New Running Events to Support the Community

We’re making 2026 our biggest year of running yet – and there’s never been a better time to join us.

We’re delighted to announce two new events: a children’s mile and a second half marathon, bringing even more opportunities to run with us along the beautiful paths of the River Exe and Riverside Valley Park.

Following overwhelming demand for our Spring Half Marathon, we’re staging the new Autumn Half Marathon and Five Miles on Sunday 13 September – perfectly timed for anyone with an autumn marathon in their sights.

And on Friday 26 June, as part of the Exeter 10k River Run, we’re launching the Grecian Mile: a non-competitive, untimed event for under-16s, with children under 10 accompanied by an adult. Every finisher receives a medal.

Chief Executive, Jamie Vittles, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer these two new events, which meet increasing demand from our community. Part of our mission as a charity is to provide opportunities for people to take part in activities, whatever their age and ability.

“We know that introducing healthy habits from an early age brings benefits in later life, so establishing the Grecian Mile is something we’re proud to be doing.”

He added: “The paths alongside the River Exe and through the Riverside Valley Park offer some of the best running environments in the region. We’ve been overwhelmed with entries for our Spring Half Marathon, so it made sense to introduce a second event at that distance.”

All funds raised from our running events support our work in the community, encompassing health, wellbeing and education services for people of all ages across the city and beyond.

Participants can also secure charity places, raising funds for a charity of their own choice, or one of our partner charities: Alright Mate CIC, Children’s Hospice South West, and Exeter Leukaemia Fund.

Our partnership with headline sponsor Tozers LLP enables us to keep entry fees as low as possible, as does the ongoing support of official charity partners Eagle One, ILEC Group, Nando’s, Robson Financial, and Thrifty / Switch Car Rental.

Our 2026 running calendar

• Friday 26 June – Exeter 10k River Run and Grecian Mile
• Sunday 13 September – Autumn Half Marathon and Five Miles (new)
• Sunday 25 October – Halloween 5 and 10 Miles
• Sunday 6 December – City Centre Santa Run 2.5k and 5k

Tickets are also on sale for the Exeter Half Marathon and Riverside 5 Miles on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February 2027.

We have also secured 15 charity places in next year’s Great West Run. To find out more about running for us – whether at the Great West Run or one of our own events – contact running@ecct.co.uk

Click here to view all running events for 2026/27