9 races in Mansfield and Nottinghamshire to run over the summer, from Race for Life to the Rainbow Run
Summer is almost upon us and there are plenty of races coming up for runners of all levels to get stuck into over the coming months.
From the feel-good Rainbow Run in Sherwood Pines, to chances for a half marathon personal best – whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, here are nine races for all to consider that you can run alone or in groups.
The Rainbow Run 2026 – 7 June
A vibrant day out catered to all running abilities. Sherwood Pines will host the annual Rainbow Run – a colourful event testing how many 5.79km laps you can tackle. Whether you’re aiming for ‘one and done’ or you want to really push the distance, you will have six hours to complete as many laps as you desire. Don’t forget to wear something bright and colourful, there will be prizes for the most vibrant participants!
Price: £41.50
Race for Life Nottingham Pretty Muddy 5k – 20 June
Race for Life Pretty Muddy combines fitness with fun as you navigate the 5km obstacle course. Climb, crawl and slide at your own pace with as many friends and loved ones you can find while raising life-saving funds for Cancer Research UK.
Price: £22.49
Race for Life Nottingham 5k and 10k – 21 June
Not a fan of getting yourself too dirty? The standard Race for Life run takes place the day after Pretty Muddy and is also open for anyone of any running ability.
Price: £15.99 for 5k and £17.49 for 10k
Race for Life Clumber Park 10k, 5k – 28 June
Worksop will also be hosting its own Race for Life shortly after the version in Nottingham. There is no date for a Pretty Muddy but the standard 5k and 10k distances are available to enter.
Price: £15.99 for 5k and £17.49 for 10k
The Rasselbock Run – 5 July
The summer instalment of the Rasselbock Run will get underway in July. Held in Sherwood Pines, it follows the same principle as the Rainbow Run, where you have six hours to complete as many laps as you can or wish to. Multiple distances are available for you attempt, from 5k and 10k, to half marathon distance, a full marathon and even an ultra marathon.
Price: £41.50
Rasselbock Marathon and Half Marathon 2026 – 12 July
Rasselbock Running will also be organising the annual marathon and half marathon, again situated in the scenic Sherwood Pines. Take on the picturesque 13.1-mile loop once for a half marathon distance, or twice for the full whack. The newly introduced ‘Mini Rasselbock’ (an 8.6km circuit) is also available for those not yet ready to commit to longer distances.
Price: £21.95 for mini, £41.95 for half, £51.95 for marathon
Pierrepont Plod – 16 August
Similar to the Rainbow Run and Rasselbock Run, Pierrepont Plod provides the opportunity to commit to whatever distance is most comfortable for you in a six-hour window. Held at the Holme Pierrepont Country Park and Watersports Centre, enjoy a trail of mud, roots and puddles and plenty of running along the rowing lake.
Price: £41.50
Newark Half Marathon – 16 August
The Newark half marathon will take place during the height of summer and end in Sconce and Devon Park. Appealing to runners of all levels but ideal for those more experienced looking to record a solid finish time.
Price: £37
Nottingham Running Festival – 30 August
RunThrough Events presents the Nottingham Running Festival, taking place at the Nottingham Racecourse within the Colwick Country Park. Multiple distances are available to book, including a 5k, 10k, half marathon and a junior race.
Price: £12 for junior, £26 for 5k, £32 for 10k, £34 for half marathon