April's London Marathon is an event seen by many as the pinnacle of road running in England, but the 26.2 mile event through the capitals streets isn't everyone’s up of tea. So, below we've listed our top five running events from around England. Giving you the perfect excuse to get your new pair of Asics running shoe's on and hit the road in the name of fitness, charity or just for fun!
Great Gorilla Run – London, Saturday 20th September
The 8km run, jog or walk through the City of London raises money to help save Gorillas – a species on the edge of extinction. Of course though there is a twist and as the name suggests, all participants will be dressed as Gorillas!
Website: greatgorillarun.org
Sumo Run – London, Sunday 27th July
Another run with a twist, in this three-mile charity event that takes you around London's Battersea Park, all runners are asked to wear huge inflatable sumo suits.
Website: sumorun.com
Torbay Half Marathon – Devon, Sunday 29th June
The Torbay Half Marathon which will see it's 23rd outing in June is a traffic free two lap route which starts and finishes on Paignton seafront, giving runners stunning coastal views across Torbay.
Website: torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk
Bupa Great Manchester Run – Manchester, Sunday 18th May
Part of a great weekend of running in Manchester including the Bupa Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run and the Great CityGames Manchester. Join 40,000 people for Europe's biggest 10k running event.
Website: greatrun.org
The Indian Queens Half Marathon – Cornwall, Sunday 3rd August
This is the 30th running of the small, low-key race at Indian Queens, two miles from Newquay. Not a race recommend for the beginner.
Website: newquayroadrunners.co.uk
Source: DSG
