Want to challenge yourself, be active and have fun at the same time?

If the answer to that question is ‘yes’, then the Forest Trail Event may be just the thing for you.

It takes place on Sunday 5th August and is open to people of all ages and abilities.

“Anyone can take part,” said Charlie Griffin of Trimax Events, who are organising the big day. “It’s ideal for families.”

It certainly is because there is a fun run for the kids over 1km as well as a 10K for the more serious runners along with a half marathon and a marathon.

All the races will start and finish at Speech House Hotel in the Forest of Dean with the kids’ fun run starting 9.10am and the 10K getting under way at 9.30am which will allow parents enough time to watch one and take part in the other if they want to.

The half marathon and full marathon are scheduled to start at 9am.

And while the competitors will obviously be centre stage, Griffin is keen to stress that there is plenty for families to do as well.

“There will be activity day for kids,” she said. “There will be things like tug of war, sack races, archery. It should be a great day.”

Trimax Events were set up some five years ago and put on about 12 events a year, mainly in the Forest of Dean. However, the company is looking to expand its operation in the weeks, months and years ahead and put on more events across the whole of Gloucestershire.

So what events do they currently organise?

“As well as marathons and half marathons, we organise mud runs, triathlons and OCRs,” explained Griffin.

For those not in the know, an OCR is an obstacle course race and they are, says Griffin, great fun.

“We build our own obstacles,” added Griffin, “it’s very Ninja Warrior like.”

‘Warrior’ is the word used to describe Trimax’s biggest event on their calendar – the Forest Warrior.

Work has already started in preparation for next year’s Forest Warrior which takes place on Sunday 28th April – an event that organisers describe as “a full 10-12K course through the Forest of Dean with all obstacles”.

“We get about 800 to 1,000 taking part but we want to grow that number,” added Griffin. “It’s a great opportunity for people to learn about teambuilding. It’s not a race and there are no specific times, it’s all about finishing.”

There are other events with a difference that Trimax organise as well including the Seven Sins between Christmas and new year when some people may just be looking to shed a few excess pounds!

“It takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 28th-30th December,” said Griffin. “It takes in seven miles and seven hills.”

The off-road trail run is based two miles from Blakeney in the Forest and runners can take part on one, two or all three days. And if that isn’t enough of a challenge there is the Immortal Sinner which is – wait for it! – 14 hills over 14 miles.

This year Trimax are introducing another event on their calendar. Called the Nightmare 10, it is very appropriately named because it takes place at Halloween.

It will be based at Huntley on the weekend of 27th and 28th October and on the Saturday at 6.30pm consists of Spooky Glow Run Kids 5K and an adult 5K or 10K Dusk Run “with scary zombies and spooky goings on”.

The Sunday race starts at 11am and is described by organisers as a Spooky 10K or 10 miles.

As Griffin says: “It’s fun to run and it’s fun to keep fit and active.”

Anyone wanting more information should visit www.trimaxevents.com