From the sublime to the ridiculous, the serious to the downright silly, there’s a whole host of great running and multi-discipline events coming up this year, from challenges that will push you to your limit to fancy dress fun runs, there’s something for everyone, regardless of your fitness level. Here’s our top 10 events for 2011.
1. Great Urban Race, London 23rd July 2011
Described by the organisers as a ‘wild urban adventure’, this is a fun, interactive event where teams of two complete 12 mental and physical challenges along the way, starting and finishing in Notting Hill. Sort of a cross between a treasure hunt and It’s a knockout. Brilliant fun.
More info : http://www.greaturbanrace.com/
2. JogScotland 5K, Throughout Scotland 8th – 29th June 2011
These 5K fun runs are taking place on midweek evenings in June all over Scotland. You can participate in a team and there are prizes to be won. You can walk, jog or run and it’s a great opportunity to make the most of the summer evenings in the fresh air with your friends. If you’re a more serious runner, it’s a good chance to attempt a PB.
More info. : http://www.jogscotland.org.uk/challenges
3. Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, 2nd October 2011
For spectacular scenery, you’d be hard pushed to beat this event. The natural beauty of the area is the big draw here. A great opportunity to raise money for your favourite charity whilst enjoying the scenery and indulging in a spot of monster spotting along the shores of Loch Ness! Really rather special. If you’re not quite up to a full marathon, you can participate in a 10K or 5K instead.
More info : http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/
4. Bupa Great North Run, Gateshead, Newcastle 18th September 2011
A large half marathon event with over 50,000 participants, now in its 31st year. Tremendous fun, and with so many runners taking part, the atmosphere on the urban route is electric, with live bands and massive crowds to cheer you on. If you’d rather do a 10K, there’s the Great North 10K event on 17th July.
More info. : http://www.greatrun.org/
5. The Prince’s Trust Wild UK Challenge, West Somerset – South Devon, 23rd-25th September 2011
Off road, rugged terrain and spectacular scenery is the order of the day here. Hike, cycle and kayak 100 miles in 3 days, from Somerset to Devon and raise money to help disadvantaged young people in the UK.
More info : http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/support_us/adventure_challenges.aspx
6. The Sumo Run, London 18th June 2011 & Manchester 2nd July 2011
This 5K event is what fun runs are all about. Utterly ridiculous and for a great cause. Dress up in an inflatable sum outfit and take to the streets with your friends to raise money for Gemin-i, which is an educational charity that brings 60,000 children in both developed and developing countries together to raise awareness of and tackle the world’s health and human rights issues.
More info. : http://www.sumorun.com/
7. Liverpool Marathon, 9th October 2011
Expect a great atmosphere and big crowds, taking in the city parks and docks and the residential streets of Liverpool, on both sides of the Mersey. The last marathon in the city was the Mersey Marathon back in 1992, this new one replaces the old with a brand new 26.2 mile course. Be one of the first to try out Liverpool’s new marathon.
More info. : http://www.runliverpoolmarathon.co.uk/
8. London Duathlon, Richmond Park 11th September 2011
The world’s largest running and cycling duathlon, taking in the sights of beautiful Richmond Park. You can take part as an individual or in a relay team and there’s also the chance to take part in the Ultra Distance 20km : 80km : 10km event if you want to go for a longer distance.
More info : http://www.thelondonduathlon.co.uk/
9. Pants in the Park, Leeds 12th June, London 25th June and Andover 17th July 2011
Pants in the Park is a 5K fun run and, as its name suggests, is completed in pants – on the outside of your clothes, you’ll be pleased to know. Money raised from Pants in the Park goes to Prostate Action, which funds research and education to beat prostate cancer. Very much a family orientated event with face painting and entertainment going on throughout the day.
More info : http://www.prostateaction.org.uk/pantsinthepark
10. Run Kingston 9th October 2011
On flat road and gravel track over distances of 16 or 8.2 miles, taking in the scenic river views of Kingston-upon-Thames, Hampton Court Palace and through to the centre of Kingston, this is a nice, relaxed run and great for marathon training.
More info. : http://www.humanrace.co.uk/events/run/runkingston-2011
