Great Eastern Run

Great Eastern Run 2026 Course Analysis

Great Eastern Run is a full marathon held in Peterborough, United Kingdom, scheduled for Saturday 23 May 2026. The course is run on road surface with 52m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 17m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Great Eastern Run website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very flat course with only 52m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 5m to 17m above sea level — a 12m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 18°C and 25°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a high chance of rain (83%). Runners should prepare for wet conditions, including appropriate footwear and clothing choices.

Surface Type: Road

Great Eastern Run is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.

How Difficult Is Great Eastern Run?

Our difficulty rating for Great Eastern Run is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Great Eastern Run against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.