FEBRUARY 2018 53 From 5Ks to ultras, and everything in between, check out these top 100 races from all around the UK and overseas. Start filling your diary and make 2018 your best ever year of racing!

JANUARY TO JUNE 2018

ON YOUR MARKS…

© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

GET SET…SIGN UP! THERE ARE LOADS OF GREAT REASONS TO TAKE PART IN RACE EVENTS

Some people enjoy running without feeling the need to race regularly. Similarly, newer runners may find the idea of a running event intimidating. But they shouldn’t. There are all sorts of compelling reasons to take part in race events – and not just for all those free t-shirts…

MAKING A COMMITMENT

Once you enter a race, it’s wise to give your training a bit of structure. If you follow a gradually progressing training plan, seeing you build distance and speed each week, you’ll gain even more than you already do from running. Ticking off training sessions on your plan each week can be hugely rewarding, and will give your running a new sense of purpose. Plus, following a plan often makes training easier: you don’t have to think of a run to do, it’s decided for you.

YOU’RE ONLY RACING YOURSELF

One of the biggest myths about races is that everyone’s, well, racing. Really, about 90 per cent of the field will say they’re only racing themselves – and that often means racing a previously set PB. But when it’s your first time racing a new distance, as there’s no PB to beat, you’re winning simply by turning up and giving it a go!

BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

Remember the first time you ran for 10 minutes non-stop – didn’t it feel great? You can recapture that feeling every single week when you’re training for a race. As you build up distance or complete speedwork sessions faster, you’ll find you’re a better runner than you ever imagined.

REDISCOVER YOUR MOJO

Running without a goal can often see your motivation dwindle. Training for a race can help you rediscover your mojo. Opt for a challenge that feels so immense you’re scared into training regularly, or just go for a fun event that makes you want to get out of bed and train in the mornings.

RAISE SOME DOSH

Setting yourself a running challenge is a brilliant way to raise money for a cause close to your heart. Every year, millions of pounds are raised by people in races – big and small – across the country, and you’ll be amazed by how much support friends, family and colleagues are willing to offer.

HAVE A HOLIDAY

Attending races usually means going somewhere new, whether that’s a nearby village or to the other end of the country. It can mean a new post-run pub, or maybe a new hotel. It can be a fun weekend away for other members of the family, too.

MAKE FRIENDS

Even the most introverted wallflower will struggle to stay silent at a race start, so it’s a great way to meet like-minded folk and you’ll soon find you weren’t the only person nervous about doing the race. Racing comes with nerves and tough times, so the friends you make can stay with you forever.

ALL THE FREE T-SHIRTS

Plus you’ll probably never need to buy a t-shirt again.

INFLATABLE 5K No stilettos please

© PHOTO COURTESY OF INFLATABLE 5K

BRIGHTON GLOW RUN, HOVE Date: 6 January 2018 Terrain: Road Entry: £20 adult / £10 child Size of field: Goodies: Medal, banana, stickers and neon accessories This evening run calls for your finest fluorescentwear. So don’t be shy. Gather your loved ones and prepare for a refreshing run along the seafront from Hove to Brighton Pier and back. Don’t forget your glow sticks. www.blitzrun.com/event/brightonglowrun

THE LEICESTER CITY 5K WINTER SERIES, LEICESTER Date: 7 February 2018 Terrain: Road Entry: £11 Size of field: Goodies: Medal Two laps of Leicester’s tranquil Victoria Park. Enjoy an undulating, traffic–free course with supervised bag storage and refreshments. www.nice-work.org.uk

RUN FOR CHOCOLATE 5K, VARIOUS LOCATIONS Date: February-March 2018 Terrain: Mixed Entry: £25 adult / £15 child Size of field: Goodies: Medal, hot chocolate and other treats Chocolate lovers, this event is calling you! It’s not timed and the emphasis is on fun, so just concentrate on having a good time. Enjoy the party atmosphere, live music and unlimited luxury hot chocolate. Sounds like heaven! www.runforchocolate.co.uk

INFLATABLE 5K, VARIOUS LOCATIONS Date: Various dates from March Terrain: Obstacle Entry: £27.50 adult / child from £17.50 Size of field: Goodies: Medal and t-shirt The organisers guarantee this will be the most 5K fun you’ve ever had – and it’s a great workout too! So prepare to pit your wits against five inflatable obstacles and bounce your way to that finish line. www.ukrunningevents.co.uk/inflatable-5k-run

SUPERNOVA 5K, LONDON Date: 3 March 2018 Terrain: Mixed Entry: £17.50 adult / £15.50 child (under 5s go free) Size of field: Goodies: Medal, goody bag, LED headtorch, buff and more Get ready for a magical, fluorescent experience as dusk falls on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Remember to get your neon on, to really stand out from the crowd. www.supernovarun.com

MK 5K, MILTON KEYNES Date: 11 March 2018 Terrain: Road Entry: £10 adult / £6 child Size of field: Goodies: Medal Starting at the Xscape centre, this mostly flat one– lap course leads you through town and country. As it’s part of the Milton Keynes Festival Of Running, runners can experience what it’s like to be part of a larger event. Perfect for a fast PB. www.mkrun.co.uk

INVERNESS 5K FUN RUN, INVERNESS Date: 11 March 2018 Terrain: Flat, road Entry: £9.50 adult and child Size of field: Goodies: Medal, an event giveaway and Highland Spring water A family friendly race that’s great for all types of runners. The route will take you through the city and out over the River Ness so you can marvel at the stunning scenery and the majestic Inverness Castle. Just enjoy it! www.invernesshalfmarathon.co.uk/event/5k-fun-run

CANCER RESEARCH UK RACE FOR LIFE, VARIOUS LOCATIONS Date: Various dates from May Terrain: Mixed Entry: £14.99 women / £10 child Size of field: Goodies: Medal Finding an event near you shouldn’t be a problem as there are now over 150 5K events to choose from across the UK. Sign up now and walk, jog or run and help to beat cancer sooner. https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org