Fish Hoek, Western Cape (South Africa) - "Timbercity Red Hill Marathon, Classic and 13km Challenge". The first Red Hill Classic was run almost half a century ago as a training run for the Peninsula Marathon. No one could find a suitable short cut so, instead of a customary 20 mile (32km) marathon-prep course, the distance was set at 36km. In 1984, when the Two Oceans Marathon introduced qualifying marathon criteria for their event, a six kilometre loop was added for those who wanted to extend themselves from the 36k Classic to a full marathon (and has been a permanent fixture at the race since 1992). The route has remained constant over all this time save for two exceptions: The start line and first three kilometres has shifted around the perpetual roadworks to upgrade Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg. However, Fish Hoek AC has built up a good relationship with the construction company and in 2019 they had a team working throughout the night to resurface the road for the runners, finishing up and providing the clearance to run just ten minutes before the race started. In 2008, a massive veld fire swept over the route resulting in road closures. People joke about building aeroplanes in the sky but the Red Hill race committee did just that - organising a new route on race morning and only finalising the marathon route after the race had already started. The 2008 event was something of a defining moment for the club and since then the race medal and club logo were redesigned to include the three flames to commemorate the experience. For 2026 the marathon and the 36 km will start at 05h00 (instead of 05h30 to accommodate further road works - and the start will be in KOMMETJIE Road. www.fishhoekac.com

Aiken, South Carolina (United States of America) - "The Battle of the Run Clubs". Team and Individual Entries Accepted. Welcome to the Battle of the Run Clubs Team XC Challenge. And by run clubs, we mean Run Clubs, but we also mean run… "clubs." You can sign up with a group of friends, with family members, and even as an individual. You do not need a complete team to enter; if for some reason your friends don't quite get organized and your team ends up a little short, we'll combine mixed teams to make sure everyone has a chance at a final score. Individuals can enter as "Free Agents," and will be combined into these mixed teams or possibly a team of their own. It's a great way to meet local runners and make new friends. All runners will enter on Ultrasignup as individuals. On page 2 of registration, it will ask for your team/club name. If you are entering as an individual, simply enter "Free Agent" in this box. So how will the scoring work? There will be 6 races: Men's 10 mile, Women's 10 mile, Men's 10k, Women's 10k, Men's 5k, Women's 5k. Each runner may choose the distance that suits them best. Each race will be scored equally, as follows: 1st place – 1 point, 2nd place – 2 points, 3rd place – 3 points, 4th place – 4 points, and so on. Team scores will consist of the top 4 best placings, with the goal of earning the LOWEST overall team score. Additional runners on a team will not add to the score, but can contribute by bumping runners from other teams down in the rankings. All teams may be of the same gender and run the same race, or any combination of distances/genders that you choose, and there is no limit to the number of racers from a single club. The more the merrier. There is a tiny bit of strategy involved, as a "perfect" team score of 4 (4 wins) does actually require multiple distances and genders. After the race, stick around for amazing food provided by StableView's famous Graze and Gaze, relax, play lawn games, and mingle as you wait for your team to finish. Showers are available on site, and adult beverages will be available at cost in the Tavern. Race Schedule: 7 am check-in/packet pickup begins, 8:30 10 mile Race starts, 9:00 10k Race starts, 9:30 5k Race starts, awards to follow. Winning team's name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy to be displayed at Stable View, and individual trophies will be awarded to winners. For those wishing to wake up near the Start Line or to linger longer after the race, Stable View offers contemporary lodging – perfect for easing those post-race muscles – or RV Hook Ups. Participants can enjoy the peaceful country setting, but also not be too far away from dining, sightseeing, and shopping in historic downtown Aiken. Further details, pictures, and booking for accommodations are on Airbnb or reserve directly with Stable View. All RV reservations must be reserved directly via Stable View. www.svagatheringplace.com/aiken-trails-club

Schia di Tizzano Val Parma (Parma), Emilia Romagna (Italy) - "Schia Monte Caio Skysnow". [Italian] Competitiva di km 10,800 (dislivello positivo 800 metri), e di km 6,200 (dislivello positivo 390 metri). Partenza alle ore 17. Ritrovo area Belvedere, piazzale Bocchi. Per inf. tel. 349.6926071. www.schiamontecaio.it/skysnowschia.html

Asheville, North Carolina (United States of America) - "Asheville Hot Chocolate Races". The Asheville Hot Chocolate races has been the highlight of Western North Carolina's winter running season since 2008. The race began as a simple 10k with a 1k kids hill climb. The race grew as a family event and so the short, 100 yard Marshmallow Dash was added for the newest little runners. In 2018 we added a much requested 5k to the line up. And lastly, in 2022, we emerged from the pandemic with an added challenge, our newest distance, the Hot Chocolate Half Marathon! Unfortunately, due to the distruction of a lot of the half marathon course from Hurricane Helene we skipped the half marathon distance in 2025 but it will make a triumphant reurn in 2026!!! With a downhill start and an up hill finish the meat of the race is a beautiful run along the French Broad River. The race benefits the Isaac Dickson Parent Teacher Organization which in turn supports the teachers, students and families of our school. www.hotchocolateraces.com

Seattle, Washington (United States of America) - "Run Forest Run 5k". A Forrest Gump-Inspired Fun Run! Get ready to lace up and run like the wind blows at the Run Forest Run 5K, happening at the beautiful Green Lake Community Center in Seattle, WA! Join fellow runners, walkers, and Forrest Gump fans for a day of fitness, fun, and community spirit. Whether you're a seasoned racer or just starting your running journey, this scenic loop around stunning Green Lake is perfect for all paces and ages. "That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run..." - and so can you! See you at the starting line! https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Seattle/RunForestRun5k?aflt_token=Nktw0AUB3nF4FPeh7Y7AWqQewFdw9sGt