Take to the trails this summer at Nene Valley 10 and 20 Milers with the promise of being both friendly and scenic, there are plenty of reasons to challenge yourself over these longer distances on 8 June. Organisers say: "Our friendly trail running races will show you the best of this beautiful area. You’ll be running on easy tracks and paths through the undiscovered, rolling Northamptonshire countryside."

Starting from Fotheringhay’s Castle Farm Campsite, both routes take runners through green fields and ancient bluebell woodlands, along rivers and disused railway tracks and quiet, picturesque old villages. Organisers continue: "Both distances are fully marked and marshalled (no need to navigate!) with well stocked aid stations. Both the 10 mile and the 20 mile courses are ideal for people who have not tried a trail running event before, as well as experienced trail runners."

The 10 miler will see participants run on undulating trails through fields and woodland to Nassington then on to Yarwell (look out for the field of llamas!), and through Yarwell Mill where there’s a cafe if they fancy a coffee and cake stop! Then it’s back along the river to Elton and Warmington before a final gentle climb over the last hill to the campsite.

The 20 miler takes runners north west from Fotheringhay on rolling trails through fields and woods to the picturesque villages of Wood Newton, Apethorpe and Kings Cliffe. Participants will dive down a newly created footpath along the old railway line here before looping back round through fields and woodland via Nassington. Some beautiful riverside running then takes runners to Elton, followed by Warmington.

You can make a weekend of it by camping in Fotheringhay on Friday and Saturday nights. £1 from every race entry will go to Transition Kings Cliffe, the small charity working to restore and maintain footpaths, protect and promote wildlife in the local area.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Nene Valley Races website.

Image: Nene Valley Races