17 December 2024
Did you know you can participate in a running race around the UK’s largest and most exhilarating theme park?
RunThrough UK hosts an exclusive event at Alton Towers each year after the main season has finished. Take part in one of the professionally organized races starting and finishing within the Theme Park. This is an event for the entire family; open to all abilities, you can take on a chip-timed 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon to earn yourself a unique themed medal. Spectators can also purchase non-racer tickets to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the runners at different points on the course. Once the races have taken place, the theme park attractions are then opened up for everyone to enjoy, with smaller queues than an average weekend, and a rare opportunity for rides in the dark.
Our First thoughts…
The event has been running (if you pardon the pun) annually since 2021 and has grown in popularity with a very unique opportunity to take part in a race around the theme park resort and enjoy the rides afterward. We have participated in the 10k race the last few years and chose to run the 5k this year.
We thought the event was well-organized and we were able to get into the car park and event area with minimal waiting. The event did feel very busy with lots of people, but it ran smoothly following the signs and time pace-setters to the start. It was enjoyable running around the areas of the park, being met with spectators cheering us on, as well as iconic Alton Towers & CBeebies characters along the way. Getting to be one of the first to use the pathway under the new for 2025 attraction was a cool exclusive for the runners of the event. It did get a bit congested at times around the course due to participants not following the pacemaker times, as well as the half marathon race merging at points with the 5k; but overall, it did not detract from the run and experience, which is completely different from your usual race.
We loved getting to experience the theme park for the afternoon with minimal queues, and at points being the only ones on certain rides – a truly exclusive feel and reward after a tiring run.
Our Experience…
You are expected to park in the main car park and walk to the theme park entrance, so enough time should be allowed for this. Once in the park, the event arena has many stalls, a bag drop-off, and live music/PA to build anticipation and atmosphere. Here you await to be called for the relevant race and follow the pacemakers holding signs of the expected race time to ensure participants are fairly spread.
The routes of the different races take place within the theme park and car park areas. The 5k goes past many of the rollercoasters and rides, including Wicker Man and Nemesis Reborn. Along the way, the park’s mascots, staff, and even CBeebies characters are spread around the park cheering on the participants, as well as volunteers and spectators. Upon finishing, a themed medal is given out, alongside some other goodies. Later that day, the chip times are usually published on the website so you can see your time and rank within gender and age category.
From midday, the theme park is opened as usual with most rides, attractions, shops, and food outlets available. Although the park may feel busy with everyone in one area during the run, the crowds soon disperse to experience the large theme park.
With a fun time appearing to be had by all, despite the weather, the event was once again a success, and we’re already excited for the next one. We’d like to thank Run Alton Towers for providing us with one 5km race entry in return for our photos, review, and video. All thoughts are our own, and facts are taken from Alton Towers and RunThrough UK.
The event returns to Alton Towers on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November 2025 for the 5k, 10k, & Half Marathon events. Tickets for race entry including theme park access start from £45. Run Through UK also hosts events all across the UK, including other theme parks such as Drayton Manor and Thorpe Park. For more information, be sure to check the Run Alton Towers & Run Through UK websites and socials.
@thrillnation Ever wanted to run around @Alton Towers Resort!? #runaltontowers #runthroughuk #altontowers #race #themepark ♬ So Much Happiness - Lux-Inspira
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