Our selection of the best, fastest, toughest, quirkiest and most enjoyable UK races this month
The Cannock Chase 10 & 5 Mile
Rugeley, Staffordshire, 12 February
There were ‘rabbit riots’ on Cannock Chase in the 1750s. No, the sweet little bunnies didn’t viciously rise up against their human overlords; instead locals butchered some 15,000 rabbits in protest at how landowners were using common land to raise rabbits, thus depriving locals of their livelihood. Your 5- or 10-mile run in this beautiful area will be rather more peaceful than that troubled time in the area’s history, although you’d do well to be prepared for a tough and hilly trail route. nice-work.org.uk
Tour of Bradwell Winter Half
Bradwell, Derbyshire, 11 February Any time we’ve run a marathon, it’s fun up until about 28km. By that metric, this 17.5-miler should be fun right up to the finish line, right? Well, possibly. The Peak District provides decent challenges even in the summer, but in the winter you’ll need to factor in chilly winds, low temperatures and probably even slippery and frosty conditions underfoot. The organisers are, however, making big efforts to ensure that the weather won’t cause the event to be cancelled – they have prepared a bad-weather route for the worst-case scenario. Either way, you’ll definitely need trail shoes and waterproof gear. tourofbradwell.co.uk
Castlewellan 5K/10K
Castlewellan, County Down, 18 February
There are plenty of interesting sights nestled around the forested hills surrounding Castlewellan Lake. Castlewellan Castle is regal and elegant, and the lake itself is very pretty. There’s also the Peace Maze – one of the largest permanent hedge mazes in the world – afun activity for all the family and it’s also surprisingly challenging to get to the middle of it, especially if you have jelly legs from having just participated in the 5K or 10K race. Both routes go through the forest around the lake along gravel and trail paths. born2runevents.com
The Drop Oxford
Oxfordshire, 12 February Like surprises? Even ones that could mean you get lost in the wilderness indefinitely? Then we have the event for you. The Drop gives you no information in advance, blindfolds you and drops you somewhere 10 or 15 miles from the finish point. No GPS, no route of any kind, no feed stations, just your sense of direction and your sturdy runner’s legs. The good news is that you can register as a team, which means that either you’ll have a better chance of making it or at least you’ll have someone else to blame if you don’t. thedropuk.co.uk
Exeter Half Marathon
Exeter, Devon, 11-12 February This half takes place over an entire weekend, with the Saturday event aimed at runners who will finish under two hours
