Bupa Great Runs
The Great Run series includes some of the best loved mass participation sporting events in the world.
With four runs throughout October and into next year - you are sure to find one running through a town near you.
All of which are based on the original formula of the Bupa Great North Run - the UK's largest mass participation running event, attracting 54,000 runners every year.
These events give regular runners from across the UK the opportunity to compete alongside international athletics stars whilst raising money for a good cause, staying healthy or simply having fun!
18th September - Newcastle (13.1 miles)
The Bupa Great North Run is considered by many to be the most iconic half marathon in the world. This year 54,000 runners will take place in the 31st annual event.
The run is covered live on BBC 1 and BBC Radio 5. It is the culmination of a great weekend of sport in the North East, including the Great North City Games and the Junior and Mini Great North Run which both take place on Saturday the 17th September.
Places for the Great North Run are allocated by a ballot system to which over 100,000 regularly apply. An estimated 10 to 12 million pounds will be raised by competitors for a raft of worthy national and international causes.
Entries for the 2012 Great North Run will open in the New Year - keep checking www.greatrun.org for details.
2nd October - Edinburgh (10k and 5k)
Last year over 10,000 people took part in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run 10k, this year the event will be bigger and better than ever, with the addition of a new 5k course.
Both events start and finish in beautiful Holyrood park and give runners the opportunity to take in the picturesque Scottish capital, passing iconic sights like the Scott Monument, the Scottish Parliament building and the National Art Gallery.
9th October - Sheffield (10k)
Now in its fifth year, the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run has moved to a new autumnal slot. Entrants are asked to pledge their allegiance to either Yorkshire or Lancashire in the "War of the Roses" in order to find out which county’s runners are the fastest!
23rd October - Birmingham (13.1 miles)
2011 sees the launch of the inaugural Bupa Great Birmingham Run. Formerly the Birmingham half marathon, the new look Bupa Great Birmingham Run will attract around 15,000 runners to the city on Sunday 23rd October.
Although the 13.1 mile course will be similar to previous years, after consultation with runners, the start and finish areas are being significantly modified to improve the overall experience. Extra on-course entertainment celebrating the unique cultural diversity of the city is also being planned.
30th October - Portsmouth (10 miles and 5k)
Europe's most popular ten mile race, the Bupa Great South Run began in 1990 and now attracts around 24,000 runners to the historic Portsmouth course. This event will also include a new 5k course for 2011 - flat and scenic, it's the perfect challenge for new runners.
7th January 2012 - Edinburgh (5k)
The Bupa Great Winter Run in Edinburgh is a challenging 5k road race set in the stunning surroundings of Holyrood Park in the heart of the Scottish capital.
The event motivates thousands of runners every year to make their New Year's resolution early and keep training throughout December. Kids can get involved too, by taking part in the Bupa Junior Great Winter Run, a 2.5km multi-terrain run.
Rounding off this great day of running in Holyrood Park, the Bupa Great Edinburgh International X Country is an annual event attracting the world's best middle distance runners. Get wrapped up warmly and come along to see potential 2012 Olympic champions compete, or watch it live on BBC One.
20th May 2012 - Manchester (10K)
The Bupa Great Manchester Run is part of a Great Day of Sport in the Northwest, which also includes the high profile Great City Games event on Deansgate.
38,000 runners start and finish the race in the heart of the city centre, many raising money for local charities, like the Christie. Cheered on by crowds of up to 200,000 a variety of on course entertainment keeps runners going.
TBC July 2012 - Gateshead (10K)
The Bupa Great North 10k is the North East's biggest running event after the Great North Run. This year almost 5,000 runners took the streets of Gateshead for the third annual Bupa Great North 10k. After two successful years in Sunderland, this was first time the event started and finished at its new location, Gateshead International Stadium, the home of athletics in the North East.
For more info or to enter an event visit www.greatrun.org