Not one, not two, but three bites at the PB cherry are on offer at this springtime 5K series which returns in 2024. At Hereford Couriers' Spring 5K Series runners of all abilities will be pushing for their best time and you could join the fast fun too.

Organised by Hereford Couriers Running Club, this is a perennially popular series with local clubs. The 5K trio of events are all held on an accurately measured course through a quiet housing estate which is ideal for fast finishing times from adults and juniors alike.

In 2024, race 1 will take place on Wednesday 10 April followed by Race 2 on Wednesday 8 May and Race 3 on Wednesday 5 June. There are two start waves with runners allocated to these based upon their 5K times: Wave 1 for sub-20 minutes at 6.45pm then Wave 2 for over 20 minutes at 7.15pm. Both of these start at Hereford Racecourse.

A spokesperson commented: "While others are marathon training, why not test yourself over this short distance where you can expect top quality racing at well organised events. Expect pain too as racing a 5K often means going ‘eyeballs out’ in order to achieve a target time."

Runners will put the hammer down over two laps on open roads around the housing estate whilst being loudly encouraged by the marshals. Then all-out sprints across the finish line where they will grab a bottle of water to rehydrate then recover.

There are prizes to aim for as well as PB’s. Runners need to complete all three races in the series to qualify for these which are: 5 year vet age groups; U15 and U17 male/female; first men’s and women’s teams. There’s also a bespoke medal for every participant who runs all three races.

If you are a speed demon and like a challenge why not have a go at the course records which stand at: male - 14:40 for Ben Robinson of Gloucester AC and female - 16:45 for Rachel Brown of Western Tempo RC. Both records set in 2021.

If you'd like to know more, visit the series entry page here. 

Image: Hereford Couriers