Running Challenges

Running Challenges by Keri Wallace showcases 100 of the best runs across Great Britain, from inspiring 5Ks through to epic multi-day ultras. Split into three sections - England, Scotland and Wales - and featuring a mixture of marked trails, organised races and unmarked self-navigated challenges, the runs ramp up in difficulty as you go through each section, so, whether you are a beginner or a more experienced trail, fell, mountain or ultra runner, you can find something achievable, accessible or aspirational. Keri draws on her experience as a mountain runner and running guide for Girls on Hills to hand pick the best and most interesting runs across Great Britain, starting with some first-rate parkruns and short trail runs, including the Loch Coruisk loop and the Hampstead Heath circuit, working up to tough and demanding routes and races, such as the Welsh 3000s and the Bob Graham Round. Use this book to tick challenges off, or as a tool to plan where to run next - wherever you are in the UK there will be a run nearby. Each run has handy details to help with planning your adventure - start and finish points, distance and ascent, navigational difficulty, public transport, parking, route profile and overview map - along with inspirational text and stunning photography to give you a flavour of what the run is like. Other options nearby are included, along with suggestions for other similar challenges throughout Great Britain.

Keri Wallace is a runner, climber, mountain leader and co-founder of Girls on Hills, the UK's only guided trail, fell and sky running company designed specifically for women. She has numerous top ten finishes across a wide range of trail running disciplines from fell racing and ultrarunning to sky running and alpine tours. Keri's first personal challenge was to complete the three UK Big Rounds - the Bob Graham, Charlie Ramsay and Paddy Buckley rounds - solo-supported in a single, multi-day push for charity in 2011. Since then, she has completed a wide range of running projects and holds the female fastest-known time for the Glen Coe Round and the Winter Tranter's Round, as well as establishing the Glen Coe Classic Rock round in 2021. In 2023 she finished third female in the Skyrunner UK & Ireland series and finished fifth female in the 170-kilometre Ultra Tour Monte Rosa. Initially a neurobiologist, Keri has a PhD in Proprioceptive Plasticity but in 2018 made a career change, setting up her own trail running business. Keri now lives in the Scottish Highlands with her husband and children and spends her days run-guiding and juggling being a mum to their two girls. Running Challenges is her first book. www.girlsonhills.com