If you are looking for a running challenge for 2020 then 5 races staged by Open Adventure in the coming year should be top of your list.

On offer are a mix of trail, ultra and adventure races, spread across the mountains and the National Parks of Northern England.

All offer exceptional routes, a real challenge and are backed by an organising team with a peerless reputation. They all provide free professional photos too!

The Open5 Adventure Race –Yorkshire Dales - Feb. 9th

The year starts with the annual Open5 adventure race, so mountain biking and navigation are included for this one. This is the longest established Open Adventure event and is open to solos and pairs who have 5 hours to visit as many checkpoints as they can.

You choose your own route and tactics, so it’s up to you whether include a tea stop along the way or go flat out to get on the podium, either way you’ll have a great winter’s day out.

Entry Fee; £35

The Northern Traverse - St. Bees to Robin Hoods Bay – April 18th

The longest event in the Open Adventure calendar the mighty Northern Traverse is a 190 mile, self-supported run following Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route.

Beginning at St Bees on the west coast, the route crosses the north of England through three National Parks finishing in Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast. Taking in iconic mountains, valleys, moors and over 16,000 feet of ascent, the Northern Traverse is one of the most spectacular ultra races in the world.

Entry Fee; £550 to Jan 31st, then £650

The Lakes Traverse – April 18th

This race starts with the Northern Traverse in St. Bees and crosses the entire Lake District, finishing in Shap. You'll have 28 hrs to complete the race, from the western coast through Ennerdale, Borrowdale, over Grasmere Common and Fairfield, through Patterdale, over Kidsty Pike and along Haweswater and into Shap.

A total of 12,000 feet of ascent over 60 miles, this is a challenging yet beautiful Ultra.

Entry Fee; £120 to Jan 31st, then £140

Lakes In A Day – October 10th

Lakes in a Day takes runners on a 50 mile route from the very top of the Lake District at Caldbeck to the bottom at Cartmel.

On the way runners cross the summit of Blencathra, traverse the stunning Helvellyn Ridge, then cross Fairfield to descend into Ambleside and make their way along the western shore of Windermere.

Entry Fee; £95. (Camping and transfers available.)

The Kendal Mountain Festival 10k Trail Run – Nov. 21st

Sponsored by adidas TERREX this is a 10k trail run around Kendal, taking in the local landmarks on a classic trail run with some big climbs, great views, grassy trails and a busy town centre finish.

It’s a great chance to take in all the inspirational films and talks at the festival and a run as well!

Entry Fee; £16

For more information and to enter see; www.openadventure.com

Open Adventure are on Facebook at; www.facebook.com/openadventure