What if I didn’t get a place at the 2025 TCS London Marathon?
The TCS London Marathon saw a record-breaking 840,318 people enter the ballot for 2025!
If you missed out on a spot for London, we’ve got you covered with our top alternatives within the UK, Europe, as well as our favourite beginner friendly marathons!
Running marathons takes a lot of preparation, both physically and mentally - it is essential to plan your marathons to avoid injury or burnout for the coming year. Marathon training is no small feat, and we applaud your efforts. Whether you have been running for a while or have just started, using a good beginner marathon training plan is one of the best first steps towards your marathon goal. The next step is signing up for a marathon, through either a ballot place, or for a charity.
While you might be feeling disappointed to have not got a place for London, there are many other marathons out there, some you may not even be aware of. Almost every city has a marathon, and after 20 weeks of marathon training, rigorous nutrition preparation and planning, kit testing and research, it would be a huge shame to miss out on putting that training to good use & getting that distance covered.
Prepare, plan and know your entry submission dates for the best chance of getting involved!
BEST UK ALTERNATIVES TO RUNNING THE TCS LONDON MARATHON
Loch Ness Marathon - September 2024
With spectacular scenery, a fantastic atmosphere and a truly memorable experience – this race features on the bucket list for so many runners around the world.
The Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside world famous Loch Ness, starting in an atmospheric moorland setting and continues through stunning Highland scenery, taking you along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, to finish in Inverness, capital city of the Highlands. Why not make a Highland weekend of it and come with family or friends? There’s plenty to entertain runners and spectators over the weekend.
Blackpool Marathon - April 2025
Manchester Marathon - April 2025
Belfast Marathon - May 2025
The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon is one of the leading marathons in the UK and Ireland. The race starts at Stormont and finishes in Ormeau Park, running through all four areas of the City; North, South, East and West. The Belfast event is renowned for the incredible local support and crowds to cheer you on throughout your 26.2 mile journey. There is an event to suit all levels of fitness including a Marathon Run, Wheelchair Race, Team Relay and 8 Mile Walk, attracting over 15,000 participants annually.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon - May 2025
BEST EUROPEAN ALTERNATIVES TO RUNNING THE TCS LONDON MARATHON
Lisbon Marathon - October 2024
Copenhagen Marathon - May 2025
The Copenhagen marathon is described as more than a race, but an experience. The flat and atmospheric course takes you through the Inner City of Copenhagen, passing iconic landmarks such as Rosenborg Castle, the Marble Church, Tivoli, and Kongens Nytorv.
Thousands of spectators will immerse you in a huge street party at Dr. Louise’s Bridge, before the journey continues with cheers, music, and DJs through Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Frederiksberg, and Østerbro.
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon - October 2025
BEST MARATHONS FOR BEGINNERS
Chester Marathon - October 2024
As the 6th largest marathon in the UK and 3x time winner of the UK’s Best Marathon, it is also the only marathon in the UK that spans across both England and Wales. The route takes in the beautiful surrounding landscapes and villages that both countries have to offer.
You can expect some fast times over this stunning PB marathon course on closed roads covering 19 miles in England and 7 miles in Wales. You will run past all Chester's iconic landmarks before heading out to the stunning Cheshire and North Wales countryside and villages; returning alongside the River Dee for an unforgettable finish on Castle Drive. The support in the villages and communities along the course is one of the many highlights of the race.
Yorkshire Marathon - October 2024
Brighton Marathon - April 2025
Our top picks for autumn 2024 or looking ahead to 2025 are the perfect motivation to get yourself started on a marathon training plan.
We know that long-term training rarely goes to plan and takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and discipline. If you’ve perhaps started a training plan & needed to adjust it or weren’t able to keep up with it, don’t worry, we can help you get back on track with training & even reroute you to another race - there are many other marathons that become available later on which you can still apply to.
Marathon training plans with Coopah are personalised and effective in considering your race date, how much time you have prior to your race and the time you are desiring to achieve, to help you effectively plan and succeed in your marathon goals.