2025 is shaping up to be a great year for running enthusiasts in and around Preston.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or starting out on your journey, there are plenty of races taking place.

From family-friendly distances and charity runs, to ultra marathons and fell running, there’s something for everyone.

There’s a variety of routes as well, with some taking in our beautiful parks and rivers, others on the streets, and more still traversing the surrounding hills.

So if you’re looking for a chance to take on a new challenge, achieve a goal, or simply get active and meet like-minded people, check out our guide to what’s on in the local running world this year.

Garstang 10k
Sunday 12 January
Garstang Community Academy, Garstang

Start the year with this scenic route through the countryside surrounding Garstang.

Bleasdale Circle
Saturday 15 February
Bleasdale Parish Hall, Bleasdale

This challenging fell race covers a distance of 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,250 feet (381 meters). While prior experience in fell racing is not mandatory, participants should be familiar with steep terrain and winter weather conditions.

Scorton Trail Run
Sunday 2 March
Gubberford Lane, Scorton

The Scorton Trail Run includes a 15km and 10km distance through the stunning Forest of Bowland. Both routes are chip timed and fully signed within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Granny’s Bay Challenge
Sunday 9 March
Fylde Spitfire Memorial, Lytham St Annes 

Back for its fourth year, this event has become a regular on the calendar for many runners. Complete as many or as few laps as you wish of the 5.24 mile course within the six-hour time limit.

Pilling 10km
Saturday 26 April
Pilling Methodist Church, Pilling

This two-lap fast course is run on flat and quiet roads in the pretty village of Pilling. The friendly event is organised by runners who are dedicated to delivering a well-supported race for every type of runner.

​Chorley 10k and 2k Family Run
Sunday 4 May
Market Street, Chorley town centre

The routes start and finish at Market Street, with the 10k being a two-lap course taking in Astley Park. Competitors who complete the 10k receive a medal and, more importantly, a Chorley cake.

Brockholes Bimble
Friday 9 May
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Samlesbury

With four distances available – 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultra – the course will be on the paths around the reserve passing several of the lakes, the River Ribble and beautiful woodlands. £2 from every entry will be donated to Brockholes towards the upkeep of the paths.

Cottam Canter
Saturday 10 May
UCLan Sports Arena, Cottam

Starting in the grounds of the Sports Arena, the 5k loop route heads out on to the Lancaster Canal towpath and through the tree-lined paths of Haslam Park before returning. Distances range from 5k to ultra.

Avenham Amble
Sunday 11 May
Avenham Park, Preston

Complete a 10k, half marathon, marathon or ultra in the stunning parklands of central Preston. The course passes through Miller Park before heading over the river into Upper Farm Nature Reserve and Leisure Park and then back.

Kendal to Preston Ultra 50
Saturday 17 May
Lakeland Maize Maze Farm, Sedgwick

The journey begins on the outskirts of Kendal and culminates at the Smiths Arms in Lea Town. Along the way, participants will encircle the Lancaster Canal, and be treated to breathtaking vistas.

Nicky Nook Fell Race
Thursday 29 May
The Shippon at the Applestore Café, Scorton

This midweek running event is set in scenic surroundings and covers 5 miles. After the race, runners can enjoy free hearty soup and a roll at the cafe – pre-entry is preferred so enough soup can be ordered.

Paddy’s Pole Fell Race
Tuesday 3 June
Fell Foot, near Chipping

Paddy’s Pole Fell race is an established race in the fell running calendar. It has been held on the first Tuesday in June since 1988. In 2007 it was selected for the English Fell Running Championship.

Race for Life
Saturday 7 June
Moor Park, Preston

Choose from the 3k, 5k or 10k races, or take on the Pretty Muddy 5k or Pretty Muddy Kids events. There’s a minimum fundraising target, with donations going to Cancer Research UK. Sign up in January for discounted entry fees.

Freckleton Half Marathon
Sunday 22 June
Bush Lane Playing Fields, Freckleton

The oldest half marathon in the UK, the course starts from Bush Lane Playing Fields and follows a rural, mildly undulating, picturesque route through beautiful countryside.

Pilling 10km
Sunday 6 July
Pilling Methodist Church, Pilling

This two-lap fast course is run on flat and quiet roads in the pretty village of Pilling. The friendly event is organised by runners who are dedicated to delivering a well-supported race for every type of runner.

The Tolkien Trail Race
Saturday 19 July
Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green

Explore the scenic trails that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary works, including The Lord of the Rings. The race covers a distance of 11.1 km via enchanting woodlands, historic bridges, and breathtaking views along the River Ribble.

Central Lancashire Junior and Super Sprint Duathlon
Sunday 20 July
UCLan Sports Arena, Cottam

Perfect for participants of all ages and abilities, and with a focus on safety, all activities occur on the university’s traffic-free crit track and brand-new athletics track, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of competition without the worry of road traffic.

Ribble Runfest
Sunday 10 August
Avenham Park, Preston

The course starts by Pavilion Cafe and passes through Miller Park before heading over the river into Upper Farm Nature Reserve & Leisure Park and then back. Runners can complete distances from 10k to ultra.

The Bridgeathon
Sunday 28 September
Owd Nell’s Canalside Tavern, Bilsborrow

If you love bridges then you are in for a treat. The marathon route has 43 of them to pass under or cross over. The route heads north and/or south along the canal towpath, depending on which distance you take on.

Preston 10
Mid November
Hutton Village Hall, Hutton

Established in 1981, the 10-miler has become a major feature in the race calendar. With a prestigious history, this well established, popular race brings over 500 runners, many looking for a PB on the fast and flat course.

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