Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<p>Didn&#8217;t get a place at the London Marathon this year? Oh well. Do a local race instead! Here are the best exhilarating races to sign up for across Glos &amp; Worcs this year.</p>



<p>Try your stamina at a local triathlon, or just have a giggle at a fun run. Add in some cool fitness gear, a sunny day, and you&#8217;ll never look back.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-forest-warrior-obstacle-run-sun-19-july-forest-of-dean">1. <a href="https://www.forestwarrior.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Warrior Obstacle Run</a>, Sun 19 July, Forest of Dean</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/04/1.runs_-1000x1000.jpg" alt="woman running a race in glos" class="wp-image-82284" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/04/1.runs_-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/04/1.runs_-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/04/1.runs_-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/04/1.runs_-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/04/1.runs_-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/04/1.runs_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Forest Warrior</figcaption></figure>



<p>Challenge yourself on some of the toughest terrain in Glos! Warriors (aka survivors) will receive a large bespoke medal and drink. What&#8217;s in store? Tarzan-style swings, scramble nets and high walls, this 10k route around the Huntley Estate is not for the fainthearted, expect steep hills, natural obstacles and a mud bath along the way. There is also an easier 1km kids version for the littles. <em>Entry is £44</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-"></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-race-for-life-10k-gloucester-31-may">2. <a href="https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event/gloucester-park-gloucester-10k-2026-05-31-1000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Race for Life 10k</a>, Gloucester, 31 May</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-48.jpg" alt="races in Gloucestershire" class="wp-image-33586" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-48.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-48-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-48-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-48-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-48-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Raise money for the worthy Cancer Research UK on this 10k run, which is generally completed in two hours (or more). Starts at 10am and early bird tickets cots. under a tenner. The course is run on road closures and pathways through the city centre and Historic Docks and it&#8217;s a double lap of the 5k route, returning to Gloucester Park and looping back out into Spa Road.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-cheltenham-running-festival-sun-14-june-cheltenham-racecourse">3/ <a href="https://www.cheltenhamrunningfestival.com/#:~:text=THE%20RACE,Half%20Marathon%20around%20Cheltenham%20Racecourse." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheltenham Running Festival</a>, Sun 14 June, Cheltenham Racecourse</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="740" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/12/1-26.jpg" alt="races in Gloucestershire" class="wp-image-55676" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/12/1-26.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/12/1-26-800x592.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/12/1-26-400x296.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/12/1-26-709x525.jpg 709w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: </figcaption></figure>



<p>Join the Cheltenham Running Festival 2025 on Sunday 8th June and choose your run &#8211; a 5k, 10k or Half Marathon &#8211; all in support of Winston’s Wish&nbsp;Charity. This year there is also a kids&#8217; race, making this a fun day out for the entire family. <em>Adult entry starts at £30, and kids £10.</em></p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-cotswold-way-challenge-13-14-june-cotswolds">4. <a href="https://www.ultrachallenge.com/cotswold-way-challenge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotswold Way Challenge</a>, 13 -14 June, Cotswolds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.womanhaooy-1000x667.jpg" alt="woman doing a race in gloucestershire" class="wp-image-78313" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.womanhaooy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.womanhaooy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.womanhaooy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.womanhaooy.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An iconic Cotswold run! Starting from a base-camp in Cirencester this 100km looped route through the heart of the Cotswolds sees 2,000 adventurers annually testing themselves for charity. There are rolling hills, villages, the magical Cotswold Way, footpaths &amp; trails, with some fabulous views &#8211; and a few tough hills in between! Money raised goes to a variety of big national charities. Run it, walk it or  and do half or quarter challenges instead. There&#8217;s also shorter Cirencester 10k loop option too.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-the-great-10k-bristol-run-sun-26-may-bristol">4. <a href="https://www.grandappeal.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/events/great-bristol-10k/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAzMGNBhCyARIsANpUkzN2HomMuFkTMb69rMdNKzMicOBKt0BCZiiOQpBFO2chQvz8OBSDt60aAhufEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Great 10k Bristol Run</a>, Sun 26 May, Bristol</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="656" src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-49.jpg" alt="races in Gloucestershire" class="wp-image-33588" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-49.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-49-300x197.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-49-720x472.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-49-150x98.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/1-49-800x525.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Take part in Bristol’s most prestigious sporting event – the Great Bristol 10k. The route treats you to the sights of Bristol’s&nbsp;Harbourside, historic Castle Park and through the Old City. With roads closed, you’ll experience Bristol in a whole new way. Whether you are running novice and fancy a challenge, or a seasoned competitor looking for your next personal best,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/?utm_source=The+Grand+Appeal&amp;utm_medium=Various&amp;utm_campaign=GBrisRun21_GrandAppeal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sign up for this iconic Bristol race</a>&nbsp;and help raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Registration is £42.</em></p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-tewkesbury-half-marathon-tewkesbury-11-may-2026">5. <a href="https://runtewkesbury.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tewkesbury Half Marathon,</a> Tewkesbury, 11 May 2026</h2>



<p>The Tewkesbury 10k is for ages 17+ and starts at Tewkesbury Leisure Centre. It costs £35 to enter and included when you make it around are a finishers medal, t-shirt. The course goes through the scenic town and out into the lanes, before a finish in the high street. There are plenty of water stations throughout the course to keep you hydrated.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-cirencester-park-summer-sizzler-sun-7-june-cirencester">6. <a href="https://www.cirencesterac.com/sizzler-10k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cirencester Park Summer Sizzler,</a> Sun 7 June, Cirencester</h2>



<p>This 10K chip timed running event within Cirencester Park is always a thriller. The course works its way through the beautiful scenic parkland with permission from the Bathurst Estate &#8211; is one not to be missed.&nbsp;Expect ample parking and refreshments. Costs from £18. Begins at The Old Kennels (reward yourself with a slap up lunch from Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden when you finish).</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-nbsp-stroud-half-marathon-stroud-sun-26-oct">7.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stroudhalf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stroud Half Marathon</a>, Stroud, Sun 26 Oct</h2>



<p>It’s the 44th anniversary for this popular event. Although not flat, the course is a great place for a fast time. Suitable for racers, recreational runners and novices alike. The race starts and finishes on the Cainscross Road, adjacent to Marling School field.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-nbsp-tough-mudder-nbsp-badminton-15-aug">8.&nbsp;<a href="https://toughmudder.co.uk/events/south-west/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tough Mudder,</a>&nbsp;Badminton, 15 Aug</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/01/1.woman_-1000x667.jpg" alt="woman in water doing a race" class="wp-image-80505" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/01/1.woman_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/01/1.woman_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/01/1.woman_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/01/1.woman_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Tough Mudder</figcaption></figure>



<p>Run like the wind over perfect green fields as you take on Tough Mudder at the home of the Badminton Horse Trials. There will be world-class obstacles, thick mud and the coveted headbands. You bring the teamwork, up-for-anything-attitude and good vibes. It’s a match made in mud-covered heaven.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-worcester-city-runs-worcester-city-centre-sun-13-sept">9. <a href="https://www.runningcalendar.co.uk/event/worcester-city-runs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Worcester City Runs</a>, Worcester City Centre, Sun 13 Sept</h2>



<p>The Worcester City Runs are a celebration of running with Half Marathon, 10km and junior events. The Worcester viaduct provides a fantastic backdrop for these events which are held on a traffic-free, picturesque course through the heart of the city.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-westonbirt-arboretum-half-marathon-westonbirt-sun-7-sept">10. <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/running" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westonbirt Arboretum Half Marathon,</a> Westonbirt, Sun 7 Sept</h2>



<p>All the beauty of a trail run without navigating uneven ground, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.soglos.com/tag/westonbirt-arboretum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westonbirt Arboretum Half Marathon</a>&nbsp;is run on solid stone paths for firm footing. There&#8217;s also a&nbsp;10k, 5k and one-mile fun run taking place on the day, meaning runners of all ages and abilities can enjoy this scenic route around the Arboretum&#8217;s renowned collection of trees, and catch a glimpse of some early autumn colour. </p>



<p>Plus, take part in the regular Saturday morning <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/parkrun" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkrun</a> at 9am which is totally free &#8211; just rock up and run.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-broadway-half-marathon-19-sept-broadway">11.<a href="https://cotswoldtrailevents.co.uk/broadway-half-marathon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Broadway Half Marathon</a>, 19 Sept, Broadway</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.broadwaytower1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Broadway tower" class="wp-image-78362" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.broadwaytower1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.broadwaytower1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.broadwaytower1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/10/1.broadwaytower1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Broadway Marathon and Half Marathon lets you challenge yourself with the backdrop of stunning northern Cotswolds scenery. The courses starts and finish in scenic Broadway village, and follows trails and roads among picturesque villages and woodlands not to mention the iconic Broadway Tower (stop for a selfie). The majority of the course is trail or unpaved track. A 13.2 mile circular route, or do the  full 26.5 mile Marathon course.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-bit-further-afield-but-worth-the-sprint">A bit further afield but worth the sprint</h2>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-blenheim-palace-triathlon-woodstock-6-7-june-2026">12. <strong><a href="https://www.blenheimtriathlon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blenheim Palace Triathlon</a>, Woodstock</strong>, 6 &#8211; 7 June 2026</h2>



<p>You’ll get a scenic tour of Blenheim’s beautiful grounds with the route looping around the palace. There are&nbsp;four entry options – sprint (750m swim, 19.8km bike, 5.4km run), super-sprint (400m, 13.3km bike, 2.9km run), you can enter in a team for the sprint relay (750m swim, 19.8km bike, 5.4km run), and there’s also a Weekend Warrior option where you can go for as long and as far as you can.<em> Entry £124.</em></p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-13-parkrun-uk">13. <strong><a href="https://www.parkrun.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkrun UK</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/woman-running.jpg" alt="woman doing a race in gloucestershire" class="wp-image-140857" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-run-your-socks-off-for-free">Run your socks off &#8211; for free</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.parkrun.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkrun</a> organises totally free 5k timed runs in 839 locations (and counting) around the world open to all ages and abilities. All you need to do is search your hometown to find your nearest run, sling on your trainers and go! Parkrun also organises junior races for any younger budding athletes.</p>



<p></p>



<p><strong>Want more? Try these:</strong></p>



<p><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/fitness/game-on-7-best-places-for-padel-and-pickleball-fun-in-glos-worcs/">9 top places to play Padel or Pickleball</a></p>



<p><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/wild-saunas-ice-baths-near-you-gloucestershire-cotswolds/">Amazing wild saunas in Glos &amp; Worcs</a></p>



<p><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/10-wellness-tips-youll-actually-want-to-do-no-5am-ice-baths-required/">10 awesome wellness hacks (no ice baths required)</a></p>



<p></p>


Mud, sweat & cheers: 14 fantastic local races to book

You may also like