If you want a scenic half marathon then Yorkshire is your destination, boasting two 21.1km races within the space of four weeks each spring.
With the self-proclaimed ‘God’s country’ title, Yorkshiremen & women believe they live in the most beautiful area of the UK. This is a debate that could run for hours, but you can’t deny the rolling countryside is a feast for sore eyes.
A major event in the UK's running calendar, the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon - Sheffield, which in 2016 takes place on Sunday 10 April, attracts thousands of runners and spectators to the city's streets and raises many thousands of pounds for good causes.
With a city centre start and finish, the event boasts a picturesque route - with stunning views of the Peak District for those who conquer the climb to Ringinglow.
And the race even incorporates a 'triple test' giving entrants a chance to be crowned 'King of the Hill' in a timed hill climb, triumph in a 10K largely-downhill sprint section and cross the finish line first to lift the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield title.
Youngsters have the opportunity to be involved by signing up for the event's Arena Group Mini and Junior runs. The mini course for 3-8 year olds is run over 1.5K, whilst the 2.5K junior run is for youngsters aged 9-14.
Register for the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon here.
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Exactly four weeks later on, The Plusnet Leeds Half Marathon, one of the highlights of the city’s sporting calendar, takes place on Sunday 8 May.
There’s no doubt this is a challenging course, however the enthusiastic crowds and fantastic atmosphere more than make up for the searing pain that the legs feel on the hilly sections surrounding the city.
Now in its 31st year, the race already has 9,000 runners signed up for this year’s event, with many more expected between now and May.
Register for the Plusnet Leeds Half Marathon here.
Due to its excellent organisation, The Plusnet Leeds Half Marathon and Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon have both been certified as 5-star Quality Road Races by European Athletics Running for All, the highest level possible.
Another special thing about this particular race is that along with a number of other Leeds based events, the half marathon is part of the lasting legacy of the late fundraiser and campaigner Jane Tomlinson, who raised almost £2m for charity by tackling a series of epic challenges, including cycling over 4,000 miles across America, despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Whether the half marathon is your thing, or you fancy something a little shorter or longer, the Yorkshire Marathon Series offers races from 10km all the way up to the full marathon.
Held in October, the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon sold out in just three days in 2013, its inaugural year, and continues to be just as popular.
Want to run more than one of these great races and save yourself some money? Then bag yourself a season ticket, with options ranging from two to five races! If you do enter, you’ll be guaranteed a well organised and slick big race experience, set against a stunning backdrop.
For more information head to: http://www.theyorkshiremarathon.com/
The European Athletics Quality Road Race standards act as an assurance for road runners throughout Europe. They distinguish between races that respect the standards and those that haven’t sought certification or assessment. They form the foundation of Running for All, a strong recognisable brand for running activities throughout Europe.
MORE INFORMATION ON RUNNING FOR ALL
Website: european-running4all.org
Twitter: @runningforall
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