, though runners (and walkers) can also tackle a 10K, 20K or 30K route. The option of a 5K walk – suitable for pushchairs – also offers a great diversion for supportive family members. More off-road highlights...Sidmouth Festival 10K (Devon, August 12

, the thought of running at different paces is proving troublesome – can you help him get more for his miles by lending a hand?"I began running about six months ago, on a run-walk training routine and progressed to do my first 5K in 30:05. I have kept on running

of the historic city. Don’t feel ready to tackle the half-marathon distance? Then sign up for the Race4Each 5K option, also starting and finishing in Norfolk Showground.Bedford Harriers Half-Marathon (Bedfordshire, December 2) The last 13.1-miler in the UK racing

Runner Sodbury Slog (Wiltshire, November 11)--Campbell Park Canter (Buckinghamshire, November 18)Orientator 10K (Surrey, November 18)Hog Dash! (South Yorkshire, November 24)Merrell Mudman 7.5K (Surrey, November 25)

30)Swansea Bay 5K Series (West Glamorgan, June 12, July 10 and August 7) Signing up for a regular race series is a great way to keep tabs on your progress from one month to the next, and these fast, flat fixtures along the picturesque seafront just

easier though - hills can be daunting and exhausting opponents, especially for beginners. What advice can you offer this week’s questioner as she prepares to tackle her first climbs?"I’ve been training for three months now and did a 5K in June. Now I

, bananas and fruitcake – provide runners with much-needed sustenance, while the prospect of free homemade stew for all finishers is a certified heart-warmer on the more exposed stretches. --London Peace Run 5K (Greenwich Park, September 9) With its lush

The Lakes 20 (Powys, March 16) Carmathen Mayor's 5K (Camarthenshire, March 24)Cloud Nine Hill 8.75 (Cheshire, March 2) Fell running is frequently believed to be the preserve of the hardy, veteran athlete, but in contrast, this upland fixture is a great

and shin splints, but the last month or so I've felt quite good and done a fair amount of training. I’ve not run a 10K yet but I did a 5K in 23 minutes. I was hoping for better - is there any chance of me beating my PB or am I just too old?" – Mike

the burn in my throat tricked my mind into thinking I'd just nipped into the garden for a quick fag. – orbital sanderPursue a PB for an added incentiveI went for six months without then had a couple the night before a 5K race. I added a minute and a half