There is a month to go before the Cliveden Classic returns on Saturday 17 June 2023. This is a race that refuses to be pigeon-holed. It's 10K but not a road race. It's multi-terrain but not exactly a trail race. It could be described as cross country but spikes are banned – and there are steps, lots of steps! Novices are welcome but there is a notice on the event website that reads: "WARNING. It really is a tough race."

Our advice is to get yourself down to the National Trust venue of Cliveden House on the banks of the River Thames – now a privately owned luxury hotel in a sprawling mansion built in 1666 and surrounded by 376 acres of parkland and gardens – and make your own mind up about the Cliveden Classic.

Your correspondent Alan has distant memories of ticking off this bucket list event when it was held in early January. Alan recalls his spikes were no help on the frozen paths back in the day and are banned for the mid-summer edition at the request of National Trust to preserve the trails on the two-lap route.

The 30th Cliveden Classic – then called the Cliveden Cross Country – was held in 2015, so with one year's absence (2021) due to Covid restrictions this year's event will be the 37th to be held. Organisation is in the capable hands of the Burnham Joggers – also hosts of the Burnham Beeches Half Marathon and the Beaconsfield 5 – and entries and rapid results are handled by Krono Sports.

The 2022 winners and defending champions are M40 Richard Price (Reading AC) in 36:26 and W45 Sarah Richardson (Ealing, Southall & Middlesex, 45:08). Those times confirm the severity of the course. Richard's 10K PB on a certified course is 31:17 and Sarah has also run five minutes faster on the flat!

There were 483 finishers last year in 1:38:15 and 230 beat the hour. There were 76 men and just five women inside 50 minutes, which is a challenging target for runners on this course. There is a cut-off time of 45 minutes on the first lap to ensure everyone can finish safely as this is a Saturday evening race, starting at 7:15pm.

Entries cost £26/£28 and include free parking in the Walled Garden Car Park. Bring the family as they can enjoy the wonderful grounds while you run. Picnics are welcome as are well-behaved dogs and, best of all, The Feathers pub is right opposite the main entrance!

Race details and entries via Krono Sports here.

Image from Cliveden Classic 2022 courtesy Burnham Joggers