The new series will include six England Championships races from 5k to marathon distance.

England Athletics has announced the launch of a new race series called ‘Champions of the Road’ which will kick off with the BM10k in Brighton on Sunday, April 14.

The Champions of the Road series will incorporate five existing England road running championship races; the BM10k, London Marathon, Ipswich Twilight 5k, Great Birmingham Run and Great South Run, plus the addition of the City of Preston 5 mile road race.

Individuals and club teams will need to compete in three or more of the championship races in order challenge for the titles. Special awards and prizes will be made in these categories, including bespoke kit designed for the series winners.

Each of the six races will also be a stand-alone England Championship race with individual and team titles up for grabs at 5k, 5 miles, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon and marathon distances.

“The Champions of the Road adds a new dimension to the championships series with the minimum number of races an achievable target for athletes to achieve to be eligible, while still placing an emphasis on maintaining performance through the series,” said Charlotte Fisher, England Athletics Road Running Manager.

Additionally, the England Athletics 10,000m Championships for 2019 will be incorporated into the Orion Harriers organised FASTFriday 10,000m at Walthamstow on Friday, June 7.

Since 2014, the event has grown and provided an important opportunity for athletes looking for a good quality 10,000m race.

Champions of the road race series / Individual England Championships race

Race 1 – Sunday 14th April – BM10k, Brighton
Race 2 – Sunday 28th April – Virgin Money London Marathon
Race 3 – Saturday 11th May – Ipswich Twilight 5k
Race 4 – Sunday 11th August – City of Preston 5 miles
Race 5 – Sunday 13th October – Great Birmingham Run
Race 6 – Sunday 20th October – Great South Run, Portsmouth

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