that by the time the UK was waking up I'd have a medal round my neck, a grin on my face and a free beer in my hand (see right!).In the 2009 Challenge I found the 10K race seriously tough. My legs just wouldn't move fast enough, every step I took was painful and I

your head up and immerse yourself in the glorious scenery around the course."This race may not have the glitz & glam of London but what you get for your money is a challenging race, in stunning scenery, a very friendly atmosthere and an appreciative

takes in Lake Windermere and dramatic Lakeland fells, following the Kentmere Valley before a tough climb up to the Garburn Pass and the downhill return to Race HQ in Staveley. With well-marked trails, sturdy terrain and just one incline of note

training so you peak in time for a race. What, when and why?Until the Soviet sports scientists got on board, athletes trained at the same intensity all year round. As well as being deeply boring, the constant pressure and physiological demand on the body

Getty Images Off-road running might summon up dark memories of being sent round the school field in the cold. But there’s much more to going off-road. Springing along a forest trail is easier on your body than Tarmac, and the world beyond road

and supportive atmosphere. You’ll be entertained no matter how quickly you whiz round this flat course by the variety of scenery as the race loops out of the town centre and back in for the last mile through pretty parkland and over a railway bridge. 8

to watch the sun set over Northern Ireland. Once the racing's out of the way, round off your feel-good weekend with the event's much-loved ceilidh."All in all, what a great weekend! Brilliant organisation, T-shirts fab and activities planned throughout

Spring's the perfect time to pick up the pace – or the pieces – of your running regime. The weather's warming up, and runners' diaries will be packed with top racing opportunities over a huge range of distances and terrains. Whether you're worried

of the race climbs before a descent leading down to a cheeky uphill sting in the tail near the finish.All finishers will come away with a hard-earned T-shirt, and there are spot prizes as well as prizes for the winners, plus £50 for any entrants feeling up

. The single-lap course is gently undulating, following the Arboretum's well-kept and traffic-free gravel trails – and if you’re not up to a PB, not to worry – the surroundings are more than enough to tempt runners to take the race at a slower pace. When