East Lothian's Foxtrail Winter Running Series is now open for entries and with organisers announcing that early bird rates have been held at 2023 prices why not grab a bargain while you can? Speaking of their races organisers say: "Join us for the FoxTrail Winter Running Series, a series of 5K or longer distance trail runs to brighten up those dreary winter days."

The race action kicks off at Foxlake on 16 November. With very little elevation, these 5K and 13K races will ease runners in gently to the FoxTrail Series with a route that covers woodland tracks and farm paths passing Belhaven Beach and taking in the John Muir Country Park.

Race 2 on 14 December starts at Balgone for a 18K (approximately) run following parts of the John Muir Way. This run is multi-terrain with a mixture of groomed paths and proper muddy farmland, so choose your footwear carefully and tie your laces tight ready to fly along this flat course.

It's a night run for race 3 on 18 January so grab your head torch for the action at Balgone Estate. Oranisers say: "The course will not be the same as previous years, so pay attention to the signs as it will be dark! Expect mud… and lots of it!"

Setting off from Harvest Moon Holidays at Tyninghame on 8 February, race 4 has been the series highlight for many previous runners and may be one of Scotland’s toughest half marathons. This half route provides spectacular coastal views, mature woodland trail, farm paths and an energy sapping beach run on the sands of Tyninghame Beach. Don’t even try to keep your feet dry, you will almost certainly be taking a paddle as you cross the Peffer Burn river crossing.

The final race of the series is back at FoxTrail HQ on 1 March with the classic 16K route including a run on the sands of Belhaven Beach and the atmospheric bridge to nowhere. The 5K route is a mixture of woodland paths, farmland trails and coastal paths. The course meanders through stunning woodland and farm tracks incorporating the John Muir Way and the Bridge to nowhere on Belhaven Bay.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Durty Events website.

Image: Durty Events Facebook