar glory on a course designed with PBs in mind. The only drawback? While the pub and restaurant options in Wembley are improving, it still feels like a slightly soulless place to celebrate post-race.
Run Shoreditch 10K
Where? Shoreditch
When? Sunday 21 September 2025
Another new race promising big crowds and the chance of a PB, Run Shoreditch 10K offers the chance to run round one of London’s hippest locales. Details of the route are still patchy – why so mysterious? – but the organisers can reveals that it will take in the ‘leafy, residential streets of De Beauvoir Town … vibey Hoxton Street and cross the iconic Regent’s Canal not once, but twice!’ While we’re not sure that crossing a waterway twice quite warrants the use of an exclamation mark, it does sound like a decent route. The post-race celebration options in this part of town are numerous, too.
Vitality London 10,000
Where? The Mall
When? Sunday 21 September 2025
If you like the razzamatazz of a big event, complete with a packed field and noisy support, the Vitality London 10,000 delivers in spades. Starting on The Mall and finishing right outside Buckingham Palace, it provides a rare opportunity to run through central London on closed roads. If you are on the hunt for a PB, with the course being flat enough to make this a distinct possibility, it pays to arrive early and get to the front of your pen. Otherwise, this can be 10K of overtaking people.
Fulham 10K
Where? Fulham
When? The best UK marathons outside of London
Like things flat and fast? Then make like the Pet Shop Boys and go west. The Fulham 10K is a PB merchants dream: flatter than a Dutch motorway and run on closed roads. Admittedly, it’s a tad more twisty than you’d like and it gets busy around the middle of the pack. However, the roads are fairly wide and the support is loud in volume and impressive in number. This well-heeled part of town is not short on gastro pubs in which to celebrate afterwards, either.
Crystal Palace 10K
Where? Crystal Palace
When? A runner’s guide to the 2025 Great Scottish Run
Question: what’s the only 10K in London that allows you to run past dinosaurs? That’s right, the Crystal Palace 10K. These eccentric statues have been standing still since 1854, but you’ll be whizzing past them on a scenic, hilly course inside the magnificent Crystal Palace Park. A word about those hills: they are many and they are steep, but you get to run down ’em, too, so quit your complaining and think of how heroic you’ll feel at the finish line.
London Winter Run
Where? Trafalgar Square
When? How far is 10K in miles
This is perhaps the closest thing you’ll get to an in-your-face Disney race in London. An ever-popular event that well and truly embraces its frosty theme, the London Winter Run features everything from polar bears, penguins, huskies and even yetis along the route, while the medal that you’ll earn at the finish line is nothing short of a novelty wintry masterpiece. Despite the sub-zero aesthetic of this race, you can still achieve some hot times on its fast, flat course that weaves around the heart of the City of London.
Valentine’s 10K
Where? Chessington
When? February 2026 (date TBC)
This classic 10K, taking place in Chessington in the southern reaches of the London Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, is a favourite among club runners. As its name would suggest, the race takes place in early-to-mid-February each year. As such, it provides a good testing ground for those training for a spring marathon, as well as those solely focused on a 10K PB. If you prioritise grassroots running over big-city glitz’n’glam, you’ll fall in love with the Valentine’s 10K.
Night of the 10,000m PB’s
Where? Parliament Hill
When? May 2026 (date TBC)
No list of best London 10Ks would be complete without the glorious, game-changing Night of the 10,000m PB’s. Taking place at the iconic Parliament Hill athletics track and organised by Highgate Harriers, it has become one of the UK’s must-run (or must-watch) running events, featuring loud music, pints aplenty, a ‘scream tunnel’ and some of Europe’s best 10K runners. Alas, you have to be seriously quick to qualify for any of the races, but it’s worth going along to enjoy the spectacle.
Ranelagh 10K
Where? Ham
When? What is the Beer Mile World Classic
Another favourite among club runners, the Ranelagh 10K boasts a fast two-lap course with scenic views of the River Thames. While you’ll spend a fair amount of time on the traffic-free Thames towpath, it’s worth noting that the road sections are not closed, so you’ll have to be mindful of other road users. The rock-solid organisation and friendly marshals are among the many reasons why this event is so highly regarded.
Triffic Trail
Where? Trent Park
When? June 2026 (date TBC)
If points were given for alliteration alone, the Trent Park’s Triffic Trail would top the table. But there’s plenty more to recommend about this multi-terrain run in north London. Easy to reach by public transport, the race also offers a 4.5km run for junior runners. With no traffic to negotiate, you can concentrate purely on the running, which takes in a mixture of trails, fields and a small stretch of road.
