THE ULTIMATE LIST OF BEST ROAD RUNNING RACES (NOT MAJORS!) - GET A PB & HAVE FUN!

[@Wj21-m3c]

Vancouver 10k Sun Run, Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Royal Victoria Marathon are great events to check out in Canada!

[@erinpropas4771]

I live in Victoria and the marathon is not the easiest course but beautiful. Hit or miss on weather, as it is in October. I prefer the Vancouver Marathon in May.

[@ljukherrecker]

Berlin half marathon in spring is also a great race, Vienna City Marathon where you run on the track where Kipchoge ran sub 2h

[@eoincasey5461]

I’ve ran the Dublin Marathon 5 times… it is not flat!!! The first half is a lot of uphill pain…Absolutely brilliant Marathon though! The support around the full course is amazing.

[@lojpfeiop9576]

Yep not flat at all for a city marathon

[@Mr_Fairdale]

St. George, Utah! Gorgeous marathon in early October. Also in October is the Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota. I plan on running it next year.

[@erinpropas4771]

I have run the Vancouver Marathon twice and it is a stunning course, not easy but worth it! The last 10k or so is along the sea wall, around Stanley Park, flat and gorgeous views of the mountains, the ocean and the park. I am of course biased, as Vancouver is my home city! It is in May so the weather is usually nice. I am running the half course this year but ran the full last year for the second time, it was the 50th anniversary.

[@krxahfb]

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is my favorite here in the states and also my home town race. It has amazing crowd support and raises money for a great cause! Thanks for posting this video. While I am not the fastest runner I am looking to challenge myself with new races in new places.

[@terryfurlong518]

Cambridge Half Marathon is my personal favourite (as its local to me) and flat. Great scenery and the route goes through some of the iconic grounds too.

[@VimmerbyJim]

I can't argue with you as to the London Marathon; the atmosphere was amazing thanks to the wonderful supporters and volunteers lining the streets. I would add the Stockholm Marathon to the list for you to consider sometime (it was my first marathon). I'm running the California International in about 6 weeks and was glad to hear your favorable comments on it. What race are you running next, Ben?

[@fraserkerr7984]

Kielder half/marathon in Northumberland. It's hilly but scenic throughout the course.

[@bcockton]

Great list .... you forgot some races in Canada... Around the Bay 30K (older than Boston), Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the Vancouver International Marathon

[@Spencer377]

Marathon du Médoc is, without a doubt, the most enjoyable ‘race’ I’ve been in, it’s practically compulsory to wear fancy dress, the route is so scenic and runs through multiple vineyards where you must sample the wine and stop running to dance to the live bands (50 of them!), there’s no point in going for a fast time, you simply need to do sub 6.30 for your medal and goodie bag which of course includes wine. 🍷🧀🥴

[@gary7542]

Cracking video, will you be doing one on trail races/non roads? Great description on Edinburgh marathon rexwind/weather though has also been the hottest day of the year too 👍👍👍

[@2spoons]

Thanks Ben.... Definitely Loch Ness (scenic and a beast at mile 19).... Secondly I love London and the HUGE atmosphere...... Manchester for Fastest... but do try and get a signal long before the start as the transmitters are sparse... (I've run all three)!! and can give hotel tips too.....

[@petergibbs6993]

Brilliant and I would suggest a nice challenging HM is the Potters Arf in Stoke on Trent

[@phill.p]

Loch Ness is a beautiful route, New York Half was fantastic for the course & support. I did Moscow Marathon in 2018 & that is almost pan flat as well as very well organised with the website & race instructions available in English.

[@chrisdayman-johns7100]

Bath Half (and the 2 Tunnels run) are great. The Bath HM always has a fantastic crowd and live music entertaining and driving the runners on. A hilly but very scenic HM (or 10km) is the Frome race. Usually baking hot in middle of July but is a good test! Great video Ben as usual!

[@eat_sleep_run_8496]

look at likes of cork and galway bay in ireland, others like chester and yorkshire, im trying hastings half in march 20th

[@tetehl4731]

This is very informative Ben. Thanks so much. I prefer the Flat race as I'm still new to this. I love to do Royal Parks Mmarathonin in London next year. 🙏😍

[@dol1030]

Great video! Shout out for the Spitsbergen Marathon (and Half) - inside the Arctic Circle, below 0C in June, and armed guards against Polar Bears en route 😮

[@Joe-mans]

Looking forward to this Ben. Your growing so fast on KZbin and getting back stronger!!!!

[@nickpocock8081]

I love Torbay half marathon and my first half marathon La Pegasus in Normandy. I’m trying to go back to do the D-day landing marathon. 🤞

[@r_unner_G]

Definitely doing the Zueven 7 hills next year. My fave low key race is the Hatfield 5!

[@TheSilentRoar]

Aha, love that race, it's a ridiculously quick course. Got a 5k PB each time I've done it.

[@harwex]

Hello! nice list you got there! I'm training for my first marathon and I wonder how Stockholm or Copenhagen marathon stack up against your choices? Cheers

[@jonathanvedia5443]

Love the Energy! In the US, the Gate River Run in Jacksonville, FL is fast 15k, hosting the US 15k championships. Ton of elite runner. If your a Disney Movie buff than the Disney Marathon is also Amazing. You run through all the Disney Parks and the Character are out cheering you on! Philadelphia Marathon is amazing too

[@tobyk8125]

Chuncheon (pronounced choon-chon) Marathon in South Korea. Historic (first run in 1946) and beautiful - it is a lap of a lake with mountains covered by autumnal trees all around.

[@alanmcdougall8228]

Great video Ben. I’d definitely add Chester and Yorkshire to the UK list, best two marathons I’ve done.

[@dabkr]

Great Manchester Run Half Marathon is the best road race. Tour of Tameside is probably my favourite overall event.

[@JonBagge]

Hackney Half is great as well, very good crowds around East London. It's normally in May.

[@BenParkes]

Was tempted to include Hackney.. but it’s always so expensive and not a fast route really. But lovely atmosphere! 😀

[@alfdickinson1971]

Beachy Head Marathon(used to be Seven Sisters marathon)! October time: amazing scenery-very tough, my most honored medal! Great video can't wait to do some of these races you have suggested.

[@garyhowland5042]

Great video Ben. You have missed the awesome set of Chester races. The 10k, half marathon and Metric marathon / Marathon. Good luck with your training in 2022 and beyond.

[@paulcain9442]

Agree, Chester Triple Medal 🥇 for doing 3 of the 4 options is also a nice touch. The Metric Marathon (26.2km) is a nice step up distance towards the full Marathon

[@harru969]

The Chester races are excellent! Quite hilly in my opinion but really well organised, good route and plenty of quality goodies at the end

[@stevensmith1520]

Inverness marathon is fantastic but I would not call it nicely undulating. Some very sharp descents over the first few miles can mash your quads and then you hit mile18 (or 19) and its a full mile of climbing. But good to see you include it on your list because its a great day in a beautiful part of the UK.

[@KirtletheTurtle1]

Sheffield Half Marathon the one for me! Notoriously long hill (5 miles) on the way out, but views of the Peak District and Sheffield to die for, with basically 8 miles back down hill to the finish! Get yourself along, we’ll put you up for the night! 😃

[@neilwhite4889]

Bournemouth Marathon hasn't happened for a few years now. They still do the Half, 10k and 5ks. Southampton Half & Marathon is pretty good (Two laps for the Marathon though, so the Half pips it for me. I hope to get to the Beer Lovers Marathon in Liege one day, I was booked to go in 2020.

[@nicholasintscher6587]

Thanks for the video! Great list of races. I've got the Falmouth Road Race in Cape Cod at the top of my bucket list.

[@Tonyr2]

Really liked this informative video Ben. Nice one.

[@markrmonteith]

Running Newport this weekend - can’t wait!

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Mark!

[@elliegrimes7712]

Hi Ben, the midlands exists and has some great races too! Whether you want a city experience like derby, Birmingham, Nottingham, or trails, with the peaks and national forest on our doorstep! Oh and there’s even a set of races around Alton towers!

[@adrianjarvis1170]

Best local support in UK for me is Cambridge Half, followed by Wilmslow. Both are nice and fast and scenic. Agree Paris, Seville and Barcelona 👍

[@delfino19777]

I've just run the cherry blossom 10 miler in DC. The course is part of the Marine Corp marathon, it's flat (just 1 uphill at the end) crowded but i set a PR. It's lottery based only but it's really worth it. Only "negative" you need to pay for your medal

[@jacoline0simpleplan]

Great list! Will you be doing the zevenheuvelenloop in Nijmegen (the Netherlands) again this year? Im hoping to run it myself for the first time.

[@darrenbeers6748]

Great video Ben may try Edinburgh marathon next year. As for Bournemouth I don't believe they're doing the full marathon any more?

[@BenParkes]

Yeah, my mistake! I’ve ran it a few times.. but didn’t realise it was cancelled.

[@danieltsuedo334]

bolder boulder is fun.., I ran it years ago, and didn’t know what to expect. I have got to do it one more time..

[@antoinewesterman4172]

I would add Nice-Cannes which follows the coast of the Mediterranean. Fantastic views.

[@benguinane3791]

Great Ocean Road Marathon, Victoria, Australia

[@peggy2921]

Yeah! I am from the Netherlands 🧡🧡 Zevenheuvelenloop is a great event!! I am born in Nijmegen. But never ran this race! Hopefully next year!

[@eat_sleep_run_8496]

just a few ideas some i've done, london winter run 10k 13th feb, brighton half 27th feb, cambridge half 6th march, manchester half 15th may swansea half 12th june, bournemouth 5k,10k,half & marathon 9th oct, portsmouth 10mi 16th oct, Beachy Head Marathon TBC oct

[@shaunledington3224]

i love the Snowdonia Marathon. Its never a "race" for me, i simply go every year the past 3 years for a fun social marathon with friends. Big fan of St Neots half marathon. Got my PB there a few years ago. Back again in a few weeks too!

[@olialbone7509]

My local is st Neots half marathon, I also won the u11 boys fun run there last time it was on

[@jackdeegan8635]

Dublin Marathon starts off flat but becomes sneakily hilly around the 5 mile point and then two really steep hills, at about 8 miles and 22 miles (heartbreak hill). Have to wait until next year until I complete it for the 5th time!

[@NicBen]

I would love to do the Great South run!! Favourite half marathon has got to be Bournemouth half, Edinburgh half or the Oxford Half marathon! 😊

[@2spoons]

One for the bucket list is the Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail - I haven't run this, but my friend has just finished the 74 miler - they run 3 events 119km, 63km and 38km.... just to get you taste buds tingling ....

[@BenParkes]

Will do a trail version of this very soon!

[@mcfall1984]

Best 10k event in n.ireland, Keep’Er Lit 10k quality event, quality goody bag, must do if in n.ireland Best half marathon - Belfast half Best marathon I’ve done - Berlin, mega flat, mega support and it’s a major ( lottery place )

[@jacintascanlon9529]

Rottnest Marathon in Western Australia is pretty iconic. Hilly, often exposed, gorgeous, with bonus quokkas. Lapped course, on your final lap you are given money to pay a bagpiper to play you home.

[@derekpugh5457]

Should try the Isle of Man marathon, beautiful surroundings out in the conutryside…big food buffet at the end too

[@JesusWasHeree]

Doing newport sunday for my first, can't wait

[@BenParkes]

Good luck! 🙌

[@alexanderchow6303]

Did the Bristol Half this September sad to see it not on this list :( was such an amazing event!

[@TumoRuns]

Bit of a shout-out for some of the smaller races out there - Mid-Cheshire 5k, one of the quickest out there and wonderfully organised. Also, the 4 Villages Half Marathon - I’m biased because it’s my club’s race, but it won Runner’s World “best half marathon in the north” and it’s such a well-ran race. The best two races I’ve ran!

[@ian7328]

4 villages is a great race,my go to post Xmas half.

[@Acairns123]

You should run Dublin Ben! The crowd is amazing

[@willrobertsn]

Was hoping to see some love for Canada! Come check out the Toronto Waterfront Marathon some year soon Ben 🙌

[@BenParkes]

Yeah.. I haven’t been to Canada, yet! But hopefully 2022 will bring us over there!

[@danthemanufan2]

Great video Ben. Have you ever ran Silverstone? Thinking to do this next year. 🤔

[@anjakonter2138]

Rotterdam (Marathon & 1/4 Marathon), Madrid Vallecana 10k (on New Years Eve) and London’s Big Half!

[@ChloeHamard]

Thank you for this, I've added some races to my bucket list! I was wondering if you/anyone here have thoughts on the Malaga marathon/half?

[@BenParkes]

It’s not a race I’ve ever done.. but on paper really looks like a good one, very similar to the other Spanish races I listed. So certainly one to consider!

[@therookierunner]

Hi Chloe, I've raced the Malaga marathon Dec 2019 and I'm doing the half this Dec...really really good set up and race day vibe! It's virtually flat and both the half and full distances are at the same time. Weather is usually perfect that time of year too and then the city is buzzing in the night with the runners feasting on Tapas and beer ;)

[@ChloeHamard]

@@therookierunner Thank you for your insights! I've signed up to the half this year too!

[@therookierunner]

@@ChloeHamard Amazing! You'll love it... PB Course if you're chasing those kinda goals too

[@Gerhard2770]

I have run Miami and Honolulu. However best race: Comrades marathon

[@oliviakillen]

we have 4 10 milers here in devon. 3 trail. 1 road. all in nov too. bideford 10. drogo 10. templer 10. bicton blister

[@caitlinknox2674]

It was so cool to hear about all of these, thanks for making this Ben! do you think you could also do a trail/ultra version of this list too?

[@BenParkes]

It’s coming very soon! Already making notes for it and doing the research!

[@simonhughes8880]

In terms of atmosphere Great North Run also London Landmarks, In terms of flattest Paddock Wood ( Kent )H/M.

[@svvvekf7407]

The bournemouth marathon isn't run anymore unfortunately, 2019 was the last. The half marathon is still lovely though, ran my PB there a couple of weeks ago. And it has the same big hill and willpower-draining out and back along the seafront 😅

[@sofiaromero4329]

Next time just say USA instead of North America 😢 I was waiting for Mexico and Canada races

[@joseguzman4130]

Houston 🙌🏽 I’ll be running my first ever half marathon

[@alisonwoodrow6424]

Ashbourne half & White Peak both in Derbyshire very pretty but pretty hilly. Naseby 1645 which is 16 miles & 450 yds ..

[@thatrunnermatt]

Snowdon is a ballot now! Also all places have been deferred since 2020

[@TomSzczepanski]

Loved this video Ben!

[@davebowerman9869]

I enjoy my local coastal 10k in Folkestone

[@frankdebot4389]

Hey! there are more than 7 hills in The Netherlands. I know some people are not fond of Limburg, but it still belongs to The Netherlands 😛

[@gbmpam8]

Rock n' Roll in Liverpool issued communication saying that the last year for this race is 2021, no more Rock n' Roll races in Liverpool ☹

[@AT154LFC]

Blaydon Race. Newcastle-upon-Tyne play the Blaydon Races song at the beginning to get you going

[@chrispiper2022]

Hastings Half is great. Challenging course but great local support.

[@dewaynescott5114]

Ben the Peachtree Road Race Atlanta, Georgia

[@sandeepverygoodvedeo8693]

Thanks very much sir

[@louisehall852]

I did Manchester this year and it’s definitely not flat apparently they changed the route old route was flat but not now

[@shefalic786]

I did it this year too and can confirm it's DEFINITELY not flat!

[@itsConstantine]

*Panathenaic Stadium in the center of Athens! :)

[@dannyfoster2841]

run Newport Marathon at the weekend and finally dipped in under 3hrs (2:56:10) i can confirm its a fast flat course (weather promoting)

[@Zethpeterkaphoto]

great video as usual!

[@RunTommy123]

No Peachtree 10k in Atlanta? Come on man. I personally love the Disney Marathon. You run thru all the parks and Mickey Mouse himself high-fives you at the finish.

[@aimeew8310]

Hastings Half marathon! Pretty much 5 miles uphill to start :D

[@Writin2insanity]

Yikes! There's a difference between the Houston Half (which is in October) vs the Houston Marathon (January). Yes, it's confusing. The October Houston Half is only half race and a 10K race . The Houston Marathon (it's a Boston Qualifier) is a marathon, a half, and a 5K (I'm running the 5K this year. YAY!!!!) I hear the marathon course is pretty flat too. Yes, I know it's confusing and it confused me when I started running and looking for races, too! Hope this clarifies!

[@colmobrien8904]

Great vlog Ben, how about the mont blanc marathon? It's my all time favourite vlog on KZbin

[@BenParkes]

Will be doing a trail race version very soon!

[@mattm597]

Ever hear of the Peachtree Road Race? It's the largest 10K in the U.S. Boulder is the second. I've run both, and I definitely prefer Boulder, but just saying.

[@lorrainecowan7288]

Hi Ben I en joyed your videos I did vitality mathanth for London 6 hour 24 mins my frist one I like the half marathon I did in Blackpool be for lock down was fun

[@BenParkes]

Well done Lorraine!

[@CarlitoArgentina]

I loved Manchester and the support we got along the way, together with sweets and drinks offered by the kind people of Manchester, no matter I stuck to my gels. 🤓 I wanna run them all but Tromso is the one I want badly. Next is Athens, November 14.

[@paulhoughton5266]

Budapest 30 km and marathon in October

[@koproinsias]

Just did the Kraków half marathon in Poland. Fantastic route. Highly recommended

[@CarlitoArgentina]

I did the Marathon in April 2018 and loved everything about that place. I'll return and run it again some day.

[@koproinsias]

@@CarlitoArgentina i am just waiting to sign up for that one. Heard it is a good race

[@CarlitoArgentina]

@@koproinsias it ain't a race for a new pb but me and my friends we loved it, the Polish runners not so much, you see they aren't used to run in 27 Celsius in April. I don't think it will ever happen again though, go for it!

[@leonvandijk]

7 heuvelenloop, what a epic video this is!!

[@TheCameronfal]

The Liverpool marathon has been scrapped as of next year! Gutted!!

[@michaelstone6617]

Reading half is excellent. Down the high street half way round and finish pitchside in the football stadium.

[@tobyk8125]

Been umming and aahing about it. Way out of shape and it isn't cheap. You may have just persuaded me

[@michaelstone6617]

@@tobyk8125 I’ve done it 3 times, the town centre bit is great. There’s a bit of a slope at mile 7 (I think) but not a long one, the rest is pancake flat. And the route into the stadium is a bit longer than you’d expect it to be!

[@Spencer377]

I didn’t think Reading was that amazing but the finish at Majeski Stadium was pretty good!

[@seandaly6946]

Any reason Brighton was left off? I signed up for April 2022 as my first marathon and now I regret it if it didn't even get a mention amongst all these other races

[@Tonyr2]

Maybe Ben hasn't run it? I have done it twice and it's a very good one but I am done with it now.

[@robin29991]

Perfect. Racing Rotterdam on Sunday👊

[@BenParkes]

Good luck! 🙌

[@danielgurmin2672]

Doing snowdonia myself

[@emmahayes5654]

My favourite was the Disneyland Paris Half

[@likemarksee]

You forgot Cardiff Half Marathon, it’s my second favourite race in the UK.

[@willt3234]

Anglesey half marathon!