Some runners race for medals, others chase personal bests, but Run Nation has come up with another excellent reason to pull on your trainers in December. There's hot chocolate waiting at the finish line, and you won't even have to wash the mugs afterwards!

Run Gateshead Hot Chocolate 5K & 10K takes place on Sunday 13 December at Derwent Haugh Country Park in Swalwell, bringing together three races designed to give runners of different ages and abilities a chance to enjoy some festive exercise. With 10K, 5K and junior 3K distances, there's an opportunity for the whole family to get involved before the Christmas celebrations begin.

The setting provides an attractive escape from the seasonal shopping crowds. The 10K follows two circuits of the country park, while the 5K completes a single loop. Both use a mixture of paved footpaths and tracks, with Run Nation describing the courses as mostly flat and suitable for a wide range of abilities. Starting and finishing near Swalwell Visitor Centre, the routes make good use of the park's traffic free surroundings.

The 10K gets proceedings underway at 10:00am, followed by the 5K at 10:15am. Younger runners have their own opportunity to join the fun when the 3K junior race starts at 11:15am, with entries open to children aged eight and over.

And then comes the reward that gives the event its name. Blaydon Rugby Club is providing hot chocolate for finishers, bringing a welcome touch of warmth to what could be a chilly December morning.

Entries are available for all three distances, with the organiser listing 7 December as the closing date. For anyone looking to combine a little running with a little Christmas indulgence, Gateshead has the ingredients for a very satisfying Sunday morning.

Entries are available now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy runABC Creative.