In these dark and damp days it's so easy to forget those New Year resolutions, draw the curtains and wait for the clocks to change. However, if you are targeting running events in 2013 you need to put in the hard miles – even in this grim weather.

Ross Running are looking forward to a number of runs this year. First up in their plans will be the Forest of Dean trails half-marathon (March 24th), followed by Tewkesbury Half (May 19th) and other half marathons before finishing the year with the Conwy Half in North Wales - allegedly the most scenic in the UK.

Shorter events include the Brecon 10, the Breinton 10 and of course the Ross 10k event – assuming the river allows it this year! The Upton Bishop Big Dipper in September is only 6 miles but the hills make it a challenging – and fun – local run.

Last year highlights included personal best time for Gavin Jones of 1:25 in the Forest Half (top 50 finish) and 3 Santas in the Hereford fun run! Running long distance in the Forest of Dean in pitch black night-time was an experience too – thankfully, no boar.

Ross Running is more of a social than a competitive thing though – numbers are increasing slowly so most Tuesdays and Sundays there are six, which makes the winter running easier to bear! Ross have connections with other clubs and plan to run with Ledbury Harriers sometime soon.

Ross Running meet each Tuesday in The Hope & Anchor car park – meeting at 6pm – running along the river bank, this time of year. On Sundays at 10am they run different routes depending on the weather, who's there and how the runners feel. New members welcome – please just come along! Visit their website: http://www.ross-running.co.uk">www.ross-running.co.uk.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.