Last year was an exceptionally fun year racing for me, I became adventurous and ran abroad more regularly. I ran in Malta, Spain, Germany & France chasing the London marathon qualifying time. I will post my journal entries in the future highlighting my favorite races and unofficial race reviews. However with the arrival of my first baby last year I am looking ahead to races a little closer to home here in the U.K. These are five of the best races to have a good look at for 2016 if you are looking for that all important next goal. It certainly helps to have a race in the diary to keep you motivated. I know I would more than likely let that wet and windy Thursday night run go if it was not for that race on the horizon. I hope this sews a seed and sets you off on a journey of discovery of cool and interesting races. We are blessed with some excellent events within our shores. Be sure to let us know which races you liked, hated, found extremely difficult via our social media channels Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. We do love hearing about our Runderwear™ helping you stay comfortable en-route to that new medal.
- New Forest Marathon weekend
After a re-birth this is now an excellent event which we have only heard very positive things. Now encompassing a full marathon, half marathon, 10k & 5k. We will be the official Underwear of this years Race weekend as a result of all the good things we have heard. A perfect race to combine with a stay in the New Forest in one of the many wonderful B&B’s on offer. That combined with the beautiful little country pubs dotted about near the course make this a perfect family weekend away…with a rather long Sunday run!
Run on the same day as the Great North Run (our next entry) so its decision time!
- The Great North Run
Now I will be honest I have not run this yet as it often clashes with my Mum’s birthday. Despite the offer to take her for the weekend to Newcastle every year (she does not run yet & lives on the South Coast!) I have not made it. However being one of the largest half marathons in the world it has to be on all runners to-do list. 57,000 runners in the friendly city of Newcastle in the middle of September normally offers some great times to be run with perfect running temperatures …normally!
But hurry you have to enter the ballot which closes on the Monday 8th of February!
http://www.greatrun.org/great-north-run
- Swansea Bay 10k
Flat, Fast & Scenic. This race has been shortlisted for Best 10k in the U.K so is our entry for all those 10k runners.
http://www.swanseabay10k.com/
- Endurancelife Costal Trail Series Exmoor race
Available in 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultra marathon & ultra marathon Plus. Not for the faint hearted or the un-motivated. This is a real challenge regardless of the distance. Expect hills, sea winds and tough terrain. A stunningly beautiful race though where the rewards run rich. Well organized and again in a beautiful area of the country making it an ideal weekend getaway.
http://www.endurancelife.com/
- Leeds 10k
Labeled the London of the North, Leeds will be coming alive with over 7,000 runners bursting through the streets. Fast and flat through the city centre it is a PB hunters dream. Well organized and on our to do list this year. Also if you happen to forget your Runderwear™, have no fear you can nip in to see the lovely staff at the local Up & Running Leeds store near Leeds train station for a pair!
http://www.runforall.com/10k/leeds/
Jamie Smalley
Co-Founder of Runderwear™