by Neil Bates

Created on: April 15, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2009

It depends on what you are looking for. Normally however local running races are really good for people who are:

a) Looking to keep fit and keep up regular exercise

b) Training for a bigger/more important race.

The main thing to remember is that athletics clubs do not just organise track and field events, they will generally organise many road running or cross country leagues as well.

Local running races are really good because they are regular and they allow you to test yourself out.

The best way to find local running races is through research in many different places. You can do most of this by sitting at your computer or on the telephone. There are many local running races around the globe and generally are poorly supported. This means that organisers will generally advertise their events quite well. So you shouldn't have to look too far.

Internet:

Search for local athletic clubs online, many have message boards or contact pages and will be able to advise you of all the fixtures they have. This will also allow you to connect with local runners too.

Local council or local newspaper sites also may contain results, fixtures or contact details for organisers or athletics clubs.

Phone book:

Speak with your local sports centre or running track; they may be able to give you the contact number of local organisers.

Some athletic clubs also are listed in phone books and their secretary/admin officer would be able to post out a fixture list.

Local Press:

Do not just look for the adverts for races. Look at results of previous local races. Most articles for local races will advise you of upcoming, or at least the next race. They may also give you contact details, website etc for clubs, organisers or events.

Local Radio also may from time to time cover local race results and fixtures. If they do not give contact details, phone them, or check their news pages / information pages.

Magazine:

Many running magazines will also have fixtures in. These will tend to be the bigger more mainstream races, but some smaller more local / specialised magazines will give you fixtures for races, some of which may be local to you.

Word of Mouth:

Speak to other runners. Most runners in larger races will have done races or leagues. They will too be able to point you in the right direction.

Not just runners though, maybe in work or in the pub or friends, its amazing how many people who will know about races or know people who are linked with athletic / running clubs.

Good luck and enjoy the races and the social life that goes with running races.

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