If you've never entered a race series before, why not make 2024 the year you give it a go? The Northants 5K Series is open for entries and with five races between April and July, it is a fantastic way to keep your running on track and to socialise with like-minded folk.

The Northamptonshire-based races are all multi-terrain taking in some of Northamptonshire's beautiful parks and woodlands. Organisers, Northamptonshire Sport, say: "Our popular 5K running series is also returning for its 12th year! We can offer you five races that take place at beautiful locations around the county. You can book the full series or individual races, whichever you prefer!"

Kicking off the series on 28 April, the first event will take place at the home of Northamptonshire Sport - the historic Delapre Abbey. With 500 glorious acres of parkland, this location is a tranquil green oasis of woodland and open grass land.

Heading into May and the second race on 15 May will take place in a new venue for the series - Holdenby House! A Quick Look at Holdenby's website shows that this is a beautiful Elizabethan house with amazing gardens surrounding - another fantastic race location.

Race 3 takes place on 19 June at East Carlton Country Park. Organisers say this event offers a challenging but scenic and varied course! Into July and the fourth event on the 10th of the month which will also take place in a new venue for 2024 - Fermyn Woods Country Park which is a stunning ancient woodland set just south of Corby. The final race takes place on 8 September at the historic Chester House Estate.

All finishers receive a bespoke 5K race medal, with a different one to collect at each race. If you can't attend one of the races you can opt to do it virtually and receive the medal in the post to complete the set.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Northamptonshire Sport website.

Image: Northamptonshire Sport Facebook