Plenty of races borrow the name of their nearest landmark. Richmond Castle 10K goes one better by sending runners around the walls of the castle itself.

Swaledale Runners' established 10K returns on Sunday 11 October, starting and finishing in The Batts, the riverside park tucked beneath Richmond Castle beside the River Swale.

It is a remarkably varied journey for a road 10K. After leaving The Batts, runners pass the River Swale waterfalls before crossing Green Bridge and beginning the climb of Sleegill. Those prepared to glance backwards during the effort are rewarded with one of the course's best views across Richmond towards the castle.

The route then heads towards Catterick Garrison for a short circuit before turning back towards town. Richmond Castle comes into play again in the closing stages as runners follow Castle Walk around the historic fortress before a fast downhill return to The Batts and the finish.

That setting comes with serious history. Richmond Castle was begun in the years immediately following the Norman Conquest and is regarded as one of England's earliest surviving stone castles. Its position high above the Swale means runners encounter it repeatedly rather than simply passing it once.

The race itself is a certified 10K held under UK Athletics rules and is chip timed. There is a water station around halfway and another at the finish, while entrants who registered before the end of August are guaranteed the traditional commemorative finisher's T-shirt.

With 348 of the 500 places already accounted for, the 2026 field is filling nicely.

Richmond Castle 10K is not the flattest route for anyone chasing a fast October 10K. But waterfalls, riverside running, Yorkshire views and a lap around an 11th century castle make a persuasive case for looking beyond the stopwatch.

Entries are available via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy Swaledale Runners.