Berkshire

It’s summer, and with that first glimpse of anything resembling sun, us Brits tend to bare our bods. So why not feel fitter and stronger by aiming for a fitness challenge on the horizon – some soon, some far enough away to be motivational, but none too far on the horizon to be forgotten amongst summer’s BBQs and Pimms.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/woman-running.jpeg" alt="woman-running" class="wp-image-49357" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/woman-running.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/woman-running-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/woman-running-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/woman-running-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/01/woman-running-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://thefixevents.com/fixaddiction-triathlon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FixAddiction Triathlon</a>, Dorney Lake</h3>



When: Sat 8 Jul



££: £60



What to expect: Known for holding the 2012 Olympics rowing events (ever the motivation to train your socks off), this pretty locale has a race fit for all abilities with a 400m swim (or 750m), 20K bike, and 5K run on a flat and friendly course. Plus, there’s a clubhouse and café for a well-earned post-race sweet treat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burn-6-thames-valley-adventure-race-reading"><a href="http://www.findarace.com/events/burn-6-thames-valley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burn 6 Thames Valley Adventure Race</a>, Reading</h3>



When: Sat 8 Jul



££: from £40 per individual depending on the mix of disciplines, team discounts available.



What to expect: Adventure – it certainly will be, it&#8217;s this weekend. If you&#8217;re a seasoned runner/ fitness fiend, this one is for you. The full 6 hr experience is run/mountain bike/kayak, so being with a supportive crew is defo the name of the game. But fear not as it sounds like a great environment, in lovely countryside, with gear for hire, and sustenance provided.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/the-one-on-the-river---spring_14257" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The One on The River</a>, Marlow</h3>



When: Sun 9 Jul



££: from 25



What to expect: Offering nine tailored races with different distances – decisions, decisions. You can opt for a standard triathlon with swimming 750 – 1900m, road cycling 24.5km – 85.6 miles and running 5 – 20km, depending on your training. Or keep it simple with a swim-only race or an Aqua-bike mix.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1586" height="1052" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Down-tow-up-flow-marlow-to-windsor.jpg" alt="Down tow up flow marlow to windsor" class="wp-image-53010" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Down-tow-up-flow-marlow-to-windsor.jpg 1586w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Down-tow-up-flow-marlow-to-windsor-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Down-tow-up-flow-marlow-to-windsor-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Down-tow-up-flow-marlow-to-windsor-400x265.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Down-tow-up-flow-marlow-to-windsor-768x509.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Down-tow-up-flow-marlow-to-windsor-1536x1019.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Down-tow-up-flow-marlow-to-windsor-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1586px) 100vw, 1586px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.purplepatchrunning.com/e/down-tow-up-flow-half-marathon-2967#rc5104" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Down Tow Up Flow Half Marathon</a>, Marlow to Windsor</h3>



When:&nbsp;23 Jul 2023



££:&nbsp;£35



What to expect:&nbsp;A&nbsp;flat multi-terrain half marathon that takes you along Berkshire’s stunning waterways, with&nbsp;rural, urban and&nbsp;historical outlooks. A friendly atmosphere and, as a point to point race, you can park your car at the finish and get whizzed up to the start by coach.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.runabc.co.uk/dinton-pastures-5k10k-july" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5K &amp; 10K Dinton Pastures Summer Series</a>, Hurst</h3>



When: Race 3 is on Thu 13 Jul, Race 4 Thu 10 Aug



££: £21 for 5K, £23 for 10K



What to expect: Those wanting a little more than an annual challenge might brave these running series of evening events where it is easy to see a progression, no matter how incremental, and each run is a motivation towards the next race. Also, Dinton Pastures is a pleasure to run around as it is famously ‘pancake flat’, off road and offers a 5K or 10K track, depending on how the training has been going. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="995" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Pretty-Muddy-race-for-Life-e1688407614824.jpg" alt="Pretty Muddy 5K, Prospect Park, Reading women on rope net obstacle" class="wp-image-53011" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Pretty-Muddy-race-for-Life-e1688407614824.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Pretty-Muddy-race-for-Life-e1688407614824-800x796.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Pretty-Muddy-race-for-Life-e1688407614824-400x398.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Pretty-Muddy-race-for-Life-e1688407614824-768x764.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/Pretty-Muddy-race-for-Life-e1688407614824-528x525.jpg 528w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pretty Muddy 5K</a>, Prospect Park, Reading</h3>



When: Sat 15 Jul



££: Kids 13+ £12; adults £22.49.



What to expect: Mud, lots of it – and obstacles, and a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie as everyone pulls together for Cancer Research UK. The soggy 5 K will be worth whatever training you can fit in now, and does actually sound fun scrambling under nets and over adult climbing frames in a mud splattered park. They have a really useful training plan online so prepare to unleash your inner child in readiness. Minor warning – there are no shower facilities at the race so probably don’t plan lunch and shopping afterwards! 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://castletocoasttri.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle To Coast</a>, Windsor</h3>



When: 22 Jul 2023



££:&nbsp;£185



What to expect:&nbsp;A new event on the triathlon calendar and the&nbsp;clues in the name. You’ll be swimming, cycling and running from Windsor&nbsp;the coast… Brighton to be precise.&nbsp;This is an&nbsp;epic one day race&nbsp;that kicks off with&nbsp;a 2K swim at Eton Dorney, then a 67-mile bike ride down to Hassocks, finishing&nbsp;with&nbsp;a half marathon trail run down to Brighton’s seafront.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-henley-triathlon-henley-on-thames"><a href="https://uktriathlon.co.uk/events/henley-triathlon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henley Triathlon</a>, Henley-on-Thames</h3>



When: Sun 23 Jul



££: From £52.50 



What to expect: This is the 11th year of Henley Triathlon which takes place at Henley Leisure Centre and within the grounds of Gillotts School. The swim (400m) takes place in a heated pool, followed by a cycle around rural Oxfordshire (25km) and a flat grass run (5km). There’s also a super-sprint and women-only race (200m swim, 12.5K cycle, 2.5k run). There’s also a brilliant children’s race with a relaxed, family atmosphere.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/7-1.png" alt="Running in woods" class="wp-image-41404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/7-1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/7-1-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/7-1-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/7-1-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/7-1-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/02/7-1-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://whitehorseharriers.uk/trail-race/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Uffington White Horse Gallop</a>, Wantage</h3>



When: Sun 30 Jul



££: 25-7



What to expect: If you’re going to sweat anywhere, make it this super cool Bronze-age Oxon landmark.The 21km half marathon route with 1200 ft of ascent – as you’d expect, it’s not a flat run and there is no hiding from the sun – so bring along your best running shoes and a snug hat to match.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.thefixevents.com/tri-challenge-triathlon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tri Challenge Individual &amp; Team Triathlon</a>, Dorney Lake, Windsor</h3>



When: Sat 9 Sep



££:  Individual £60, Split Team Challenge £30pp, Full Team Challenge £35pp.



What to expect: What more training motivation is needed for a full Triathlon than the calm waters and flat tracks of Dorney Lake, steeped in Olympic glory?  The atmosphere will also be buoyant, to take the edge of the awesome venue and mammoth task ahead – and there is the option of doing the whole thing as a team – or just as a plucky soloist. It’s billed as ‘suitable for all abilities, and there will be lots of friendly help on hand, and medals- not Gold, but medals all the same.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/henley-half-marathon-trail-run-35643" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henley River Trail Run</a>, Henley-on-Thames</h3>



When: Sun 3 Sep ££: 25-35



What to expect: You’ll get a slice of Henley’s scenery in this fun course that starts and finishes at the stunning Temple Island Meadows on the riverbank. There are two entry points – the 10k run, open to ages 15+ and a half marathon (13.1 miles) for ages 17+, both kicking off at 10 am. Bring your best Pam Anderson run, photos will be taken throughout.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://race-nation.co.uk/register/team-kennet/newbury-triathlon-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newbury Triathlon</a>, Newbury</h3>



When: Sun 10 Sep



££:&nbsp;£45



What to expect: Newbury Sprint Triathlon is open to newbies to the sport and seasoned athletes. You’ll kick things off at Northcroft Leisure Centre’s heated outside pool for a 300m swim, followed by a 22K cycle that takes you out to Welford Park (home to the GBBO tent) and back again for a 5K run around the town. It’s a friendly event that’s perfect for beginners.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DB-20220521-22-16235-2-e1688408255781.jpg" alt="Muddy Dog CHallenge Windsor" class="wp-image-53012" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DB-20220521-22-16235-2-e1688408255781.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DB-20220521-22-16235-2-e1688408255781-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DB-20220521-22-16235-2-e1688408255781-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DB-20220521-22-16235-2-e1688408255781-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DB-20220521-22-16235-2-e1688408255781-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DB-20220521-22-16235-2-e1688408255781-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://Www.muddydog.battersea.org.uk/muddy-dog-challenge-windsor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Muddy Dog Challenge</a>, Windsor Great Park</h3>



When: Sat 16 and Sun 17 Sep



££: Adult with a dog £37 or £27 without (£47/ £37 after 27 Aug), Child (8-17) £6.



What to Expect: A 2.5K and a 5K course for you and a pooch, in the mud. If we are going to exhaust ourselves training – it might as well be for this! Who doesn’t love ticking two chores off the list? This is a good excuse to get ourselves moving, and to hone our four legged friend’s stamina, and obedience at the same time. The added Win is that it is all to raise money for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. ‘Mud, sweat and cheers’ all round! To match your competition t-shirt your paw-fect friend gets a bandana to wear round the course, and a rosette at completion. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.findarace.com/events/swim-long-eton-dorney/24th-september-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swim Long</a>, Dorney Lake, Windsor</h3>



When: Sun 24 Sep



££: 2.5K £28, 3.8K £34, 5K £40, 10K £50



What to expect: Olympic glory ringing in your ears as you power up the clean, still lake, with excellent view lines, and the best ending: cake and coke on the finish line. As this is a dedicated competition lake there is really good spectator viewing, so bring your own cheerleaders along too.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/08/THE-GREAT-HOUSE-PADDLE-BOARDING-scaled-e1643197136742.jpeg" alt="THE GREAT HOUSE PADDLE BOARDING" class="wp-image-40867" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.eventrac.co.uk/e/dinton-supathlon-2021-3170" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinton Supathlon</a>, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst</h3>



When: Sun 24 Sep



££: £30-£50



What to expect: A 1K SUP (stand up paddle board, to you and me) race on the lake followed by a 5K run through this leafy park. As SUP-ping has become such a popular activity, training for this might be an excellent way of seeing what all the fuss is about. Balancing on that paddle board is a full workout for the core then followed by a gentle run to release those much needed endorphins. But don’t get distracted by Dinton Pastures excellent cafés on the way round – meet your supporters there afterwards.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://runwindsor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Half Marathon</a>, Windsor Great Park</h3>



When: Sun 24 Sep



££:&nbsp;£39.50 (HM)



What to expect: Windsor’s iconic half marathon with royal sightseeing thrown in so you keep putting one front in front of the other. After the last two years the idea of running up the stairs is enough the make me wheeze, but if we start training now, we could be ready. Shall we? Team Muddy – I will, if you will.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.maverick-race.com/products/the-maverick-exposure-lights-dark-oxfordshire-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Maverick Exposure Lights Dark Oxfordshire 2023,</a>&nbsp;Stonor Park</h3>



When:&nbsp;Sat 2 Dec



££:&nbsp;From £25.



What to expect:&nbsp;Running doesn’t have to be resigned to only the spring/summer months, those Mavericks have organised this series to help you continue running in those darker months. With three courses to choose from (7, 11 and 16 km) the route takes runners around Stonor Park, these are challenging events but throw darkness into the mix it is not for the fainthearted but it’s a good goal to work up to – head torch, not optional.

On your marks! 18 local races to train for now

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