If you are one of the many London Marathon ballot hopefuls who found out this week they had missed out on a spot in April’s big ticket event then fear not. Runners in the north of England are well catered for when it comes to springtime marathons and they are every bit as worth entering as the biggie down south! 

First up is a new event from Curly’s Athletes - the Great British Seaside Marathon which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 25 March. Pack your bucket and spade along with your trainers for this coastal running adventure in Skegness with the option to make a weekend of it. 

Organisers say that new event hopes to deliver a ‘Great British Experience’ for everyone taking part with plenty to see and do. The marathon is actually 27.3 miles – the extra mile and a bit clearly something of a bonus!

Next up is one of the country's most popular marathons - the hugely popular adidas Manchester Marathon which returns in 2023 on Sunday 16 April. The event is a firm favourite with runners of all abilities, ranging from some of the world’s greatest elite runners, to those who thought completing a marathon would never be possible. 

Thanks to the famously flat course and incredible atmosphere, Manchester has become one of the most in-demand places on earth to run a marathon. It’s the fourth largest marathon in Europe, and the second largest marathon in the UK by a distance.

Another new event for 2023 - The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will see 7,777 participants take on an exciting route through Leeds that starts and finishes at Headingley Stadium on 14 May. 

Taking in some of Leeds’ most scenic countryside and outer suburbs, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will be a fitting tribute to the city that launched Rob’s career and which he calls home. Organisers have said: "This is an event that truly is for everyone, so whether you are an experienced runner or have never thought about running an event before, we welcome all abilities to join us in 2023 for this very special event."

Not strictly speaking in the north of England, but just a 'short' trip over the border - Edinburgh will once again host its ever-popular marathon, back for 2023 on 28 May. Known for being one of the fastest marathons in the UK, this much-loved event is the ultimate running experience and, with an entire festival of races over the course of a weekend, it offers something for runners of all standards and ages to get involved. 

London may not want you in 2023, but you can be assured of a fantastic race experience at any one of these events, why not check them out? 

Image: adidas Manchester Marathon