With every new year comes a new opportunity to focus on health and getting fit – especially after all the food from the recent festivities.

Challenging yourself with fitness and sport is always a popular choice on people’s list of resolutions.

Here at Blog Preston we have listed the most popular fitness events coming up in 2018 that you can get involved with:

Preston parkruns Avenham Park

Challenge yourself this year with Preston parkrun. The free 5k course takes place around Avenham Park in the city centre. They run is held every Saturday at 9am and it is a fantastic way to motivate you into running, with a group of volunteers who line the course and cheer you on all the way. You need to register online for the event, and bring your barcode along. The barcode will be scanned at the end of your run, giving you your official time.

After the parkrun, you can check out the event report via the online results page, giving runners the chance to stay up to date with recent events. You can get involved by visiting the parkrun website and by following the Facebook Page.

Couch to 5k Mariners Way

Join this 12 week programme that is designed to get anyone up and running. The gentle programme will ease you into running, even if you think you’re the most unlikely runner. The programme will help you achieve a running goal of 5k. The first session takes place on 10th January at 6pm from Mariners Way.

Hosted by Central Lancs, runners must be aged 12 and above. For more details you can visit the website or call 01772 286382.

UK Road Races Avenham Park

Why not take part in the special fun run and 5k event coming to Avenham Park?  Taking place on 7 May, you can challenge yourself with the fun run starting at 10am from the Riverside Cafe, and receive a medal at the end. Alternatively you can tackle the 5k starting at 11am, and all finishers will be awarded a medal and tech t-shirt.

The fun run is priced at £3.50. Entry for the 5k is £10 if you register beforehand, or £12 on the day. You can register for the event online.

Inskip Half Marathon

Set yourself the ultimate challenge this year by trying out the Inskip half marathon. Taking place on Sunday 21 January, from 10.30am, the run HQ is at HMS Inskip, Higham Side road where limited parking is available. The minimum age for the event is 17, and it is priced at £24. UKA Affilaited Club Members can take part for £22.

There will be prizes for the first three men and ladies. There will also be £50 for the male and female course record to be broke, along with spot prizes. The current record is 1hr 8 minutes and 25 seconds. Refreshments will be available after the race for a small charge, and there will also be a meat or veg hot pot lunch for each runner. Event organisers warn that due to the time of year there will be a 2hr 45 minute cut off.

You can register for the event online.

Race for Life Pretty Muddy 5k Moor Park, Sir Tom Finney Way

This women-only event is your chance to challenge yourself physically, whilst raising money for a worthy cause. Race for Life’s Pretty Muddy 5k brings you the ultimate obstacle course for women to tackle, alongside fundraising for Cancer Research UK. The course will have you scrambling over the A-frame, crawling through a mud pit and having fun with your friends. It will take place on Saturday 16 June. Girls can take part for £10 and women can take part for £19.99. You must be over 13 to participate. You can register for the event online.

Race for Life 5k Moor Park, Sir Tom Finney Way

Race for Life are bringing you the opportunity to run a 5k, whilst raising money to beat cancer. On Sunday 17 June, children and women of all abilities can walk, jog or run to raise valuable funds for Cancer Research UK. The race will take place at Moor Park from 11am. Children can attend for £10, women can attend for £14.99 and children under 6 can go free without registration. You can register for the event online.

Junior Parkrun Avenham Park

This is one for the kids to try out. Junior Parkrun takes place at Avenham Park every Sunday at 9am. The 2k run will have your children getting fit and active for the new year. The Junior Parkrun is aimed at kids aged 4-14 and is a free event, however you need to register online beforehand and bring your barcode. You can keep up to date with Junior Parkrun by following the Facebook Page.

What is your 2018 challenge? Are you taking party in any other fitness challenges? Let us know in the comments below.