Northamptonshire's Stanwick Lakes makes for a great race setting, which is why Rockingham Forest Trust organise four races every year at the location. Two of these have already taken place this year in March and June but looking ahead there is still time to join in the fun at RunStanwickLakes on 1 September and 1 December.

Organisers say: "Picture this: safe, steady gravel paths, crisp morning air filling your lungs, and the panoramic beauty of Stanwick Lakes unraveling before your eyes. Our cherished wetland nature reserve, plays host to four running events each year, offering three distances.

"The series means you can return each season to take it all in again and again, or maybe you're the competitive type and you want to improve at each event."

There are three distances on offer; 5K, 10K and Half Marathon and all the routes follow the wide gravel paths around the Stanwick Lakes Nature Reserve. The 5K course is one lap while the 10K is two laps of the same course. The Half Marathon follows the 5K course but then splits off to follow the old Nene Valley Railway line towards Thrapston. Once runners reach the turnaround point (under the bridge at Woodford Mill) they run back down the railway line to re-join the 5K course.

Whether you’re a new runner just starting out, or a seasoned competitor in the local running community, RunAtStanwickLakes events offer milestone opportunities for all, and these races might even become the highlight of your running calendar.

Final word with Rockingham Forest Trust: "Every time you enter, you are supporting an important environmental charity. All income generated by our runs goes back into the nature reserve, to help maintain the paths and to support educational events as well as conservation work."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Run At Stanwick Lakes website.

Image: Stanwick Lakes Facebook