Make an October date with the North Yorkshire coast, and book your spot at the Redcar Running Festival. This year's staging of the perennially popular event will take place on 2 October and there are still some places up for grabs across all the distances on offer.

Whether it's the 2K Fun Run, Zetland 10K, Beacon 5K or Half Marathon, there really is something for everyone at this fantastic festival of running. All events run out along the sea front on a flat surface that is conducive to fast times and possibly even, that elusive PB! All of this year’s races will start from Zetland Park, with the half marathon taking place over a spectator-friendly, two-loop course of the Coast Road between Redcar & Marske and the Esplanade.

Organised by the Council in partnership with Everyone Active and New Marske Harriers, this fun festival is always popular with runners of all abilities from across the region. And it's popular with spectators too - so expect a roaring crowd and an unbeatable finish-line experience.

Commenting on Facebook after last year's event, Chris Graham said: "This was my first ever running event and it was fantastically organised from start to finish. I could not have wished for a better start to my running event journey, from the organisation of the event to the crowds, marshalls and the other competitors it was a joy to be a part of.

"I could not fault a thing and the organisers and the town should be proud of the event they put on today. Well done to the organisers and all the competitors as you did yourselves proud."

While Martin Gunn was similarly complimentary: "Thanks to the organisers and army of volunteers for a super local event which catered for all ages and abilities… Looking forward to signing up for next year or being a volunteer."

In 2021's Half Marathon there were some fast times in both the mens and womens races. Greg Jayasuriya of Middlesbrough & Cleveland Harriers won with a time of 01:08:57 while Sam Stead of Keswick AC came second in 1:11:24. Blackhill Bounder, Gary Wallace, completed the podium in a time of 1:15:27.

In the womens race it was Morpeth Harrier, Catriona Macdonald who bagged the winning time in 1:23:46 while Gillian Manford of Gateshead Harriers was second in 1:26:34 and third place went to another Gateshead Harrier - Kim Simpson in 1:27:40.

If you'd like to know more about entering any of this year's races, you can do so here. Entries close on 26 September though, so you need to be quick.

Image: Karen Harland Photography