A different track

Aimee Stanton highlights five alternative races to spice things up if you are bored to death by the idea of a marathon

Let’s face it, running is boring. Going the distance isn’t easy either. But you don’t have to be Mo Farah to be able to complete a race as there are plenty of alternative races out there to get your heart pumping and your feet moving.

Tough Mudder

When: July 29 & 30, 2017 Where: Broughton Hall, Skipton, Yorkshire , BD23 3AE, United Kingdom

The closest race on our list but not for the faint hearted, the notorious endurance event, Tough Mudder, has become one of the hardest obstacle courses on earth.

With electroshock therapy, muddy, underground tunnels and huge walls to scale, this run is more trench warfare - you’ve been warned.

Blindfold Run 2017

When: 5 November Where: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Length: 5k and 10k

This race will challenge even the most professional of runners as participants have to run blindfolded and rely on a partner to guide them along. The run is to raise money for the Royal Society for Blind Children

The Colour Run

When: Various dates Where: London, Manchester, Brighton Length: 5k

The “Happiest 5k on the Planet” is influenced by the Indian Holi festival, and colour run participants are covered in colourful powders throughout the race.

Run Disney

When: 21-24 Sept 2017 Where: Disneyland Paris Length: Marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k or kids run

If you want to hop, skip, jump or actually run, the Disneyland races are perfect for the whole family. Expect to be cheered on by your favourite Disney heroes (and villains) too.

Streak for Tigers

When: 10 Aug 2017 19:00 Where: London Zoo Length: 5-10 minute streak

Did you know a group of tigers is called a Streak? If you want to help the big cats and don’t mind getting your kit off, join the naked runners for a late night ramble to raise money for The Zoological Society of London’s tiger conservation work.