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

Taking a break from Tarmac to run on trails is a great way to invigorate your running routine. The scenic vistas you don't normally encounter on your everyday road loop stimulate both your mind and body. To get the  most out of your trail running

UK Trail Running Championships, Cotgrave: Sunday, May 20WHY RUN IT?Held over a scenic course (over an approximate marathon distance), this figure-of-eight route is extremely tough with 1500ft of climbing. There are also races over eight miles and 44

, but trail running is enjoying a surge in popularity among multi-sport athletes. The current Under-23 World Triathlon Champion, Alistair Brownlee, is even harder to beat on the fells than in a triathlon, while the number of off-season trail races continues

finish. Sandy 10 (Bedfordshire, March 30) Be part of the 25th staging of this popular 10-miler, whose mix of ups and downs leads you through a trio of quaint pastoral villages. Chedworth Roman Trail 10 (Gloucestershire, April 6) Uneven terrain, several

Running up and down hills amid some of Britain’s most remote and rugged terrain might seem the preserve of hardy, veteran athletes, but in reality, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy the exhilarating experience of fell running

Weight 319gEvaluation Asics is a past master at producing sturdy, no-frills budget trail shoes. Models such as the Gel Guts and Trespass were perfect for runners who did a bit of trail running, but didn't want to spend a fortune. The Trail Attack

Weight 325gEvaluation The Climacool Trail is a great shoe for running off-road on dusty tracks when the sun is beating down. It has just the right amount of grip, and the ventilated upper and midsole keep your feet nice and cool. It even weighs

Weight 355g Evaluation Despite being an outdoor brand rather than a running company, The North Face has produced a number of shoes that have proved popular with our off-road and adventure-racing weartesters. The Flight Trail is a decent entry

protective off-road shoe with a tough upper, and you don’t run a lot on mud, it’s fine.In short The Gel Eagle Trail is in the New Balance mould of heavyish, protective trail shoes. It has a tough upper and a nice low-profile midsole, but because it doesn