Right now we are mostly thinking about the excesses of Christmas and how we can run off the effects of turkey and all the trimmings, not to mention the mince pies, cheese platters, trifles and chocolate desserts we'll consume! But looking ahead, there's another festival that encourages overindulgence - Easter! And what better way to justify having 'just one more egg' than a scenic trail run? 

Part of Trail Outlaws' popular Urban Trail Series events, the Washington Trail 10K (30 April) is wonderfully inclusive trail race. Whether you are starting out on the trails for the first time, or wanting to race for a PB this event is for you.

The race winds its way around James Steel Park and picks its way through some beautiful woodland trails along the banks of the River Wear. Runners should keep their eyes peeled for birds from the Washington Wildfowl Wetland Centre along the way and the resident otter family around Cox Green.

The Washington 10K is the first event in the Trail Outlaws Urban Trail Series (UTS) which consists of five events that are aimed at giving runners of all abilities the chance to have fun or race on local trails. The other races in the series include; Durham Trail 10M (21 May), Penshaw Half Marathon (18 June), Branches & Bays 10K (13 August) and the Penshaw 10K (1 October). 

Organisers have suggested that this could also be the perfect first race back after London Marathon, and it is hard to disagree! You can enter any of the races in the series in any order. Or you could treat yourself to the whole UTS season ticket which gives you a 10% discount on entries, as well as an additional series-specific t-shirt. 

Acknowledging the inclusivity of the series, Janet Stables commented on Facebook: "I love the fact you support all abilities. I am slow but absolute love your running events. Cut offs are generous!"

To find out more visit the Trail Outlaws website. 

Image: Trail Outlaws Facebook