The Alt Calendar

daparker46
Jan 11
3 min read

2025 was a year of firsts for many ETO'ers: marathons, ultras, road 5kms...

So for 2026 I wanted to change the focus, to the sub ultra races Gloucestershire (and a little further) have to offer.

"But you love ultras?!" I hear you all cry. I do, but there are three reasons sub ultra will be the focus for ETO this year:

Training time/life balance

Ultras take a lot of time to prepare for and take a long time to run! They can fit into a busy lifestyle but every race you do needn't be an ultra. Being able to run a shorter race on a Saturday morning can leave you with a bit more time on your hands for things like...DIY, gardening, my tax return etc. A life with running in it as opposed to running with some life around the edges.

Shorter races = you can race more

Sub ultra races are "usually" cheaper than an ultra and they can take less of a toll on the body as well. Needing less recovery can mean you're back to wanting to move, quicker than after an ultra. Races can also be a great way to cultivate a type of fitness far harder to achieve in training.

Supporting the local running community

Gloucestershire has a fantastic race scene on both the road and trails. These locally based events are a touch point to the wider running community, a chance to engage with people from different clubs over a brew and some delicious cake, often in areas we wouldn't usually run.

Here you are, I've listed at least one race per calendar month with a link to sign up to the event. Some of these sell out FAST, if you're considering one, get in their quick to avoid disappointment. If you do sign up, let the club know on the whatsapp group.

Enjoy your event shopping!

Jan

Sun 18th Jan - Linda Franks Memorial 5 Mile (Road)

Linda Franks 5 Mile Race - EntryCentral

Sun 18th- Tempo 10km (Trail)

Tempo Events Winter Series -Tempo Events

Feb

31st Jan/1st- May Hill Massacre 8/16mile (Trail)

Mayhill Massacre | YPBEvents.co.uk

Sun 15th- Dursley Dozen 12mile (Trail)

Dursley Dozen – dursley running club

Mar