Deeside Runners' notorious Night Race Series will make its return this winter with four events lined up between now and the end of February. Organisers say: "Bogs, ice, holes to fall down in the dark, very disappointing prizes, cafes serving well-earned refreshments (bring some money), what’s not to like?"

The series starts in December with the four races all offering as much climb as the organisers can fit in, on 'interesting' paths and 'mostly in forests'. It's also worth noting that all races are run from a cafe or hotel so those taking part have somewhere warm to recover and eat cake.

First up is the Cnoc Dubh 8K on 5 December with a route that takes runners on a picturesque path through the woods and involves a bit of a climb. That will be followed by the Drummy Woods 6K on 28 December. Its course involves three loops of the mountain bike trails, with a different descent each time. Expect berms, drop/offs and implausible rocky bits!

Into the New Year and it is the Dess Woods 8.2K on 23 January. The route for this one is a bit complicated, consisting of a steep climb followed by some lovely running over grassy fields then a loop on mostly single track paths in the woods with another stiff climb and a very fast descent to the finish.

Up last is the Pittenderich race on 13 February. The course for this one is yet to be decided but is likely to involve some big berms and the occasional unexpected rise.

Speaking about their series as a whole, organisers say: "You'll need a good headtorch, and to carry full body cover, a map and compass (just in case you got lost in the woods at night in the middle of winter)!"

If you'd like to know more, visit the Deeside Runners website.

Image: © [losonsky] / Adobe Stock