Races Under a Tenner – 2026
Running can be an expensive hobby if you’re into racing. After realising how much I spent in 2019 (half of which I didn’t get to), I decided to focus on prioritising races which cost under £10 to enter as an England Athletics member, and there are more out there than you realise when you start looking! Races do not have to break the bank, especially if you’re happy to support your local running clubs for a cheer and a smile rather than handing over your hard-earned cash to a bigger company for a metal plate on a ribbon you won’t know what to do with by the time you get home 🙂
Below is the list of the races I have come across in the North-East to date with a £10 or lower entry fee for affiliated runners (unaffiliated prices are listed second). Race entries where possible will be linked in the race title, and if I’ve run them before you’ll find them in my Race Reviews list on the menu to the right. This list is not exhaustive, and there will be more which become available as events are finalised throughout the year.
If you’re willing to go up to £15, the list opens out a bit more with 5M/10k options from local running clubs featuring, but currently I’m trying to stick with what’s available for up to £10 knowing travel costs for some can easily creep it up to £15.
This list was last updated on 3rd of January 2026.
Free Events
There’s always a parkrun! Timed 5k events on Saturday mornings at 9am all over the world!
National Trust run the Trust 10 at several of their properties around the country. Unfortunately there are no longer any hosted in the North-East, but you may be able to pick another one up on your travels.
Virtual Events
Race the Distance are a site I have used before for virtual events which give a medal. Several are under £10 and they’re all very shiny.
Race at Your Pace are great for monthly running/walking mileage challenges to get you out the door if you’re a bling motivated individual! The monthly medals will set you back approx. £15/month or you can be unmedalled for £7/month.
January 2026
31st – Run Like a Haggis 60/90/120min – Guisborough – Run Like a Haggis – £7-£10
February 2026
None found yet!
March 2026
None found yet!
April 2026
5th – Easter 5k Cake Dash – HMP Kirklevington Grange Prison – Muddy Roads – £10/£12
8th – Pie and Peas 5k – Trimdon Grange – Muddy Roads – £10/£12
15th – Spring Coast Road 5k – Redcar – New Marske Harriers – £7.50/£10.50
22nd – Middridge Trail 5k: Summer Trail Series Race 1 – Newton Aycliffe – Muddy Roads – £6/£8 (£30/£40 for 6-race series)
28th – Cockfield Chase 7km Fell – Cockfield – Durham Fell Runners – £5/£6
May 2026
21st – Saltburn 5k Trail: Summer Trial Series Race 2 – Saltburn – Muddy Roads – £6/£8 (£30/£40 for 6-race series)
June 2026
21st – LRC Tees Trailtastic 3.5M – Barnard Castle – Long Run Collective – £10/12
25th – The Lordstones 5k: Summer Trail Series Race 3 – Lordstones Country Park – Muddy Roads – £6/£8 (£30/£40 for 6-race series)
27th – Alston Gala Fell 4M – Alston – Fellrunner – £3/£5
July 2026
14th – Chapelfell Top Fell 7k – Weardale -Durham Fell Runners – £4/£6
15th – Summer 5k – Redcar – New Marske Harriers – £7.50/£10.50
23rd – Pine Forest Trail 5k: Summer Trail Series Race 4 – Flatts Lane Country Park – Muddy Roads – £6/£8 (£30/£40 for 6-race series)
August 2026
20th – Newham Grange Farm 5k: Summer Trail Series Race 5 – Coulby Newham – Muddy Roads – £6/£8 (£30/£40 for 6-race series)
September 2026
3rd – HMP Kirklevington 5k: Summer Trail Series Race 6 – HMP Kirklevington Grange Prison – Muddy Roads – £6/£8 (£30/£40 for 6-race series)
9th – Autumn Coast 5k – Redcar – New Marske Harriers – £7.50/£10.50
October 2026
29th – Halloween 5k – Trimdon Grange – Muddy Roads – £10/£12
November 2026
8th – Run Like a Haggis 60/90/120min – Weardale – Run Like a Haggis – £7-£10
December 2026
None found yet!
Blue Runnings 