The New Year always sparks a surge in people signing up to the gym in a bid to get fit and lose weight, but there's more to fitness than pounding the treadmill. Get more from your workouts and try something new with our guide to some of the biggest and best fitness challenges for 2017.
Hull Marathon
24 September 2017
Why not make 2017 the year you finally tackle a marathon? 26.1 miles is no easy feat, but with nine months to train you will be more than ready to take on the Hull Marathon. Not only will this route offer the opportunity to explore the 2017 UK City of Culture, but it is also relatively flat, making it a faster course.
Register your interest at thehullmarathon.co.uk.
Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon
5 March 2017
This half marathon, which launched in 2012, is now so popular that general entries have already sold out. However places are still available with a number of charities so you can train and explore this historic city while supporting a good cause.
Find out more at osbevents.com.
The Boudavida Women's 10km Windsor
23 September 2017
If you're looking to get into running but aren't ready for a marathon or half marathon, a 10km race is a good starting point. This women-only event brings together women of all ages and abilities for a six mile run around Windsor that also offers amazing views of Windsor Castle.
Entry costs £24.50, events.running4women.com.
Macmillan All Out Swim
Autumn 2017
Get fit and do your bit for charity by training for Macmillan Cancer Support's All Out Swim. These outdoor cold water swimming events will be taking place at various outdoor pools throughout autumn 2017, giving you plenty of opportunity to train and find sponsorship.
Each event includes 5km (100 lengths) and 2km (40 lengths) distances, along with a 1.5km (30 lengths) distance for under 18s.
To find out more, visit macmillan.org.uk/alloutswim.
The Suffering Obstacle Race Series
11 March, 24 and 25 June, 30 September 2017
Obstacle race courses have seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to being both super tough and super fun. The Suffering is leading the trend with a series of races set in the stunning grounds of Rockingham Castle. Take your pick from their 5km, 10km or ten mile courses which not only get progressively longer, but progressively harder, with more obstacles and challenges to take on. The Pain & Suffering obstacle course is "designed to break you", so make sure you're ready before signing up!
Entry from £38, thesufferingrace.co.uk.
Urban Triathlon at Balance Festival
13 May 2017
Fancy something a little more Zen? The Urban Triathlon at Balance Festival is set to put a unique spin on the traditional fitness challenge with a HIIT session and yoga class taking the place of cycling and swimming.
This charity sportive will take participants on a fitness journey around East London, starting with a HIIT session in the Olympic Park before a 7km run to The Old Truman Brewery where the yoga class will take place. All profits raised will be donated to Project Waterfall, part of The Allegra Foundation.
For more information and tickets visit balance-festival.com.
What are your fitness goals for 2017?
