Looking for your next event? This Women’s Fitness guide for the best fitness events 2025 has something for everyone…
Finding the motivation to exercise can be tough, we hear you! One moment you’re super motivated and sprinting up hills before breakfast, the next you’re struggling to lace up your trainers and step foot out the front door. If this sounds familiar, we’ll let you in on a secret – the magic solution to staying motivated may just be signing up for some of the best fitness events 2025.
Not only is participating in a sports event a great way to commit to a goal and stick with a regular routine, but you’ll also likely need to follow a periodised training plan that will help you stay on track. There’s also a sense of accountability that comes with doing an event – you’ll probably not want to let yourself, or perhaps a team mate or those who are supporting you, down, and you may even be raising money for a charity.
The best bit? There’s now such a range of the best fitness events 2025 to sign up to, from functional fitness races, to indoor rowing or swimming competitions. Whether you’re looking to push yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people or just see what your body and mind can achieve, here’s our pick of fitness challenges for the year ahead.
Royal Parks Half Marathon
Date: October 12, 2025
Distance: 13.1 miles
This beautiful half marathon will take you through London’s most majestic parks, as you join more than 16,000 others, all running to raise money for The Royal Parks and other charities. The route starts at Hyde Park and will take you to Green Park, St James Park and Kensington Gardens, before heading past Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace all the way to the finish line. Sign up at royalparkshalf.com
Land Marks Half Marathon
Date: April 6, 2025
Distance: 13.1 miles
Now in its 11th year, the Land Marks Half is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and the City of Westminster, taking in London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye and The Cheesegrater. Starting on Pall Mall and finishing on Downing Street, the popular race is a charity event with all profits going to baby and pregnancy charity Tommy’s, plus more than 500 other charity partners, including Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and Shelter. Sign up at llhm.co.uk
Manchester Marathon
Date: April 27, 2025
Distance: 26.2 miles
The Adidas Manchester Marathon is not only one of the largest marathons in Europe and the 2nd largest in the UK, but it’s also known as one of the flattest UK marathons, making it great for a personal best. The 26.2-mile route is lined with supporters and can also be completed as a relay – great news if you’re looking to take part as a two or as a four. Do that and you’ll get to be part of a marathon event without the need to commit to a heavy marathon training plan. Interested? Sign up at manchestermarathon.co.uk
Run Alton Towers
Date: November 15, 2025
Distance: 5K, 10K or half marathon
If you’re a thrill seeker looking for the best fitness events 2025, this race is the perfect family day out. Not only will you get to run around Alton Towers theme park and see all the rides, but after the race you’ll also get to enjoy the rides! Choose from the 5K, 10K or half marathon route, and even encourage the kids to join in the fun with an undulating 1.5K fun run, which starts at Cbeebies Land and finishes just outside the Towers. Sign up at runaltontowers.com
London to Brighton Cycle
Date: September 15, 2025
Distance: 55 miles
Soak up the sea views and challenge yourself to go the extra mile by taking part in the London-to-Brighton cycle ride. You’ll cover 55 miles, stopping at rest points along the way to stay fuelled and refreshed. And once you’re done, you can recover with some fish and chips on Brighton’s seafront! What’s not to love? Sign up at londonbrightoncycle.co.uk
Rat Race The Crossing
Date: August 21-24, 2025
Distance: 200 miles
Mountain bikes at the ready! This fun-filled challenge that runs over three days will see you cycle 200 miles through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors. The event starts and ends in Scarborough, and will take you on a journey through some of the UK’s finest cross-country mountain biking trails. It’s connected by fast-flowing gravel and rural road sections, as you ride England from coast to coast. Sign up at ratrace.com
London to Paris Bike Ride
Date: June 19-22, 2025
Distance: 418K
Always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower? Well, why don’t you cycle there? The route, which starts in London, will take you through the English countryside to the coast, where you’ll enjoy a well-earned break as you make your way over to the continent by ferry. The last push is through the rolling French countryside before hitting the streets of Paris. You can do the challenge in 24 hours, or why not take it slower over two, three or even four days? Sign up at london2paris.co.uk
‘I rode the final climb of the Tour de France Femmes – this is how I prepared for it’
Dragon Ride
Date: June 22, 2025
Distance: 296K
Arguably one of the biggest and best sportives that Britain has to offer, the Dragon Ride in Wales is an incredibly popular event. Starting from the beautiful Margam Country Park (just South of the Brecon Beacons), you can tackle the full distance of 296K or complete the shorter distances of 215K, 157K or 98K. Either way, this hilly ride will take you up and over some of Wales’ biggest climbs including Sardis Hill and Devil’s Staircase – the name just about says it all! Sign up at dragonride.co.uk
Tough Mudder London South
Date: 20 & 21, September 2025
Distance: 15K + 20 obstacles
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or looking for a unique way to test your endurance, Tough Mudder will test you over 15K – but not just any 15K, you’ll have to do 20 obstacles along the way. Think: monkey bars over cold, muddy water, or a 40ft net to climb! You can expect mud and a lot of camaraderie. Sign up at toughmudder.co.uk
HYROX Manchester
Date: January 25-26, 2025
Distance: 8 x 1K + 8 fitness stations
HYROX combines running and functional exercise, with 1,000m SkiErg, 50m sled push, 50m sled pull, 80m burpee broad jumps, 1,000m row, 200m farmer’s carry, 100m sandbag lunges and 100 wall balls for the Women’s Open category. You can expect to run 1K followed by a functional workout station on repeat eight times – yes, eight! The good news is you don’t have to do it alone (unless you want to): you can also compete as a double or relay team. It’s an own-pace/own-race event, running alongside a supportive community of amateurs and pros all working towards the same goal. Manchester is first for 2025 but other locations are available throughout the year. Sign up at hyrox.com
Midlands Spartan Trifecta Weekend
Date: July 11-13, 2025
Distance: 5K, 10K or 21K
Held at Belvoir Castle in the Midlands, the Spartan Trifecta is the perfect weekend for adventure and adrenaline junkies alike. With race distances for seasoned athletes (21K, 10K), Spartan newbies (5K) and even mini Spartans Kids (1-3K), the challenge will see you crawling under barbed wire, spear throwing and even fire throwing. Think the 5K option sounds easy? Think again. The organisers expect it to take around 90 minutes, with the 21K taking anything from four hours plus! Sign up at uk.spartan.com
The MoonWalk London
Date: May 17, 2025
Distance: Full Moon (26.2 miles), Half Moon (15.1 miles)
Join thousands for a night-time marathon walking challenge organised by the cancer charity Walk the Walk. This iconic event raises vital funds to support those living with breast and other cancers, while uniting participants in a vibrant atmosphere. Starting at Clapham Common, MoonWalkers wear decorated bras or brightly coloured bra t-shirts. The MoonWalk Iceland (May 31) offers participants the chance to take on a marathon through Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Visit walkthewalk.org
Marathon Swims
Date: November 2025
Distance: 10K
Hosted at the London Aquatics Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, swimming now has its own marathon! The event, which is split into various distances – the Marathon 10K, Half Marathon 5K, 1K Challenge or the Team 10K – has no time limit. Indeed, you’ll wear a RFID chip, but this is your race and you’re encouraged to swim up and down each of the 10, 50m lanes at your own pace. Do it your way and have a great day! Register your interest at marathonswims.com
British Rowing Indoor Championships 2025
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: NEC, Birmingham
The British Rowing Indoor Championships (BRIC) will see more than 2,000 rowers and fitness enthusiasts compete across a series of events and age categories. Whether you’re looking to set a world record, targeting a new personal best, representing your local gym or simply wishing to test yourself against some of the best indoor rowers in the world, BRIC is ready to welcome you with open arms and send you home with sore ones. Britishrowing.org
