When you look on the internet there are so many races to choose from, many close by and even more further a field. Races are a great motivation, they make training easier and give you a goal to reach for. But races are even better when your LFR team mates are running with you or are there to support you! There are some local races each year that are traditionally LFR takeover races; we've got you covered below! Make sure you've got them scheduled in on your race calendar...

Oakley 20

Where: Oakley, MK43 7RE

When: March

Surface: Road

Distance: 20 Miles

Overview of the event: This is your perfect training run before your Spring marathon, the ever popular Oakley 20 is on every marathon runners calendar. It's run on lovely quiet country roads and the course is ever rolling taking in some picturesque views along the way.

Link to the Event Site: Oakley 20

I should do this because:  It's the perfect long run, and though no finishers medal you do get a very cool hoody! But what colour will it be?!

MK Marathon Weekend

Where: The home of the concrete cows (Milton Keynes). Most events start and finish at Stadium MK.

When: May Bank Holiday Weekend

Surface: Road

Distance: Multiple, including Fun Run, 5K, 10K Half Marathon and Marathon

Overview of the event: All events finish in Stadium MK and normally (pre-covid) use a mixture of roads and paths to navigate Milton Keynes.  All the events are always well organised and really well marshalled.  MK may not be the most inspiring place to run an event, but it is fairly flat and has good PB potential if that is your goal.

Link to the Event Site: MK Marathon

I should do this because:  It’s a well-run big event just up the road and how many times do you get to finish a race in a stadium?!

Leighton Tough 10

Where: Cricket Club, Ascot House, Wing.

When: September

Surface: Road

Distance: 10 Undulating miles - it’s not called the tough 10 without good reason!

Overview of the event: Hosted by our friends at LBAC, the current course starts 5 minutes down the road in Well Lane.  It’s both rural and scenic.  There are two loops of Mentmore Hill, before turning up Well Lane and back to Ascot House.

Link to the Event Site: Leighton 10

I should do this because:  You’ll be supporting our friends at LBAC, it’s friendly with loads of LFR support around the course.

Tring Ridgeway

Where: Tring Cricket Club

When: October

Surface: Trail, mainly footpaths and bridleways.

Distance: 9.6 Miles

Overview of the event: Another well organised and scenic local event.  The routes take you out into the Ashridge Estate, along a stretch of the Ridgeway path and Pitstone Hill before descending back into Tring and finishing at the Cricket Club

Link to the Event Site: Tring Ridgeway

I should do this because:  The route is stunning, a real favourite amongst LFR members who always support this enjoyable event.

Dirt Half

Where: Cedars Upper School (Finishing next door in Tiddenfoot Waterside Park)

When: November

Surface: Towpath/Trail

Distance: Half Marathon

Overview of the event: The first half is along the canal towpath to Stoke Hammond, but then as you turn off and head uphill towards Great Brickhill things get a bit more challenging.  The second half takes you through the muddy trails of Stockgrove and Rushmere, before re-joining the Canal for the final couple of miles.

Link to the Event: Dirt Half

I should do this because: It’s a fun Trail Half that isn’t too taxing.  LFR always attend in large numbers, and if we aren’t running, we are scattered around the course cheering you on!