Set yourself a Spring challenge with the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and Oulton Park Half & 10K

Are you looking for a spring challenge to help you keep to your New Year fitness drive? There are some great events out there for all abilities and getting a friend to aim for the same goal can provide the motivation and fun you need!

The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford, taking place on Sunday 6 April 2014, is arguably the flattest and fastest marathon in the UK and is recognised as one of the flattest courses in the world. With only 54m elevation gain, the event is set to attract running club members, PB chasers and first time marathon runners. A great addition to the race is the ‘Half/Half’ Relay and ‘Four Leg’ Relay, enabling anyone who wishes to run a shorter distance to take part and experience the race day atmosphere without running the full 26.2 miles. The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon has also recently been voted the number one race for PB potential in Runner’s World.

The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon starts and finishes at Manchester United Football Club, Old Trafford. A total of 10,000 entries are available for the 2014 race and all finishers receive a medal, goody bag and ASICS technical t-shirt.

Please visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further details and to secure your place. Entry to the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and the Relays closes on 28 February or when sold out.

If you are looking for a race in February as well as a unique running experience then the ASICS Oulton Park Half Marathon & 10K is the event for you. The inaugural race takes place at the famous Oulton Park Motor Racing Circuit in Cheshire on 23 February and offers many unique features including a traffic free race track, super smooth tarmac and excellent spectating opportunities. The ASICS Oulton Park Half Marathon & 10K is ideally timed and the perfect training race for all spring marathons and a fantastic event to kick off your road running season.

Click here for all event details and to register. Entry to the ASICS Oulton Park Half Marathon & 10K closes on 19th February 2014.

If you're new to running, more than 2,000 registered running groups across the country offer specialist advice from qualified group leaders and the support of a group of runners, many of whom will be complete beginners just like yourself, to help you prepare! Search for your nearest group at runengland.org/groups.

There are loads of events out there to pick from, all of which are listed at runbritain.com. One of the great delights of running is the feeling you get after achieving your goal in the company of your running partners, so why not challenge a friend to work towards an event together.