Returning on 17 March 2024, the Vale of York 10 Mile will again be joined by a 5 Mile counterpart after a successful first outing earlier this year. Both races take off from a York Gliding Centre's runway allowing runners to glide around some fast, flat, traffic-free closed roads.

The race action takes place to the west of York and the east of Leeds and it's a fast, flat 10 mile PB waiting to happen! This race sells out year on year and it is no surprise.

Explaining the introduction of the shorter distance in 2023, organisers commented: "We introduced the Vale of York 5M at the same time on the same course and it worked really well! So if you feel 10 miles is too much for you, then come and join us for 5 miles instead. The race is just as flat, just as traffic-free and just as rural!"

The 10M goes south from the start for two miles before heading west to Healaugh, south to Catterton, east towards Bilbrough and back north to the start. The 5M is an out and back (i.e. 2.5 miles south to a turnaround and then 2.5 miles back to the start).

It’s your choice whether you get a t-shirt or a medal on the day as when you enter you can choose to buy a t-shirt and opt in or out of the medal. Organisers say: "All our medals are wooden rather than metal. This is for three reasons. First, they are made in the UK, which means we are supporting a local business. Second, most metal medals come from China and by buying local we are removing the environmental impact of the air miles. Third because any uncollected medals can be more easily recycled than metal ones."

A medal not enough? Runners will also get chocolate and water at the finishline. If you enter before 31 December you can get £3 off the entry fee by using code TAKE3.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Even Splits website.

Image: Even Splits Facebook