Pocket Race Guide - Easter Bank Holiday Races

Caldervale Country 10 (Lancashire, April 22, Friday)

Deep in the heart of Lancashire lies a tiny village called Calder Vale. Take part in its annual ten-mile chase and you'll soak up a warm welcome and noisy cheers at the finish line. Dash past newborn lambs and verdant fields in this bumpy run through winding lanes. If the weather's clear you should be able to spot the coast and the Blackpool Tower from the hilltops in this wallet-friendly dash. Be warned, the gorgeous scenery may not be enough to distract you from feeling the burn. After flying downhill for the first few miles, your legs will face a series of testing climbs until the end is in sight. Enter online now.

Folkestone 10 (Kent, April 22, Friday)

Pack in a seaside race on your bank holiday and you could earn yourself an early Easter gift with this PB-friendly ten-mile course. You'll follow a flat out-and-back route between Hythe and Folkestone - but brace yourself for some temperamental coastal breezes. A team of friendly marshals, rousing local support and the event's famously slick organisation ensures this race always comes highly recommended. After pitting your legs against the strong field of club runners in this fast and furious dash, you can tuck into a well-deserved hot cross bun and cup of tea at the race HQ. Enter online now.

Picture credit: Rich Kenington www.theracephotographer.com

Newton to Ryde 7 (Isle of Wight, April 23, Saturday)

Hop across the Channel for a memorable day tearing across varied terrain on the Isle of Wight. With a new route planned for this year's race you can discover the island's quaint villages, historic sights and rolling countryside on an undulating route through Barton, Belmont Woods and Barton's Corner. The race's unusual 3pm start means you can make a leisurely journey over from Portsmouth and soak up the sights, before pitting your legs against some enthusiastic club runners. Enter online now.

St George's Day Half-Marathon (Northamptonshire, April 24, Sunday)

Celebrate Easter Sunday with a hard-earned feast of chocolate after speeding around Stanwick Lakes Country Park. Fly over flat trails through the scenic nature reserve, which has an abundance of wildlife and a history of settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Bring the whole family along and they can enjoy getting stuck in at the attraction's impressive play area, boating lake or Saxon village, while you face the race. If you don't fancy the full 13 miles, there are 10K and 5K fun runs on offer too.  Enter online now.

Easter Bunny 10K (Somerset, April 25, Monday)

Hunt Easter Eggs as well as a PB in this super-fast village dash. Speed around the villages of West Camel and Podimore with a group of swift club runners and you'll be guaranteed a quick time. Seasoned runners can compete for the team or veteran prizes and the event includes all the family with the children's one-mile fun run. The friendly atmosphere, flat course, bargain price tag and stash of chocolate eggs left at the finish line by the Easter bunny also add to the atmosphere of this enjoyable bank holiday jaunt. Enter online now.    

Stockley Park Easter Monday 10K  (Middlesex, April 25, Monday)

One of Greater London's largest business parks may seem an odd location for an off-road race. However, runners have been charmed by the variety in this chase, which returns for its third year. After a low-key start, the route veers off into a golf course where the ever-changing terrain, undulations and loops are guaranteed to keep you guessing. Try for a PB or just earn your family and friends' admiration in this spectator-friendly dash. Enter online now.

Wiggle 10K (Derbyshire, April 30, Saturday)

Use the Royal Wedding bonus bank holiday to its full advantage with this novel off-road race in Catton Park. The free camping on offer means you can even turn this super-friendly event into a weekend break. Its bargain race entry price includes chip-timing, hot showers and a goody bag. The race route itself is a cross-country delight packed with twists, turns, climbs and woodland sections. If you're hoping to make a mark in July's adidas Thunder Run 24hr, snap up your first chance to practise on this testing terrain. Canicrossers (runners with dogs) are also welcome and will appreciate having their own start time. Enter online now.