Elan Valley 10 (Powys, November 24) 
Best known for the smooth organisation of the ever-popular Round the Lakes 20, Rhayader AC’s latest addition to the Welsh racing calendar - a new 10-mile road race – is bound to find fans in veteran locals and newcomers alike. Identical to its more challenging counterpart insofar as the awe-inspiring scenery of the picturesque Elan Valley is concerned, the news that this inaugural event is markedly void of the lung-busting ascents of its elder sister is sure to induce many a sigh of relief among prospective competitors. In fact, organisers go so far as to hint at the course’s PB potential, given the downward elevation of the opening mile, and nothing more testing than a couple of slow gradual inclines thereafter.
More 10-mile highlights...
Stortford 10 (Hertfordshire, November 18)
Hadleigh 10 (Suffolk, November 25)
Sospan Multi-Terrain 10 (Carmarthenshire, November 25)
The OareDeal 10 (Wiltshire, November 25)
Bicton Blister 11 (Devon, November 25)
Line up at the start of this upcoming multi-terrain number in your shiny new racing shoes and freshly-washed kit and you’re likely to find yourself in a significant minority. Muddy, boggy and sock-soaking wet, this is definitely an event to embrace head on (no side-stepping of puddles allowed) especially when a quick survey of your surrounds confirms that you’ve just a handful of "cows and other running nutters" for company. Comprising continuous, leg-sapping inclines over tricky terrain, the pains and the strains of the course will almost certainly pale in comparison to the heart-warming glow once you stagger over the finish line. You might want to leave your watch at home though – after all, there won’t be a single mile marker to measure your progress. You’ll simply have to grit your teeth and battle on.
More off-road highlights...
Campbell Park Canter (Buckinghamshire, November 18)
Orientator 10K (Surrey, November 18)
Hog Dash! (South Yorkshire, November 24)
Merrell Mudman 7.5K (Surrey, November 25)
