Now in its 27th year, the Lichfield 10K has acquired a reputation as a top class event, even drawing comparisons with London Marathon in terms of its organisation, atmosphere and support. This year's edition will take place on 8 September.

Alongside the 10K is a Family Fun run which involves a gentle 2K lap around the lovely Beacon Park. The fun run starts at 9.30am whilst the main 10K starts an hour later, meaning you can watch family and friends cross the line in the Fun Run before taking on the main event!

Organisers say: "The 10K route has been designed to allow runners to start and finish in our beautiful city where there is plenty of parking available and access to the many cafes and shops that the city offers. We meet in the race ‘village’ which is in Lichfield’s historic Beacon Park, here you will find a great atmosphere prior to the race, with all you need to prepare."

The 10K route is predominantly on country lanes therefore most spectators are expected at the start/finish area in and adjacent to Beacon Park, there are also likely to be spectators at the half way point in Chorley.

The 10K is a hilly course so please be prepared, but there is a very wide, flat, and open start for the first kilometre allowing time for runners to space out and get into their running rhythm and pace. The route then turns into a series of rural lanes which wind out to Chorley village – it’s on this section where you will find a series of five hills before heading to a fast downhill section to the finish in the park.

Speaking after the 2023 event, organisers said: "Fantastic atmosphere and turnout for the Lichfield 10K and Family Fun Run. The rain tried to make an appearance to cool down the heat but it was tough humid conditions. Despite this we had some great finishing times and some participants celebrating PBs Well done to everyone that took part."

In 2023 over 1000 runners took part across the two races with Joe Rainsford winning the 10K in a time of 33:19 and first female, Jenny Laing, clocking 42:24.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Lichfield 10K website.

Image: Lichfield 10K