We all love a big race. A city marathon like London or Edinburgh, maybe halves like Run To The Beat or the Great North Run.

But these big events come at a price, and not just the often hugely inflated entry fees (£50 for a half marathon??? Shame on you Nike!). Unless you’re lucky enough to have one on your doorstep there’s the issue of travel and accommodation, expensive not to mention the time commitment. Factor in the training needed for running 13.1 miles or more, and that kind of pressure can sometimes suck the joy out of running.

That’s why, with 9 weeks of the year left and no more events in the diary, I went in search of some races I could get to easily, run for fun and wouldn’t break the bank. I also think it’s important to do some of the small events organised by local running clubs, so the entrance fee goes back in to supporting running and promoting the sport rather than corporate pockets.

So I asked members of my running club, had a look on Runner’s World and came up with a few fun events to see out 2013…

November 3rd – Guy Fawkes 5 organised by Tewkesbury Athletics Club

November 10th – Sodbury Slog, a 9 mile mud run organised by Bitton Road Runners

November 17th – Runway 10k, around Gloucestershire Airport thanks to CLC Striders

November 23rd – The Hard Bastard Run, 3 hours of trail running with added exercise challenges organised by my coach Catherine Jasat.

December 15th – Christmas Tree Run, festive fun with Forest of Dean Athletics Club.

That’s me busy until Christmas then! Hopefully I’ll see some of you on the start line…

Got any fun races lined up for the rest of the year? Anyone busier than me?!