Runners making their way down into Avenham Park (knowing they had to go back up that hill shortly!)

The start of a new year is a great opportunity to challenge yourself with resolutions, and fitness is always a popular choice on the list of aims for the coming year.

Here at Blog Preston we have listed the most popular fitness events coming up in 2017 that you can get involved with:

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Park Runs Avenham Park

Runners at the Preston parkrun in Avenham Park Pic: Robert Williams

Preston Park Runs are a great way to start your running challenge. The runs are set at a distance of 5k and take place around an admirable course in Avenham Park, Preston City Centre. The timed runs are held every Saturday and runners can join in for their own enjoyment, at their own pace. Each run starts at 9am at entry into the event is free, however you need to register once before your first run and bring along the barcode. If you don’t bring a barcode to the event, then unfortunately your run will not be timed.

Runners are welcomed to join the team of volunteers who organise the event, along with other participators, for a post-run coffee at the Riverside Café. After the event, you can check out the event report on the online results page and news page, giving runners a chance to stay up to date with recent events. To get involved, visit the website and register for upcoming Park Runs or follow the Facebook Page.

Run Preston Covered Market, Preston City Centre

Runners taking part in the 2012 Guild version of Run Preston

One of the most popular running events in Preston is returning for another year. Run Preston will take place on Sunday 24 September from the Covered Market in Preston City Centre. This year, runners will have the opportunity to take part in a choice of three races – A 2k, 5k and 10k course. The 2k course starts at 1pm and participators can either walk or run the track, with an entry fee of £5 for Adults and £3 for children. The 5k course is a Fun Run starting at 9am and is priced at £10.00. The 10k Run will follow at 10.15am, with an entry of £16. Members of the UK Athletics Club Runners can get £2 discount.

The run, which usually attracts around 1500 runners a year, will provide the opportunity for corporate teams to battle it out for prizes. Registration for the event opens on the day, and it is advised to arrive for 8am to collect your running number in time for either event. With entertainment, activities and refreshments being provided throughout the day, family and friends are invited to come and support runners around Preston Flag Market.

Tough Mudder North West Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire

If a challenge is what you’re after this year, look no further than Tough Mudder North West. This popular mud and obstacle course is coming to the Cholmondeley Castle, in Cheshire, on 9-10 September 2017. You can take part in either the half or full course challenge that will test your physical strength, stamina and mental grit. The half course involves 5 miles tackling 13 obstacles and is priced at £55 per entry. The full course is a 10-12 mile track facing 20 or more obstacles, and is priced at £79 for Saturday and £69 for Sunday.

City of Preston Road Races Walmer Bridge Village Hall

Two Preston Road Races are being held at Walmer Bridge Village Hall, off Gill Lane, on Sunday 13 August. Both 5k and 10k races will start at 10am. Competitors must be over 17 to take part in the 5mile race and over 17 to take part in the 10 mile race. The course will take the scenic route around the Walmer Bridge Village Hall. The 5mile road race is priced at £12 and the 10mile road race is priced at £17, however UK Athletics members can enjoy £2 discount. The closing date for registering to this event is Thursday 10 August at midnight. You can register and keep up to date by following the Facebook Page.

Race for Life Moor Park, Sir Tom Finney Way

Cancer Research hope 4,000 women will join Race for Life in the city

Race for Life is returning to Preston on Sunday 18 June 2017. The women-only charity event aims to raise money for Cancer Research UK, and there are over 300 races taking place in the UK this year, including Preston.  A 5k race and 1ok race will start at 11am on Moor Park. Registration for Race for Life opens online during mid-January. Money raised will provide funding to help Cancer Research UK charity discover more about the 200 types of cancer.

What is your 2017 challenge? Are you taking party in any of the fitness challenges listed above? Let us know in the comments below.