Turns out there’s a lot more going on out there than your average 10K. The race scene is getting bigger, bolder and a bit weirder (in a good way) – it’s no longer just about distance, time and pace but full-circle experiences. Let’s be honest, combining your run with a bit of adventure and good atmosphere is the perfect way to find your groove.
Here are five races you probably didn’t know about – just to plant that little FOMO (‘fear of missing out’) seed in your runner brain:
Nuclear Races (www.nuclear-races.co.uk)
#WeLoveMud, the hashtag says it all! Based in Brentwood, Nuclear Races throws down dirty, sporty and seriously fun obstacle challenges for everyone – whatever your fitness level or age, from beginners to championship pros. Race solo or grab your squad and get ready to crawl, climb, sprint and splash your way through an epic adventure that will test not just your physical strength, but your courage and determination.
Run the Blades (www.breakingstrain.co.uk/run-the-blades)
Nature’s calling – and you’ll hear it loud and clear! For 10 years Breaking Strain has been offering thrilling trail races set among the towering wind turbines of Whitelee Wind Farm. Expect a scenic and challenging route with some hills on the 10K, half marathon, and 50K distances, all taking you closer to the sky and giving you a good breath of Scottish fresh air. “Run like the wind” they said… and this time, you actually will.
The FT Nikkei UK Ekiden (www.ukekiden.com)
The team that runs together, stays together. Inspired by Japanese tradition, UK Ekiden invites teams to collectively cover 76 miles in a relay along the scenic Thames Path from Oxford to Windsor. This exciting race is broken into 10 legs, each starting and finishing with a tasuki sash handover. All about endurance, teamwork and cultural exchange – UK Ekiden tests not just individual ability but the collective strength of the team.
Deadly Dozen (www.deadlydozen.com)
Can you lift and run? Of course you can! Deadly Dozen is a hybrid race that combines track running with twelve gym-based challenges including diverse weight carries, lunges, burpee jumps and bear crawls. Designed to be accessible and scalable, it lets you take part solo, in pairs or as a relay team and the best part, it is almost all around the world! It’s a high-energy, full-body test of strength and stamina, ready to push you beyond the usual finish line.
Flitton Potato Race (www.flittonpotatorace.co.uk)
Yes, you read that right – potato. The Flitton Potato Race is every bit as unique as it sounds: carry sacks of spuds along a closed-road course from Moat Farm Close to the White Hart pub. This revived 100-year-old tradition is a mile-long celebration of community spirit and good old-fashioned fun. Just pick your category (and potato load) and get ready to sweat, laugh and reward yourself with a well-earned portion of potatoes.
So now you can’t say you didn’t know… see you at the start line?
By Andrea Wallem, Customer Success Manager at njuko.com
njuko.com is a dedicated endurance sports registration platform, powering events such as those mentioned in the article up to the likes of Milano Marathon, City2Surf, Ironman, London Landmarks Half Marathon and more. Processing over 5 million registrations a year globally.
As a runner you have most likely entered a race that is using njuko, but our approach is white label, meaning the races you love are at the forefront of your experience.
See you at the next event!