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Go Beyond
the Road
Adventure Events
There’s no end to the adventure at Great Run. Our inclusive road running events offer a range of challenges, from junior and mini kid’s events to the world’s most famous half marathon: the iconic AJ Bell Great North Run.
But are you looking to try something different or push yourself a little further? Our Adventure Events are the perfect next step for those who want to get beyond their usual route – or perhaps fancy trying something totally different, like a trail run, or an open water swim.
Beyond Trails
A perfect introduction to trail running, Beyond Trails events will give you a taste of the trails while keeping the road elements you’re used to. First, choose your location: Newcastle, London, Bristol or Manchester. Next, choose your distance: 25km trail or 55km ultra distance.
However far you decide to go, Beyond Trails will take you from the tarmac to the wild(er) side, taking in urban fringe, riverside and woodland trails, much-loved landmarks and hidden gems. Beyond Trails events are accessible, boasting city centre starts and finishes, a warm welcome for run/walkers and impeccable organisation – everything you’d expect from a Great Run event.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself physically, clear your head or get closer to nature, Beyond Trails can help to get you there.
Great North Swim
You can’t get closer to nature than this. Dive into the great outdoors – literally – with our weekend celebration of open water swimming in a stunning lakeside setting. Windermere is one of the world’s best-loved beauty spots, and Great North Swim brings you even closer with SIX exhilarating distances and two SwimRun distances to choose from.
From the day you sign up, we’ll be there to support you with training plans, advice and plenty of encouragement. And when June rolls around, we’ll be there in person to cheer you on and to celebrate with you in our lively event village, with lots of food vendors, outdoor activities for kids and adults and a friendly atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Whether you’re a pool swimmer or a wild swimming devotee, we’ve got an event worth wriggling into your wetsuit for. Click below to find out more.
Windermere Marathon
One of the most scenic road marathons in the UK, the Windermere Marathon showcases the natural beauty of the lakes. Starting at Waterhead on the shores of Windermere, the stunning 26.2 mile route heads anticlockwise around Lake Windermere, passing High Wray, Newby Bridge and Bowness-on-Windermere.
The finish line is at the Great North Swim site at Brockhole on Windermere – the perfect place to celebrate your achievement in the vibrant event village.
Over half of the route is on partially traffic-free roads, or roads with a dedicated running lane. The course is hilly in parts with an elevation of approximately +600M making this the perfect road marathon for runners looking for a challenge and those who want to to enjoy the scenic landscapes the Lake District has to offer.
Altra 13 Valleys Ultra
Trail Running in the Heart of the Lake District – In partnership with the Lake District National Park.
The Altra 13 Valleys Ultra is a trail running adventure like no other, set in the stunning Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event offers four distances to choose from, each linking together the unique valleys that define this iconic landscape.
2 Valleys (22km) a scenic introduction to trail running
5 Valleys (55km) the perfect single-day ultra
7 Valleys (110km) a serious endurance challenge
13 Valleys (180km) the ultimate journey through all 13 valleys
Thinking of making the mindset leap from road running to trails? Ease yourself in with our 2 Valleys (22km) which, at just 1km longer than a half marathon is fully waymarked. After spreading out and soaking up the beauty of the natural world, you might find yourself a convert.
And don’t worry: we’ll be here to support you every step of the way, with tried and tested training plans and all the expert advice you need, from mental support strategies to honest race reviews from real runners like you.
