If you like a challenge and live anywhere in and around the Central Belt, you'll be keen to hear more about race organiser, UK Running Series' latest series of running challenges. With the Central Lowlands, Greater Glasgow and Ayrshire all covered, there are plenty of races to go round over the coming year, and all of them in unique locations.

A spokesperson at UK Running Series said: "Join us for a new set of running challenges where you will have the opportunity to explore the varied and stunning landscape the UK has to offer. Our aim is to encourage runners, new and experienced, to achieve goals that they perhaps may feel are unachievable. Above all, UK Running Series aims to provide a fun and friendly family atmosphere."

You don't have long to wait for the action to get underway with the Hill of Tarvit Run due to take place on 23 April. This will be the first event in the Central Lowlands Challenge which is a five-race series covering the counties of Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Fife, Perth & Kinross and Dundee City.

Hill of Tarvit is one of the finest Edwardian mansion houses in Scotland, and is nestled in the stunning Fife countryside, within easy reach of Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth. There are half marathon, 10K, 5K and 3K distances on offer all of which provide runners with a scenic run on an undulating course inside the park.

Next up is the Windfarm Dash on 24 April, part of the Greater Glasgow Challenge. Whitelee is the UK's largest onshore windfarm and provides a stunning backdrop to this multi-terrain, multi-distance event.

Before April is out the second of the Central Lowlands Challenge will play out at Helix Park in Falkirk. Race The Kelpies, scheduled for 30 April will take place in the home to the magnificent Kelpie sculptures and offers a fully flat and accessible course.

Into May and the Rozelle Estate Run on 1 May will be the first event of the Ayrshire Challenge. Rozelle Park is situated on the south side of Ayr. A beautiful and historic estate, you will race alongside the original 1760's Mansion House on this scenic trail course within the grounds of the park. Again, there are multi-distances on offer with a race to suit all abilities.

For all the events mentioned there is a 10% discount available for the first 50 people to sign up by February 20 - use code EARLYBIRDSPECIAL to see if you're quick enough to catch this for any of your chosen races.

FInd out more about all the events at the UK Running Series website.

Image: UK Running Series