Introducing... Local races for the whole family!

  • Jess Gjergji
  • 17/07/2024

We love encouraging a new generation of runners to the start line with their very own dedicated kids race and / or junior run. Not only do we think it's important to give our aspiring racers a positive race experience, but we want to help fuel a lifelong passion that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, opens the door to a fantastic community of supportive, likeminded folk and gives joy with every twist, turn and step.

So, with the summer holidays already nipping at our heels and with the October half term not far behind, here's a few family favourite races with some superb junior races on offer over the next few months. They're all on traffic-free and/or enclosed sites and each has their own special brand of racing magic. And, the best bit...? There's a finishers medal on offer for every race!
 
Friday 02nd August 2024
Friday 06th August 2024
Chip Timed: Yes
Prizes: Finishers Medal, evening race, good atmosphere
Highlights: Stunning scenery, nippy out and back, good introduction to the sport
This super event is a chip timed evening race providing an out and back 1k through the stunning Rye Nature Reserve. They won't ever forget racing along the water in the reserve as the sun starts to dip and gulls soar above them. This local kids race welcomes new runners to the sport and also sees some younger club runners take to the start line. 
 
Gosport 5k Summer Series (Hampshire)
Tuesday 13th August 2024
Tuesday 10th September 2024
Chip Timed: No
Prizes: Finishers medal
Highlights: Superb seafront location, great atmosphere & local heroes, evening race
This evening event is a splendid kids race beside the sea at gorgeous Gosport. It attracts a mix of nippy club runners and those just starting out, including some little ones that race with Mum & Dad. Whatever their level, the support is fantastic and, as first races go, they'll get a superb feel for the sport with some inspiring role models running in the 5k too!
 
Mount Ephraim 10k (Kent)
Sunday 11th August 2024
Chip Timed: No
Prizes: Finishers medal
Highlights: Commentator, choice of distance, stunning grounds
Not only does this race take place in the stunning grounds of Mt Ephraim but the junior race offers some versatility with our younger racers able to choose between one or two laps of the cricket field, depending on what feels more comfortable. It's a light hearted, fun filled race with a light touch and an opportunity to explore the gardens afterwards!
 
Sunday 18 August 2024
Chip Timed: No
Prizes: Finishers medal
Highlights: Super support, great seaside location, close to Clacton's seaside amusements and attractions.
Taking place before the main event, this junior race offering is well known for some fantastic local support as our junior runners cross the finish line to uproarious cheers! And then, the whole family can enjoy a fun filled day exploring Clacton's finest seaside attractions!
 
Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon (Kent)
Sunday 29 September 2024
Chip Timed: No
Prizes: Finisher medal
Highlights: Race beside the sea, great value, good atmosphere, commentator
This race organiser is always certain to provide a fantastic and affordable race offering beside the sea for aspiring young racers. Again, runners should expect some fantastic local support and also a dedicated commentator. This race attracts kids in club colours and also those that are just enjoying their first foray into the world of running and racing.
 
Bolt Round the Holt (West Surrey/Hampshire)
Sunday 29th September 2024
Chip Timed: No
Prizes: Finishers medal
Highlights: Lighthearted fun, good atmosphere, inclusive.
This 1k Kids Race is a super little sprint through the trails at Alice Holt Forest. As an appetiser to the main event, it enjoys a light, family friendly feel with bags of fun. You can expect a mix of ages and abilities, and loads of support for your little one!
 
Howletts Gorilla 5k (Kent)
Sunday 20 October 2024
Chip Timed: No
Prizes: Finishers medal
Highlights: Includes entry into the park, races by the animals, great atmosphere.
Now, whilst your young racer would need to be aged 11 or older to participate in this fantastic race, it made the list because it's a race with a truly inclusive, family vibe. And, with a race route that takes you past the animals who live in the park, it's also a truly unique racing experience. Combine your 5k with a family trip to Howletts Wild Animal Park after the race! Entry to the park is included for runners but additional entries will need to be purchased for anyone not running.
 
Bedgebury Forest Half Marathon & 10k (Kent)
Sunday 27th October 2024
Chip Timed: Yes
Prizes: Finishers medal and trophies for winning boy and girl, good introduction to the sport
Highlights: More challenging 2k, New race, Great location!
This event now boasts a brand new junior race offering. This more challenging 2km junior race will be chip timed and is suitable for slightly older junior racers, offering a route through the trails at Bedgebury Forest. Trophies are on offer for the first boy and girl to cross the finish line. 
 
Wendover Woods Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k (Buckinghamshire)
Sunday 03 November 2024
Chip Timed: No
Prizes: Finishers medal
Highlights: Super location, inclusive, lighthearted fun.
Nestled in the magical Wendover Woods, this event is a lovely autumnal race offering. The colours are always gorgeous and with GoApe, a lovely forest cafe and so many wonderful trails to explore, it's always a firm family favourite. The race is a simple out and back and, whilst all are welcome, generally attracts younger racers with many being accompanied by Mum or Dad as they hurtle towards the finish line.
 
And don't forget, with Christmas races (ahem!) already open for booking, you'll find some wonderful opportunities for your young racer to take to the start line as festive family fun takes centre stage. Take a look at what's on offer at: https://www.nice-work.org.uk/calendars/sport-events
 
We look forward to seeing you there!