That's going to be a busy fun weekend in and around the North East. It's the Newcastle triathlon on Sat 19th and there are loads of other events on the Sunday including a colour run in Sunderland scheduled for the Sunday

I took part in a trial run of a new Great Run Local event at Gibside today. If all goes to plan, there will be a 2k and a 5k run there every Sunday morning at 9am. The 2k is more or less an out and back, while the 5k starts out the same as the 2k, before running an extra loop to make up the extra 0.5k, then returns to the start to repeat that to make up 5k altogether. As you would expect at Gibside, the course is 'undulating' with one challenging uphill section which lasts for roughly 150m. But, of course, what goes up must come down so the run back to the finish line is pretty much downhill all the way.

I wouldn't personally treat it as any kind of race because it's not officially measured and the finish time is recorded by tapping your RFID wristband onto a mobile phone so if there are lots of runners finishing together, you'll find yourself held up in a queue for a few extra seconds. But it's a lovely setting and a good opportunity to run at Gibside (and the Potting Shed café is lovely )

And the proper GIbside parkrun starts on 22nd Feb *excited*

That sounds interesting Susie, Is it a "serious" race or could I go along and jog / walk with my 10yr old - I think she could manage the 2k

There was a family there today for the trial and I think the girl was about 11 years old. So, yep, I would say go for it

Link (roll over me to see where I go)

second actually because I dragged Mr H out of bed and he won but didn't have a barcode

Thanks Sue, I think I'll bring her along

I've just entered the Chevy Chase. It's the first time I've remembered to enter before it's filled up.

A bit far south for some of you guys but just wanted to give you a heads up that my club's 10K is now open for entries. Enter now for your chance to be shouted, oops sorry, encouraged! as you run by me & Northern Exile.. ..Link (roll over me to see where I go)

oops - forgot to mention the race's name - Harrogate Town Centre 10K