If you like to take part in 'superlative' events, then how about the UK's most northerly half marathon? Shetland's Simmer Dim Half Marathon will take place on 16 June with the early summer date making it the perfect time to combine a mini-break with your running plans.

The half marathon is a point-to point race, starting from Cunningsburgh, a small coastal village around nine miles south of Lerwick on Shetland’s mainland. The route is mainly on road – but is unsuitable for wheelchairs, pets or buggies – and finishes on the athletics track in Lerwick.

But what's with the name you may ask? Although the race is held during the day, its name refers to the time between the Shetland sunset and sunrise in midsummer, when it’s never really dark.

If travelling to the furthest part of the UK for a race isn’t enough for some keen runners, those who plan their travel carefully can also take part in the UK’s most northerly parkrun on the same weekend. The Bressay parkrun is held every Saturday morning on the small island of Bressay, only a very friendly seven-minute ferry trip – with all your fellow runners, volunteers and spectators – from the centre of Lerwick.

Back to the main race action, where trophies will be awarded to the first-placed male and female seniors and veterans; medals will be awarded to first, second and third placed seniors and all veteran categories. There will also be a trophy for the winning men’s and women’s teams. Teams may be composed of a mix of three senior and veteran runners, with the first two runners’ times counting.

There were more than 80 runners in the 2023 event with James Irvine coming home first in 1:16:24 while first female was Michelle Sandison in 1:24:13.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Simmer Dim Half Marathon website.

Image: Shetland AAC/Simmer Dim Half Marathon