No, it's not too early to go all out for the festive competitive season and Nice Work has some nice races lined up where we can show off our seasonal fancy dress while enjoying a wonderful run in spectacular surroundings.

On Saturday (9 December) it's the beautiful, tree-lined paths of Salcey Forest between Milton Keynes and Northampton for the Salcey Forest Christmas 10K, 5K and Junior Fun Run. For those familiar with the parkrun at this venue this is a brand new and entirely different route exploring some parts of the forest never raced in before. The race will take you through the flat, mixed-terrain trails within the forest, with one lap for the 5K and two for the 10K.

On Sunday (10 December) the Sussex-based Nice Work team is in the Essex seaside resort of Southend for the annual Southend Rudolph Run in aid of Havens Hospice, providing specialist care and support for people of all ages living with incurable conditions and their families. Come dressed to make Santa proud for a flat, fast five-miler around the Country Park and along the Esplanade, with a mince pie welcome at the finish.

Also on Sunday (10 December) and much closer to Nice Work's roots we have the Seaford Striders Mince Pie 10 at Peacehaven. This is the 30th anniversary of this traditional multi-terrain challenge on a 10-mile course that features a testing climb at 6 miles and some muddy farm tracks and bridleways. The 2023 charities are The Seahaven Storehouse Foodbank and The Sussex Heart Charity. Special features at this event include Christmas tunes; a kit swap shop; group warm-up and post-race massage.

The following weekend, on Saturday 16 December, we have the 18th Christmas Pudding Dash at Pett – a tranquil Sussex village between Winchelsea and Hastings. This is a five-mile cross-country race in the undulating fields and footpaths around the local farmland and woods, so expect to encounter some mud! There is also a 2-mile Fun Run and the Turkey Drumsticks Scurry for children.

On Sunday 17 December, it's off to the Garden of England for the Kent Christmas Cracker – a flat and fast two-lapper around Betteshanger Country Park between Sandwich and Deal. The route is all on tarmac paths, completely traffic-free, and ideal for a tilt at a PB before the year ends. The main event is supported by a 2-mile Fun Run and Children's Race.

For all Nice Work race details click here.

Photos courtesy Nice Work race management