Just a few weeks away, but a fantastic option if you are looking for an early season 10K - the Blackburn Winter Warmer returns on 4 February and will no doubt be another sell-out affair due to its fantastic organisation and race day atmosphere.

The 10K is friendly but challenging, and starts on the athletics track in Witton Park before climbing the heights of Buncer Lane then descending through the countryside of Pleasington and heading back to the track for a 'stadium' finish!

Organisers say: "We have a new addition to the Pace Team for 2023 - Alex Curran one of our very own Blackburn Road Runners. Fresh from finishing Blackburn 10K in 4th place with a time of 33:17 back in December, Alex is pacing 38 minutes for us.

"This is the first time we have had a pacer for 38 mins and he will be joining our 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 minutes pacers. Those shooting for a sub-38 will be seasoned runners, but Alex can protect you from yourself up Buncer Lane and the start of Billinge End Road then push you all the way home to a sparkly new PB of 37:XX!"

There is also a 2K Junior Fun Run on the day which is the ideal way to get the kids involved. The race remains within Witton Park and is well supported at every turn.

And if you needed further persuasion that this Winter Warmer is a good idea then listen to UK Athletics appointed Race Adjudicator and running legend, Ron McAndrew: "By far the best 10K in the North West if not the whole north. Glad to be adjudicator for the past 12 years or so, club members, organisers and all involved are brilliant, and of course my old friend Andy O'Sullivan (MBE) as race compère."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Blackburn Winter Warmer entry page here.

Image: Blackburn Winter Warmer Facebook