"No nonsense trail running", proclaims the G3 Fitstuff Trail website. If you would like to put that claim to the test – which will be passed with flying colours – here is all the info you need on one of the best off-road running series you will find anywhere in the UK.

In 2022, runABC South reporter Alan Newman interviewed Fitstuff G3 Trail Series Race Director Rory MacPherson. From that Q&A session, we learned that the Fitstuff Running Shop and Sports Clinic in Guildford has sponsored the series since the inaugural event in 2004. The course was 10K; had three major hills, and was close to Guildford – hence Fitstuff G3!

The best news is the series is back in less than a month. Saturday 11 January 2025 features the traditional 10K race. Saturday 1 February and Saturday 1 March add a 15K option. All races start early at 8:00am, part of the no-nonsense decree that means the rest of the weekend is free after a breakfast bap at the Newlands Corner Cafe, of course!

You can enter a single 10K race for £27; bundle three 10K races for £75, or go for the mega-bundle of one 10K and two 15K races for £79. The January and March events are based at Newlands Corner (GU4 8SE) while the February venue is Hound House Road (GU5 9JG) for a different perspective on the glorious Surrey Hills AONB.

Determined to entice new runners to this popular series, Rory MacPherson told runABC South: "There is less than a month until the first Fitstuff G3 trail run of the series. This is one of the original trail runs in the Southeast. No nonsense, and quietly the best, the run is consistently 5-star rated for its organisation and challenging but stunning scenery that you run through on a well-marked route. The climbs are fierce, but the encouragement from the other runners and the chocolate brownies at the end will get you up and over and make it worthwhile!"

If you are still not yet a convert take a look at this inspirational video...

Entries are strictly limited to 250 per event due to parking limitations and to preserve the natural environment. Click here to register for any Fitstuff G3 Trail Series 2025 race.

Race details and results are at the runABC South race listing here.

Photos courtesy of Rory MacPherson, Fitstuff G3 Trail Series