Our picture shows a little used trail named 'St Martha’s Back Passage', a narrow and sharp climb to St Martha’s Church, which is at 574 feet above sea level and only accessible by foot! The runners enjoy a fantastic, panoramic view of up to eight counties from the church, while they get their breath back.

Fitstuff G3 Trail Series is set in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to Guildford. Now in its 16th season, there are race options from 5K to 15K over the three dates. The series opens with a 5K/10K programme on Saturday (4 January) and concludes with 10K and 15K races two weeks and one month later respectively.

Fitstuff Running Shop and Sports Clinic is the headline sponsor and Rob at AAT Events is the event manager, so another smooth production is ensured. AAT Events, founded in 2004, have a growing portfolio of successful races including the award-winning Mercer Surrey Half Marathon, Weybridge 10K and Running Wild 10K at Chessington.

Newlands Corner, Drove Road, Guildford is the attractive race venue. The Surrey Wildlife Trust managed land comprises a 103-hectare nature reserve and view point owned by the Albury Estate, commanding some of the best views over the Surrey Hills AONB. Of course, if there are views there must be hills and that is the underlying theme of this popular series, which typically draws 300-350 runners to each race.

Other attractions include the infamous home-made brownies and flapjacks; the unique interlocking triple medal (pictured below); baggage gazebo; Team Medic first aid; two cafes and the hills, mud, sand and more hills.

Check AAT Events Facebook page here for last minute information as these events do sell out.

Race details are also available at runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy aat-events