As December rolls around, Suffolk Running Centre invites runners of all levels to join their festive race series. Set against the backdrop of Bury St Edmunds at Church Road, IP29 5AX, this event offers an exhilarating finish to the year with a variety of distances and scenic routes. The mass start for the day is scheduled at 9am on December 10th, allowing participants seven hours to complete their chosen distance. Whether you're aiming for a quick sprint or a longer haul, the race caters to runners looking to enjoy the sport in any way they see fit. Runners can choose from several distances: a fun-filled 5k around Mount Barrow, a slightly more challenging 10k also looping through this picturesque area, and the half marathon which uses the Hargrave Half route. For those with ultra-distance ambitions, there's an option to extend your journey beyond the full marathon distance. The Hargrave Half course features one loop at 21.3 kilometers on quiet roads, offering a mix of terrain that includes gentle climbs totaling 183 meters for half marathoners and doubles up for full marathon runners. Ultra-distance enthusiasts can take this route further by adding another loop plus the option to venture out towards the Mount Barrow turnpoints. Mount Barrow's shorter but no less scenic course is an out-and-back journey of 10.5 kilometers, featuring a total climb of 168 meters across high and low points at 89 meters and 48 meters respectively. Both courses are entirely on road, providing clear paths for runners to enjoy the crisp winter air. Aid stations will be strategically placed every 10k along both routes, offering essential hydration and snacks to keep you fueled throughout your run. The race HQ and base camp at Church Road serve as a central hub where participants can find water and aid supplies during their event. Upon crossing the finish line, all runners receive a bespoke medal celebrating this special Christmas-themed edition of Suffolk Running Centre's events. For those looking for an extra element of surprise, there is also a lucky dip option available with previous or new finisher medals to choose from. This year’s race introduces a cupless policy encouraging participants to bring their own reusable bottles and cups in line with eco-friendly practices. To ensure safety on the open roads, no dogs or buggies are permitted, and headphones must be bone conductors only for auditory awareness of surroundings. Virtual runners can still participate by heading over to Zig Zag Running’s website shop section where they will find details on how to enter from home. Adding a touch of holiday cheer, participants are encouraged but not required to come in fancy dress. This festive twist promises to add an extra layer of fun and camaraderie among the running community as you celebrate your achievements with friends and family during this special time of year. For those looking for a memorable way to wrap up their annual training or simply enjoy a beautiful run on crisp winter days, Suffolk Running Centre’s Christmas event is not to be missed.
Races Offered
Bespoke Event Medal - Half Marathon
Dec 19, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
109 days remaining
sell
£36.00
Lucky Dip Medal - Half Marathon
Dec 19, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
109 days remaining
sell
£31.00
Bespoke Event Medal - 10k
Dec 19, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
109 days remaining
sell
£29.00
Bespoke Event Medal - 5k
Dec 19, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
109 days remaining
sell
£29.00
Bespoke Event Medal - Full Marathon
Dec 19, 2026
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Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
109 days remaining
sell
£38.00
Bespoke Event Medal - Ultra Marathon
Dec 19, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
109 days remaining
sell
£38.00
Lucky Dip Medal - Full Marathon
Dec 19, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
109 days remaining
sell
£35.00
Lucky Dip Medal - Ultra Marathon
Dec 19, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
109 days remaining
sell
£35.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Bury St Edmunds.
thermostatTemperature
4.7° / 9.2°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-0.2° / 4.6°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
2h 45m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.1 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
19.6 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (1.4)
humidity_mid
Humidity
87.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:59
nightlight
Sunset
16:47
About Bury St Edmunds
Learn more about the host city, Bury St Edmunds.
Bury St Edmunds, or simply Bury, is a historic market town of 40,000 people (2011) in the county of Suffolk, in England. The town's medieval heritage is still visible in much of the street plan of the town centre which has not changed in 1000 years. Bury is also famous for its floral displays, and has won many awards for these, including the prestigious 'Nations in Bloom' title, contested by towns and cities worldwide.
