Top 6 winter events to book in 2016: from park runs to coastal marathons

Don't go off the boil just because it's Christmas, says our fitness columnist Annie Ross
The Super Slide at Toughest
Jesper Grønnemark
Annie Ross22 December 2015

As Christmas draws ever nearer, it's tempting to put training on the backburner.

To keep your focus in check, I'm sharing recommendations for upcoming winter events. Add a couple to your Christmas list, book your spot and relax into the festive season knowing that come January you'll have your inspiration to get up and go.

Be brave with your ambitions. If you’re curious about a particular sport, 2016 is the year to try it. Get training and you’ll surprise yourself at the things your mind and body are capable of.

URBAN

Parkrun

Free timed 5km runs every Saturday morning, nationwide. These runs are the perfect way to benchmark your fitness throughout the year. Open to all abilities, the community spirit is one of Parkrun’s greatest attributes. No need to book but register online to print a barcode for your time.

Run Through

1 mile, 5km, 10km and half marathon runs across various London locations. With a great variety of distances and locations across London, you can mix and match, ramping up as your fitness improves. Aim to brave the Wimbledon half marathon in March.

Windor & Eton Winter duathlon series

Run-bike-run duathlons in Berkshire. Try mixing up running and cycling on the traffic-free circuit that loops around Dorney Lake, where the 2012 Olympics rowing and canoeing races were held. The flat open space means you can clock some healthy times even before race season begins.

A womble at a Run Through event

SCENIC

Bucks Road Cycle Sportive

85km or 100km cycle that take place on February 28 2016 in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. This winter cycle takes you through the rolling Chilterns. Capped to 300 people, the cycle is a great one for getting your legs turning no matter what the weather. The route is signposted so you can relax and enjoy the country views.

Coastal Trail Series

10ks, half marathons, marathons and ultras along various British coasts. Renowned for unbeatable scenery, these coastal runs show rugged Britain at its best. Ranked for severity, you can pick the trail and distance that best suit you.

Toughest

An obstacle course that takes place on April 23 2016 in East Sussex. Adding to the UK’s fine collection of obstacle course races, this Nordic company is coming to the South East for the first time next year. An 8km course with 40 obstacles, do you dare take on the ‘dragon’s back’ and ‘super slide’?

Annie Ross is the founder of eXerK.com. Follow her on Twitter@eXerKyourself

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