Where: London When: December 5 If you like dressing up, running and Christmas, the London Santa Run is the race you’ve been waiting for. The 6K course is just the right distance for most beginners, and the race is set alongside the Thames

Great Manchester Run 10KWhere? Manchester When? MayThe Bupa Great Manchester Run 10K makes for a great introduction to racing. Not only is the organisation as slick as you'd expect from a Great Run event, but the course is a beginner's dream -  flat

Standfirst: Author: Joe DunbarPics:Issue date: Racing secrets bookletKeywords:uan61-->There aren’t many mile races in the normal sense of road racing, but many tracks around the country offer open graded meetings in the summer. These are events open

1. Mull of Kintyre Half-MarathonArgyll and Bute, May 30 This race makes it into the beginner category for much the same reasons as it made it into atmosphere and half-marathon top 10 – it’s just a race that’s really good fun to run, the vibe

"I got a huge cheer and a bouquet of flowers"—Lyn WhitesideAre you worried about finishing last in a race? The good news is that if you're reading this article, the chances of it actually happening are very small. Big beginner-friendly races

into Strickland Country Fair. Although some of the sandy tracks and slight undulations may seem more challenging than a typical beginner's race, the friendly marshals and stunning coastal scenery are more than ample rewards. Once you finish the race, it's time

and just tried to focus on what I needed to do - sometimes you can get flustered if you pay too much attention to everyone else's race.Your GB team-mate Cassie Patten took bronze in Beijing in the same event. Is there rivalry between the two of you or do

Short and snappy, 5K races are the perfect distance for beginners targeting a first race – but an equally satisfying summer target for a speed-demon with more racing experience. This is the destination for all things 5K – all the schedules, guides

RacingYou've trained for months, so don't blow it: race smart"The strategy that applies to almost any race is to run with your head for the first two-thirds of the race and with your heart for the final third," says coach Jack Daniels. Running

Here's how to race on the right foot – from the people who learnt the hard wayStart SmallThe best way to approach racing is to start small. Whether you’re planning to do your race as a one-off, or as the first step in a long running career, you