A ten mile race is a great test for anyone who is looking to step up from 10K distances or planning a half marathon further down the line. The Tay Ten is a perfect springtime challenge for which entries have not long opened - but you need to be quick as it's a popular one...

The race, organised by Perth Road Runners and scheduled for 30 April, starts and finishes on the athletics track at the George Duncan arena in North Muirton, Perth. Most of the course steers clear of public roads and traffic, making the most of North Perth’s paths and cycleways. Parts of the route near the start and the finish will be familiar to local parkrunners.

Well known as a fast and flat course, run exclusively on hard surfaces but for a 150m section of trail path, the Tay Ten is ideal for anyone looking for a rare 10-mile PB. Speaking about the event, a spokesperson said: "Ten-mile races are increasingly rare, yet remain a feature of many clubs’ standards and awards systems. Look no further than the Tay Ten!"

Now in its eighth edition, the Tay Ten was first run in 2014. (Older runners will remember its predecessor, the brutal Heaven and Hell Half Marathon).  With the race used by many clubs across Scotland as part of their championship series, entries are expected to sell out soon.

For those looking to set a new course record, the times to beat are from David Cole (Cambuslang Harriers, 55.09) and Annabel Simpson (Fife AC, 59.01). Last year's winning times were claimed by Alistair Gudgin of Fife AC in 54:04 and Alison McNeilly of Dundee Road Runnners in 1:07:10.

If you'd like to know more visit the Perth Road Runners website.

Image: Tay Ten Facebook