Regular readers of this blog will be aware that I’m not a huge fan of expensive races. £25 for a 5.5k fun run? No thanks. Over £250 for a marathon? I’d need to start saving and find myself a better job…

Fortunately, not all races are expensive, an increasing number of races are now free to enter. As my 15 tips for running and racing on a budget blog has rapidly become one of my most read posts, I’ve decided to share some information on a series of free to enter running events organised by Decathlon.

Following on from last year’s success, the Decathlon Sports Series is returning this month. This year it’s set to be even bigger and better featuring several sports including running, cycling, horse riding and hiking. I can’t wait to get involved.

The Decathlon Sports Series will be staging a series of 5k (and one 10k) running events across the UK. I’ve summarised the dates and locations below:

• 26th March – Stevenage
• 1st April – Oxford
• 2nd April – Reading
• 9th April – Farnborough
• 7th May – Southampton
• 13th May – Glasgow Braehead
• 14th May – Edinburgh
• 4th June – Harlow
• 10th June – Warrington
• 11th June – Stockport
• 17th June – Tamworth
• 2nd July – Poole Redlands
• 9th July – Huyton
• 9th August – Bolton
• 13th August – Wandsworth
• 19th August – Croydon
• 20th August – Surrey Quays
• 3rd September – Sheffield
• 10th September – Nottingham Giltbrook
• 1st October – Newcastle Gateshead
• 7th October – Wednesbury
• 5th November – Belfast 10k*

*For the 10k event in Belfast participants must be aged 15 and over. For more detailed information on each event please visit the dedicated running event page.

Although participants should be able to complete the route without assistance, marshals will be available to maintain the safety of all participants at all times. Updates will be released regularly in the lead up to each event. Race numbers will be distributed to your selected store, and will be available to collect prior to the event, or on the day of the race.

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All entrants will receive a free t-shirt to run in on the day, and as an added bonus each participant will receive a Sports Series goody bag and medal at the end of the race. Very impressive for a free event!

These events are free and exclusive for Decathlon Card holders. If you are not a Decathlon Card Member you need to sign up here.

Places are limited to a maximum of 500 participants per race so don’t forget to sign up!

I’m hoping that my right heel will recover in time for me to participate in my local event in Tamworth.