Two fast, gravity assisted races are set to give runners a different kind of 10K challenge this summer as The Descent returns to West Yorkshire with point-to-point downhill courses designed for speed.

The original event, The Descent 1, takes place on 3 July and follows a simple concept: start high and finish low. Runners set off from Scammonden before dropping around 10K on quiet upland roads to the finish in West Vale. The fully road based route features a net descent of approximately 300 metres and offers sweeping views across the surrounding landscape as competitors are pulled steadily toward the valley below.

A second race in the series arrives earlier in the calendar. The Descent 2 takes place on 19 June and, despite its name, is the newer addition. The route begins high above Calderdale at Baitings Reservoir before descending to Sowerby Bridge over a fast 10K course with more than 700 feet of total drop.

Like its counterpart, the race is entirely road based and combines long runnable downhill sections with wide open scenery as runners travel from reservoir to town. Organisers say the course is suited to road runners looking for something different, trail runners who enjoy faster terrain and anyone seeking a fun and unusual 10K experience.

With chip timing and a well marked routes, the events are expected to appeal to runners seeking a quick time as well as those tackling their first 10K. All finishers in both races will receive a medal at the finish line as a memento of their downhill run.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Runable website.

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