This weekend's running fireworks will likely be in New York on Sunday 3 November 2024 at the 53rd TCS New York City Marathon. More than 1.2 million people have run through the five boroughs since the first event was held in 1970 over four laps in Central Park, with just 55 of the 127 starters finishing.

Last year there were 54,453 finishers from 148 countries in an average finishing time of 4:39:47. Over $500 million has been raised for charities since 2006. New York Marathon is held on a testing course so don't expect any world records. Visit Marathon Tours UK to pre-register your interest in their travel and event package for next year.

Thinking about fireworks, what about the domestic calendar and events themed around the Gunpowder Plot, hatched and almost executed by Guy Fawkes on 5 November 1605?

The Gunpowder Trot by Horsham Joggers on Sunday 3 November is an undulating, multi-terrain race with panoramic views of Horsham from Denne Park Estate and Chesworth Farm Estate. The course is around 4.5 miles on bridleways and footpaths from the Race HQ at Horsham Cricket Ground. This event is primarily for members of the West Sussex Fun Run League.

Tewkesbury Running Club is promoting its annual Guy Fawkes 5 in aid of the Tewkesbury Food Bank. The event website promises a flat course on country lanes with very little traffic. Race HQ is Tewkesbury School just off M5 Junction 9. Everything you need will be available including Gloucester Sports shop, changing rooms, toilets, First Aid, helpers, and bag storage.

Taking a different approach to the theme is the Bonfire Burn 10K from Histon and Impington Recreation Ground at 10:30am on Sunday 3 November. Due to the large entry, there are four staggered starts at two-minute intervals to prevent congestion. There were 626 finishers last year in this Cambridgeshire classic and the winners were Sullivan Smith (33:36) and Anna Klucnika (40:14).

Of course, you could get along to Gunpowder parkrun on Saturday 2 November, held in Gunpowder Park, Waltham Abbey, where explosives were researched and developed for centuries!

If you are racing this weekend we wish you good luck and enjoy the winter theme. If you plan to be training on Bonfire Night this year – many clubs will be in action on Tuesday 5 November – take extra care and perhaps add additional lighting to your kit. Be Seen, Be Safe.

All the weekend fixtures are on runABC South's comprehensive race listing here.

Image by BuiDacNin on Pixabay