A brand new Half Marathon is coming to Lancashire this autumn as the inaugural XMiles Preston Half Marathon takes centre stage on Sunday 27 September 2026. Organised by Epic Events, the new race is joined by a 10K and promises runners a fully closed road experience through some of Preston's best known landmarks and green spaces.

Starting and finishing in the elegant surroundings of Winckley Square, the route takes runners through the heart of Preston before passing Avenham and Miller Parks and following the River Ribble. Crossing both Walton Bridge and the historic Penwortham Old Bridge, the course combines city streets, riverside running and parkland into a distinctive urban Half Marathon.

The Half Marathon is completed over two laps, while the 10K follows a single lap of the same scenic route. Both courses are UKA licensed, officially measured and designed to showcase the very best of Preston while keeping runners close to the event village and the support of family and friends throughout the morning.

Every entrant will receive a custom designed finisher's medal, electronic chip timing, drinks at the finish, on course feed stations and free event photography. With an early 9:00am start and road closures in place, runners can look forward to a safe and professionally organised race day in the heart of the city.

As a brand new event, the XMiles Preston Half Marathon offers runners the chance to be part of local running history by taking part in the very first edition. Entries remain open and will close at midday on Friday 25 September, unless the event reaches capacity beforehand, so anyone hoping to be on the inaugural start line should enter sooner rather than later.

Entries are available via Results Base here.

Image courtesy Epic Events.