Over 300 runners enjoyed the scenic trails of County Durham on Sunday (2 January) at Hamsterley Forest's Winter Trail Half Marathon and 10K events. With the weather playing ball, the only challenge was the course itself, with both the half marathon and new 10K option following the undulating but rewarding trails and tracks of the beautiful forest park.

Hamsterley is the largest forest in County Durham and with runners enjoying spectacular views of the valley and forest they were all in agreement that this was the perfect opportunity to run off festive indulgences.

The chat on social media was effusive to say the least, Sarah Beech commented on Facebook: "Thank you so much to all the amazingly supportive marshals and the event staff. Fabtastic event, loved it. Even the mud and hills!"

While Carys Watts had this to say: "Thank you for a fab event, mud-tastic with extra hills on top!"

Race organiser, Greener Miles Running, said after the event: "Well done to everyone who took part in the Hamsterley Winter Trail Half Marathon and 10K today, it seems everyone had a fab time and the weather was pretty kind to us all.

"The marshals, medics and radio teams as always were super stars, thank you all so much."

Green by name but also by nature, Greener Miles is proud to be an eco-friendly race organiser saying: "We don’t use disposable plastic cups and don’t offer T shirts as standard – many go to waste after events."

At the weekend's event, as at all their races, there was a collection for pre-loved running kit so that it can be passed onto an up-cycling scheme which the company supports. Greener Miles say: "We are actively encouraging participants to give something back to the environment which is why our race goodies are a little bit different."

If you'd like to know more about Greener Miles Running events for 2022 visit the website here.

Image: Greener Miles Running Facebook