We all like a bit of a challenge. From an Olympian to a limpy one like this writer – hammies protesting after speedwork – we runners are always up for the next test, and there are not too many testing half marathons that boldly and brazenly include the word hilly as a selling point in the course description!

The gold award-winning Winchester Half Marathon is promoted by Challenging Events – there's a theme forming here – and it really is challenging, with more than 280m of ascent during the scenic city and countryside route.

Billed as: "Hampshire's Historic Hilly Run Event", the half marathon starts at 9:00am on Sunday 24 September 2023 – so there are just over two months to prepare for the challenge!

Entrants can benefit from two weeks of free, personalised training with a 'PB guarantee' from the experts at Coopah by entering the code Winchester2 when signing up for the race here.

The course is a classic, with scenery and history at every turn. On the 13.1-mile journey, you will start and finish outside the historic 1873 Guildhall, with its bright and contemporary cafe, and pass landmarks such as St Catherine’s Hill, Winchester Cathedral, and King Alfred the Great's famously imposing statue on Broadway.

But don't just take our word for how great it is to follow the footsteps of King Alfred around Winchester. Here's a short video with the immediate post-race thoughts of previous competitors:

Last year, when this event was under the stewardship of ReesLeisure, there were 488 finishers in the half marathon won by George King (Winchester & District AC, 1:13:49) – another great King – and Philippa Loakes (unattached, 1:33:47).

Previous reports and race results can be viewed at runABC South race listing here.

Photo: Winchester Half Marathon