A race with a date that's easy to remember this year - Leicestershire's Shepshed 7 will take place on 5 November and promises to go off with a bang! Organised by Shepshed RC, the 7-miler is well-loved by runners in the area thanks to its scenic, traffic-free course.

The two-lap, countryside race starts and finishes at Iveshead School in Shepshed and takes runners through the private grounds of Garendon Park by kind permission of Persimmon Homes. Organisers comment: "Permission has been granted for the period of the race itself so please note that there is No Public Right of Way through the farmyard at any other time. The estate is now open to the public on designated footpaths so please be aware that we do not have sole use of the park."

Garendon Park lies to the west of Loughborough which was built on the site of a 12th century Cistercian monastery and includes the pleasure grounds and home farm. It contains three distinctive buildings – the Temple of Venus, Triumphal Arch and Obelisk. These together with the beautiful countryside make for a visually appealing event.

Post-race there will be a café serving tea, coffee, and homemade sandwiches and cakes inside the school building. Running Fox will have a pop-up shop inside the school building. There is a commemorative shirt for all finishers as well as spot prizes, toilets and changing facilities.

In 2023 there were over 350 runners, Simon Allen of Owls AC came first in 38:22 and first female was Charlie Nurse of West End Runners in 45:37, Charlie placed 14th overall.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Shepshed RC website.

Image: Shepshed RC