Family-Friendly Events

Billed as the world's biggest inflatable obstacle course, this is about as far from a serious race as you can get. Choose from 2.5km up to 15km and expect to jump, slide and bounce your way to the finish with the whole family.

Set around Airthrey Castle in Stirling, this trail event winds through Hermitage Wood and up into the Ochil Hills. There are five distances from a 5k up to a 50k, and discounted junior entries on each one, so older kids can take on the same trails as the adults.

Now in its eighth year, this 5k around the grounds of Charnwood College is one you can run, jog or walk, with powder paint thrown along the way and a few optional inflatables to tackle. Open to all ages, and every penny raised goes to the Living Without Abuse charity.

Held at Dorney Lake, the rowing venue from the 2012 Olympics, this one has a distance for everyone. There's a non-competitive Family Fun Triathlon, a Tristars race for ages eight to 14, plus youth and adult options, so the whole family can race at the same lake.

Run past the rollercoasters before the park opens to the public, then spend the rest of the day riding them. Every entry to the 5k or 10k includes full-day access to Thorpe Park, so the run is really just the warm-up. A rare chance to see a theme park almost empty.

Four routes through the New Forest, from a gentle ride up to a 160km loop around the park's boundary. Expect open roads, ancient woodland and the odd pony wandering across your path. Best of all, riders under 12 go free, so it's an easy day out for cycling families.