scenery, this is a well-timed return to off-road running as the summer road season draws to a close. The three-lap course is also pleasingly traffic-free - but not without its challenges. The route is studded with enough hills to keep you on your toes

in particular, is the ultimate challenge. "So many people are doing Ironman now," he says. "It's really snowballed but people still see it as a challenge. In the 90s people thought it was an impossible task, but they now realise that if they try hard, they can

:Southend Half-Marathon (Essex, June 11)Wycombe Half-Marathon (Bucks, July 9)Dartford Half-Marathon (Kent, July 23)Colworth Marathon Challenge (Beds, June 16 - 18)Colworth Marathon Challenge (Beds, June 16 - 18) Why not try your hand at running three races

10K (Greater Manchester, July 4) Expect to dig deep three times over in this challenging multi-lap course through Stockport’s oldest public park.The Abbey 10K (Cambridgeshire, July 8) Second staging of this flat, multi-terrain course across

but undeniably scenic challenge. Enter online.Votwo Kamikaze Banzi Charge 7 (Dorset, September 18)Test your mettle with this seven-mile obstacle extravaganza. Head to Mapperton Farm near Bridport, where you'll take on a two-lap circuit including steep hills, mud

a challenge to give them a focus, work hard to achieve it and often change themselves in the process.Which makes me wonder why I’m there not running for charity. I’ve had a few people ask me simply which charity I was running for, with "I’m not

.Jersey: A challenging gorseJersey Challenge (Channel Islands, Oct 1) Now in its second year, this kayak-bike-run event takes place along much of the rural and quieter north coast of the island.Competitors will have to battle in two-man teams to cover

at the finish aren't bad either.4. Military 10K (North)Lancashire, October 9    If you like to keep your trainers pristine, steer clear. This race in Prestwich Park, Whitefield saw competitors challenged by ditches, climbs, water and plenty of mud. Judging

Sussex, July 4  A challenging multi-terrain race run around Bewl Water and through the lanes surrounding the reservoir, this is an event for all the family. Runners got a fantastic medal and bulging goody bag, while spectators were entertained by a brass

. Enter online now.The Hestercombe Humdinger 9.5(Somerset, February 20)Start this humdinger of a race in style at the tree-lined driveway of historic Hestercombe Gardens. Such tranquillity won't last long - the rest of this race poses a challenge for even