Exeter Running Events

ELF is a charity partner to Exeter City Community Trust (ECCT), the community arm of Exeter City Football Club. As such, we are provided with a number of free places for ELF supporters to fundraise for our vital patient services by running in their events.

With race distances ranging from 10k to a Full Marathon, there is a running event to suit every level of fitness. Suggested minimum fundraising targets apply for each event.

So please, dig out your trainers and make 2026 the year that you run for ELF!

To learn more or to register for an ELF place in any of the following running events, please contact ELF Development Manager Andy on 01392 712048 or email andy@elfcharity.org.uk  

The events:

Exeter 10K River Run - 6pm Friday 26th June 2026. Open to runners of all abilities, this is the perfect follow on challenge if you have completed a couch to 5 km, or for those who are looking for a new distance but not quite ready for a half marathon.

NEW for 2026! The Autumn Half Marathon and Autumn 5 Miles - 9am Sunday 13th September. The two lap 13.1 mile course will commence from the Piazza Terracina, Haven Road and take a scenic route along Exeter’s historic Quayside and around the Riverside Valley Park. There is a maximum completion time of 3 hrs 30 mins and you’ll receive a bespoke medal for your efforts.

Halloween 5 or 10 Miler - 9am Sunday 25th October 2026. Starting at the Piazza Terracina down by the Exeter Canal Basin, this fun, flat, and fast five and ten mile route will take runners around the scenic route of the Exe Valley River Park.

Exeter Santa Run - 9am (5k) and 9.40am (Family Run) Sunday 6th December. At this annual event, we welcome participants of all ages and abilities to lace up their running shoes, put on a Santa Suit, and run together in aid of ELF. This event is always a lot of fun and we have a great turnout of ELF supporters of all ages!