Cornwall is pretty spectacular when it comes to views. From coastal showstoppers to woodland vistas you can’t quite believe are real, our beautiful county really does pack a visual punch. The best part? These jaw-dropping views can be enjoyed in any number of ways, whether you love walking, swimming, or running!
Oh yes, whether you’re looking for a pretty place to go at your own pace, a picturesque park run, or an ultra-stunning ultramarathon, Cornwall is home to some of the best running trails in the country. It’s also home to a seriously tempting array of pubs and restaurants for that all-important post-race refuel, as well as fascinating attractions that are perfect for exploring at a slower pace after your breathtaking run.
In this guide, we’ve collected some of our favourite running events in Cornwall to tempt you to explore our great county at your own pace, whether that’s a relaxed jog with friends or an ultramarathon that challenges and delights in equal measure.
From family-friendly (and dog-friendly) races in the heart of the community to 100-mile challenges that test your nerve as much as your ankle mobility, these running events will have you lacing up your running shoes, ready to see Cornwall in an entirely new way.
Short-distance events
Rainbow Run, Newquay
Best for: Colour and community
When: 2027 TBC (June)
What is the distance? 5k
What is the terrain? Flat, tarmac
Are there cut-off times? No
Do you get a medal? Yes
If you’re looking for an accessible run that’s full of fun, then this is the one for you. Organised by Children’s Hospice South West, the Rainbow Run invites you to run, jog, walk, or even skip the 5k route, all while eager volunteers shower you with kaleidoscopic powder paints (don’t worry, they wash out!). It’s such a great way to meet some friendly locals while trying your feet at running if it’s your first time.
There are eight paint stations in total, each armed with a different colour, ensuring you cross the finish line looking like an art studio floor. Fun, vibrant, and for a great cause, everyone is encouraged to give this colourful course a go (we have, and can confirm it’s such a fun day out!). The minimum age is five years old, making this an excellent day out for families, and the flat, tarmacked route at RAF St Mawgan is wonderfully wheel-friendly.
Near Newquay, this run is perfectly placed if you want a mix of beach days and fun runs throughout your holiday, as the vibrant coastal town boasts both beaches and park runs alongside a tempting collection of bars, restaurants, and waterfront cafés. Newquay is also the heart of one of Cornwall’s top festivals, making it popular whether you want to run, dance, or surf.
Kernow Killer, Scorrier House
Best for: Embracing the chaos
When: 24th - 25th October 2026
What is the distance? 2.5k/5km/10km
What is the terrain? Mud, obstacle course
Are there cut-off times? No
Do you get a medal? Yes
Fun, filthy, and fearless, this isn’t your average race! With three distances to choose from, the Kernow Killer invites you to unleash your wild side as you take on a series of obstacles and a whole lot of mud. The 10k course boasts 30 obstacles across an adventurous mix of terrain, the 5k promises 15 to tackle, and the 2.5k is an excellent entry-level course for little ones to enjoy.
The day before the big event, you’re invited to combat the 2.5 and 5k courses with your canine companion scrambling eagerly by your side. Fun for all and a really great team-building event, Kernow Killer isn’t about times or PBs; it’s about showing up and getting stuck in.
The course is set at Scorrier House, one of Cornwall’s amazing historic houses, which is also famous as the setting for one of the county’s top music festivals, Great Estate, making it the perfect place to go whether you’re looking for mud, music, or something in between. You’re also only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Cornwall Gold, where delicious meals, fascinating tin mills, and interactive displays await.
Multiple choice events
Eden Marathon and Half Marathon, Eden Project
Best for: Post-run perks
When: 18th October 2026
What is the distance? 13.1 miles/26.2 miles
What is the terrain? Hills, trails, paths, roads
Are there cut-off times? Yes, only for the marathon
Do you get a medal? Yes
Another Cornish running event set in a rather spectacular setting, the Eden Marathon and Half Marathon takes place at one of Cornwall’s top attractions, the Eden Project in St Austell and its surrounding landscapes. Starting and finishing at the Eden Project, the races follow a loop through a merry mix of moorland, village, and finally, the winding descent down to the Eden Project at the foot of the iconic former clay pit.
While the surroundings certainly make for an excellent run, it’s the accoutrements that make this event so popular. Not only do runners receive a medal at the end, but they also get a pint and a pasty (how Cornish!) as well as free entry to the Eden Project for the day for themselves and any accompanying supporters. This means you can turn your big race day into a big day out and spend your post-run cool down exploring the many incredible displays and biomes throughout the site.
The Fairytale of Newquay
Best for: Festive cheer
When: 2026 TBC (December)
What is the distance? 8 miles/15 miles/30 miles
What is the terrain? Hills, coast path, trails, steps
Are there cut-off times? Yes (they are very relaxed)
Do you get a medal? Yes
Run by Purple Gecko Events, who organise several great running events around Cornwall, The Fairytale of Newquay is for all who want to celebrate Christmas in Cornwall in red and green Lycra and get a medal at the end. There are several distances to choose from, making it ideal if you and your friends are at different points in your running journey. Whether you’re running the ultramarathon (30 miles), the long half-marathon (15 miles) or the pisky (8 miles), you’ll all meet at the same point at Porth Beach.
Long half and ultramarathon runners will then take a bus to the starting point up the coast, while pisky runners will start on the sands outside the Mermaid Inn, with everyone finishing back at the pub for a well-deserved medal and perhaps a plate of fish and chips - when in Rome, after all! The route takes you along some of North Cornwall’s most beautiful coastline, with some ups, some downs, and even some beaches for the long half and ultra runners. They also run a Canicross for those doing the pisky, so you and your dog can take on the challenge.
Set just before Christmas, dressing up is a must. While you don’t have to go full Santa, a splash of red or green and a bit of tinsel will go a long way in getting you in the festive running spirit. Of course, with Cornwall lighting up with magical displays, pubs putting on spectacular feasts, and the many seasonal swims that happen across the county, it’s not hard to feel festive at this time of year.
Long-distance and ultra events
Arc of Attrition by UTMB
Best for: The ultimate challenge
When: 22nd - 24th January 2027
What is the distance? 20k, 50k, 100k, or 100 miles
What is the terrain? Hills, coast paths, trails, steps
Are there cut-off times? Yes
Do you get a medal? Yes
What started as a 100-mile ultramarathon along Cornwall’s dramatic coastline is now a collection of coastal trail events that ensure every runner has a challenge to try. Starting with a 20k (well, it’s actually 22.1k), and ending with 100 miles of true grit (and the odd grain of sand), Arc of Attrition has become one of the most iconic runs in the world.
The 20k event is a stunning loop around Perranporth, St Agnes, and finally Porthtowan, allowing you to experience some of North Cornwall’s most spectacular scenes. For the 50k runners, the route runs from Harlyn Bay to Perranporth, passing many beloved Cornish landmarks, including Holywell Bay and Bedruthan Steps, while the 100k runners (don’t worry, it’s actually only 82.7k) can look forward to some of West Cornwall’s iconic coast, as you’ll start at Land’s End.
And for those itching to test their mettle on the 100-mile course, you’ll face a mammoth coastal course from Coverack to Perranporth. That’s 173k of beautiful (and challenging) coast path, with an immense mix of ups, downs, and sandy flats.
One thing to keep in mind is that this ultra is set against a winter backdrop, meaning the weather could be on your side, or it could be wild and ultra dramatic (it is an ultramarathon, after all), so make sure to bear that in mind when choosing your distance.
With the finish lines based in North Cornwall, you’re perfectly placed to soak up this rugged section of Cornwall at your leisure before and after the race. In fact, why not use the race as a chance to find your favourite views and return later with a picnic and zero time constraints. We love Bedruthan Steps for views, Holywell Bay for sandy beach days with the dog, and Newquay for a medley of foodie stops and surfing - not to mention the incredibly beachfront sauna for a post-race steam!
Classic Quarter, The South West Coast Path
Best for: Beautiful backdrops
When: 2027 5 June 2027
What is the distance? 44 miles
What is the terrain? Hills, coast paths, steps
Are there cut-off times? Yes
Do you get a medal? Yes
One of Cornwall’s most famous running events, the Classic Quarter is as beautiful as it is challenging. Set against the backdrop of Cornwall’s southern leg (pun intended), this ultramarathon is breathtaking in every meaning of the word. The start and finish lines are at two of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks: Lizard Point and Land’s End, leaving 44 miles of undulating coastline in the middle.
This scenic stretch between the south and west offers a smorgasbord of terrains to sink your feet into, from long sandy beaches and pretty promenades to steep climbs with steps to spare. We won’t lie, this run is famous for its challenging nature, and that’s exactly why people love it. It’s a test of will, endurance, and calf strength (anyone who has walked around West Penwith will know), and it’s absolutely incredible.
But fear not, if the whole 44 miles is a bit steep for you, you can tackle it in teams of two or four, allowing you to tackle smaller sections before committing to the entire race. But trust us, once you’ve dipped your toe in, you’ll be eager to dive into the full ultra experience.
The Classic Quarter is a wonderful opportunity to explore this stunning stretch of Cornwall, whether you want to fill the rest of your stay with scenic beaches, Michelin restaurants, or super slow strolls around beautiful gardens to keep that lactic acid build-up at bay. We recommend Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens for art lovers, Porthleven for foodies, and Minack Theatre for sheer majesty (seriously, how many times can you watch a show or some live music in a setting like this?).
The Woods, Tehidy Woods
Best for: Mind over matter
When: 12th September 2026
What is the distance? Continuous 4-mile circular for 3, 6, 9 or 12 hours
What is the terrain? Grass, mud, gravel, road
Are there cut-off times? Yes
Do you get a medal? Yes
What do you get when you combine ancient Cornish woods, a love of running, and the film Groundhog Day? The Woods backyard ultra, of course! Oh yes, whether you pick 3, 6, 9 or 12 hours, you’ll be running the same 4-mile loop around Tehidy Woods until you hear your bell. All runners begin at the same time, with each quarter seeing the number of people running dwindle until only a few remain.
There are facilities onsite (no need to go in the woods - you will be disqualified if you do), with vendor and refreshment stalls adding an almost festival feel to the event, and you can keep a box of supplies in the runner’s field too. It is worth noting that Tehidy Woods remains open to the public, so you’ll be running around walkers, cyclists, and dog walkers throughout the event.
A test of endurance, pure stubbornness, and your ability to dodge tree roots, The Woods is the ultimate challenge for anyone looking to log some serious hours on their feet. And for those cheering on your runners? The café here is unbeatable, with super fresh cakes and doughnuts alongside an extensive menu of coffees and teas. And when the race is over, nearby Gwithian Beach has miles of golden sands and sea views for a sandy cool down.
Ready to run? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages in Cornwall and find the perfect place to rest your legs after your race - choose a cottage with a hot tub for some post-run luxury!