Now that winter is behind us (oh no it’s not!!) it’s time to look at ahead to spring / early summer and plan for those important races. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just looking for a leisurely run with your friends, there are plenty of events to choose from.
Below are some of the best local races taking place soon.
Haweswater Half Marathon, Sunday March 3rd 2013
“The Haweswater Half follows an out and back course from Bampton Village (9 miles S of Penrith, 4 miles W of Shap) and passes along the shores of Haweswater in a remote and dramatic mountain valley. The hilly course offers an exhilarating run in unique surroundings.”
Entry form here
Glaisdale Rigg (Fell Race), Sunday March 3rd 2013
A 8.5m (13.7km) fell race in the North York Moors with 1844ft (562m) climb. Starting venue is Arnecliffe Arms pub in Glaisdale, Whitby, at 10.30am. Entry fee on day is £6.00.
For further information click here
Spen 20M, Sunday March 10th 2013
“A two loop race over 20 miles from Princess Mary Athletics Stadium, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire.”
I did this race several years ago, and after setting off too fast at the beginning ended up walking the final few miles, eventually finishing just under 3 hours. If I don’t beat that time this year then I’m chucking in running.
Entry form here
Run Northumberland Half Marathon, Sunday March 10th 2013
“This year’s race starts at Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, at 9:30am and costs £26 for club members. The entry fee includes a goodie bag, T-shirt, refreshments and vouchers for other races.”
Entry details here
Thirsk 10M, Sunday March 24th 2013
A great race which I’ve done on numerous occasions Starting from Thirsk race-course, you mainly run along country lanes before finishing back at the race-course. Virtually flat and a perfect opportunity to bag a 10 Mile PB. The only drawback this year is the final cross-country race of the season (at Prudhoe) being held the previous day.
Entry form here
2012 Race Report here
North Tyneside 10k, Sunday March 31st 2013
One of my all time favourite races. Setting off from Parks Leisure centre, the route soon drops down into North shields fish quay, where the aroma of fish n chips makes you wish you were watching the race rather than competing. A mile further on there’s the double whammy of the two ascents at The Priory. The first is short and steep, the second is long and steep. Both hurt like hell but after you reached the top of the second climb it’s almost flat all the way to the finish at Whitley Bay lighthouse.
And as the race falls on Easter Sunday, what better way to reward yourself following the race than by eating an easter egg or two.
Entry form here
2012 Race Report here
Longtown 10M, Saturday April 6th 2013
“Brand new for 2013 a stunning 10 mile road race starting and finishing at the small border town of Longtown. Located 8miles East of Carlisle and on the Scottish border this event is easily accessible from the M6 and A69.”
“A traditional 10 mile looped course that has it all, stunning views, great road surfaces and virtually no traffic, this event promises to be an instant favourite.”
I’m quite looking forward to this one, mainly to see how it compares to the Brampton-Carlisle race, which for many athletes is the best 10 Mile race currently around, although I’m not sure what shape I’ll be in after consuming so many chocolate eggs the previous week.
Entry form here
Allendale Challenge (Fell Walk/Race), Saturday April 6th 2013
“The Allendale Challenge – organised by North Of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team to raise funds for the team – is considered by many to be one of the toughest challenge walks around.
It is always very popular and should be a “must do” event for any keen walker or fell runner.
The 25 Miles route covers some of the finest peat bogs in the North Penines. Taking an anti-clockwise loop from Allendale town the route takes in Hard Rigg, Black Hill, Killhope Law before returning to the town via the Spartylea, The Drag, and Ladelwell. The weather on the event can be just as challenging as the terrain – which all adds to the fun.”
Entry details here
Blyth 10k, Sunday April 7th 2013
“The race is run from Blyth Quayside to Seaton Sluice and back, along public footpaths and cycle ways. The course is officially ratified, is very flat and provides an excellent chance of fast times. Changing is available at Blyth Sports Centre and there is ample parking around the Quayside.”
Another fantastic race in which I’ve competed a number of times. The out-and-back course gives members a chance to cheer on their team-mates and the long finishing straight always provides a thrilling climax as racers sprint to the line.
Entry form here
2012 Race Report here
Druridge Bay Marathon, Sunday April 14th 2013
This is the 1st event in the North East Marathon Club’s “TOUR OF NORTHUMBRIA 2013”. Four separate marathons in four different scenic locations throughout the North East. There will be a special award for anyone who completes all 4 events. (Further details can be found on the North East Marathon Club website).
Druridge Bay Country Park comprises several miles of beach and sand dunes on the beautiful Northumberland Coast, plus 2 large freshwater lakes surrounded by woods and meadows. It is situated 3 miles south of Amble and approx. 20 miles north of Newcastle. To take advantage of tide conditions on the day the course will now be 4 equal laps within the Park.
Entry details here
The Terry O’Gara Memorial 5K Road Race, Sunday April 21st 2013
This event, in memory of the legendary Wallsend athlete, also includes a fun run and incorporates the VAANEE 5K road race championships. The race has been officially measured and uses a largely traffic-free route using the Hadrian’s Way Cycle Path near to Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend.
Entry form here
Guisborough Moors (Fell Race), Sunday 21st 2013
A 20km race starting from Guisborough Rugby Club, with a total climb of 850m. This event is ranked by the Fell Runner’s Association as “BL”, where B represents the climb metres per km (A is the steepest) and L indicates it’s a Long distance race. As with all fell races, competitors may be required to carry kit (whistle, compass etc.).
Entry details here
Sunderland running festival, Sunday April 28th 2013
A fabulous event which sees a Marathon, a Half-marathon and a 10K race all take place at the same time. But you better hurry if you want to take part as entries are almost full for each race.
Half-Marathon Entry details here
Marathon Entry details here
10K Entry details here
2012 Race Report here and here
Pier to Pier, Sunday May 12th 2013
A cracking little run, starting from the beach at South Shields, and finishing on the beach at Roker (Sunderland). How you get from South Shields to Sunderland is left to the runner, as there are a multitude of footpaths and short-cuts which can be taken. Superbly organised and usually a great race memento at the end – together with some crisps, chocolate and a drink.
Entry form here
2012 Race Report here
Edinburgh running festival, Saturday & Sunday May 25/26th 2013
A weekend for running junkies. On the Saturday, a 5k and 10k race to whet the appetite, whilst on the Sunday there’s the option of either a half or full marathon. But as with the Sunderland festival, members looking to take part better be quick as entries are now almost complete for all the races.
Race details here
2012 Race Report here
The George Ogle Memorial Race, Wednesday May 29th 2013
“A multi-terrain race of approximately 6 miles up the Derwent Valley starting from Swalwell Cricket Club.”
Entry form here
More races to follow.
8 Responses
DD, are you doing Haweswater?
Not this year, I’m saving myself for Spen 20 the following week.
That’s a great selection of races coming up DD, very well put together and I’m sure very useful for people.
The races which are a bit further afield also give an excellent opportunity to sample the delights of the DD Megamix CD on the journey there. Guaranteed to make a lasting impression. Only last week I was in Morrissons when one of the tunes came on and I was whisked back in time to last years coniston marathon journey. What a cracker!
that’s strange, because folks are normally whisked back to the 70’s or 80’s when they hear one of my medley CD’s
Thanks DD for the race selection. There are some really good races there.
Interesting to note the difference in race fees – the Spen 20miler costs £9 and the Northumberland Half (13.1 miler) costs £26.
It would be good if members mentioned the entry cost in their race report and thought whether or not the race represented good value.
Going to test myself pre-Edinburgh with Northumberland H/M – extra big bunch of flowers for Mother due for that like