Runners can look forward to an out of this world opportunity to run and race under one the darkest night skies in Europe and accross the UK with news that Trail Outlaws' Dark Skies races will return in 2024 and two new locations will join the already established Kielder event.

The three events are scheduled for various dates in 2024 with Kielder up first on 16-17 March, followed by new location, Grassholme on 13 April and Derwent on 1 June. A spokesperson from Trail Pursuits said: "Come and take part in the UK's Premier Night time trail running series based at Kielder, Derwent and Grassholme Resevoirs. Here at Trail Outlaws we offer a unique experience and running challenge like no other."

At Kielder, runners can choose from two distances over two nights - a 26.6 miler on the Saturday or an 11 mile event on the Sunday. There will also be a 15 Mile event later in the year on 18 May. If you are up for a challenge there is the option to run the Double (11M & 26.6M events) or Triple (11M, 26.6M and 15M events).

Both the Grassholme and Derwent events will offer runners the option of 10K and 5K distances. These are beautiful locations by day, but equally so at night as runners will be able to observe the ceiling of stars as dusk descends, birds roosting; bats swooping and owls joining in the atmospheric chorus!

Speaking about the new venues, organisers told us: "There is an extra, fun twist on these particular Dark Skies races, for along the trail there will be envelopes with prizes in to be found by your eagle eyes! You will find a code to bring back to the finish with which you can claim your prize and keep!"

Kielder was awarded gold tier Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark Skies association in December 2013, making it the perfect venue for the ultimate starlit running challenge. Grassholme and Derwent resevoirs are also in Dark Skies areas. All three of these resevoirs are set in waterside parks that are actively maintained and shared with the public by Nothumbrian Water - Living Water.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Trail Outlaws website here.

Image: Trail Outlaws