Looking ahead to 2024, one of the ways you can keep yourself motivated throughout the year is to sign up to a series of events. A fantastic option for runners in the Gloucestershire area is the Thornbury Running Club Race Series which provides runners with three races spread between January and September.

This popular trio of races includes the Riverbank Rollick, Thornbury 10K and Oldbury 10 Mile. Speaking ahead of the 2024 series, organisers explained: "Back by popular demand, our 2024 race series is now on sale. To be the proud owner of one of our interlinking medals you'll need to enter the three race series. By entering the series you'll benefit from a £10 discount. Don't hang around, the series was a total sell out in 2023!"

You can see from the picture that the fantastic wooden medals for each of these races interlock to form a larger medal upon completion of the series and makes for an attractive keepsake as well as a reward for your efforts.

Up first on 14 January is The Riverbank Rollick, a 9.6 mile run on trails, bridle paths, across fields, in woodland, through a stream and along a riverbank! 80% of the course is off-road. Being in January this normally means mud and this is why runners keep coming back! A great way to kick off the year, kick out the January blues and kick start running in 2024.

It wouldn’t be the Rollick without the riverbank and the chance to get your feet wet (and wash off the mud!) Save enough in the tank for a sprint across the playing fields and on to the finish.

Heading into early summer and it is the turn of the Thornbury 10K which is scheduled for 27 June. This event takes place on the rolling country lanes around Oldbury with wonderful views. There’ll be competitive runners with their ‘game face’ on, racing hard for individual and club pride and hoping to be in the prizes. Then there are those new to the sport taking part in their first race or dipping their toes into the 10K water.

Last on the roster is the Oldbury 10 Mile which will take place on 22 September. 10 miles is the perfect distance for anyone stepping up from 10K (6.2 miles) or preparing for a half marathon. The accurately measured course is on quiet lanes by the River Severn and is both flat and fast. A great run for a Sunday morning to hone your speed or just enjoy the quiet lanes.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Thornbury Running Club Race Series entry page.

Image: Thornbury Running Club Facebook