Most races these days see men and women running alongside one another - and rightly so - but there are still a handful of women's only events up and down the country one of which, the Forest Park Ladies 5K, will return on 3 July.

Billed by organisers, Spectrum Striders, as 'Warrington’s premier ladies only 5K race' the event has been ever popular since its debut in 1993 with many runners bringing all the family and enjoying a summer evening picnic afterwards.

The race follows a mostly traffic free course along parkland paths, and it is fairly flat with just two small hills approaching footbridges, one of which the route crosses. The route follows the main footpath through Birchwood Brook Park, before passing Birchwood railway station and going up Birchwood Boulevard (the only road section of the course).

Runners then join Oakwood Gate path, passing the pond and the walled garden before crossing Oakwood Gate footbridge and following the main path back past the Fire Station to the finish in the Forest Park.

Organisers say: "The race attracts a wide range of abilities which can be seen from the finishing times of 17 mins to 1 hour! Why not give it a go and even raise funds for a charitable cause at the same time? What do you have to lose?"

If you'd like to know more, visit the Spectrum Striders website.

Image: Brian Tuohey