The Forest of Dean Autumn Runs with their completely tarmac-free courses are gaining a great reputation with both trail runners and, increasingly, roadrunners who fancy a change.

There are two courses: a half marathon and a 5k. The big day is Sunday 29 September.

The Half Marathon covers a well-marshalled single lap of wide woodland trails, dipping and climbing through the mixed forest to the half-way mark up on Staple Edge, returning via the picturesque Mallards Pike Lakes.

The 5K uses the same start but taking a short cut to rejoin the end of the Half. The 5K starts 15 minutes after the Half, allowing shorter distance runners to finish before the longer distance runners arrive.

This is ideal for families and mixed distance runners wanting to enter the same event whilst not having to hang around too long for others.

The race starts and finishes at the race village beside the historic Speech House. There is free onsite parking as well as food, drinks and free post race massage.

Organisers have attracted runners of all abilities, from as far afield as France and the USA, although the majority do come from surrounding counties. The 5K race runners complete the course in a range of times from around 17 minutes to just under the hour. The half marathon times vary from an hour and a quarter to nearer four hours.

The event, organised by the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean, is run entirely for charity with the organisers and volunteers giving their time for free. Runners are encouraged to raise money for their own causes.

TO ENTER OR FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT THE EVENT WEBSITE