Whether you’re aiming to be the next Mo Farah or just want to burn off the remaining calories still laying over from Christmas lunch, there's something for everyone in 2018 with running events for all abilities.

1. The year kicks off with the inaugural Autism Wessex’s run at the Somerley Estate, Ringwood on January 6. There will be a 10k route and a 2k fun run. The event will kick start the charity’s 50th birthday celebrations and raise crucial funds.

2. This is followed by the Swanage 10k race. The event is back for the 6th year running and will begin at Swanage and Herston Football Club from 11am on January 28.

3. If you’re eager to test yourself, the Jurassic Coastal Challenge provides the toughest of tests. The 3-day marathon, which takes place from March 23 to 25 is 78 miles in total. Day one starts in Charmouth and Day 3 concludes in Shell Bay. Transport and accommodation will be provided for participants and you don’t even have to do it alone, as you are able to enter as a team.

4. The Wimborne Dental 20-mile road race returns on March 4, starting at St James First School. Runners can apply by completing an online form and must be 18 years old to race.

5. March concludes with the Bournemouth East Cliff Rotary Club annual Easter Quarter Marathon on Easter Saturday, March 31. The marathon starts along the Boscombe Promenade, continuing towards Hengistbury Head and finishes just East of Boscombe Pier.

6. The Bournemouth Bay Run, in association with the British Heart Foundation, will hold its 36th event on April 8. There is something for all ages with a variety of races, including a half marathon, as well as a 10k race. If competitive running is not for you, then the 5k fun run might be more appealing and children are welcome to participate in the 1k fun run. All races on the day will start at Bournemouth Pier.

7. The unique Dorset Neon 5k run will take place in Poole Park, on the evening of April 21. Participants are encouraged to show off as much colour as possible by wearing neon face paint, glow sticks and glow bracelets. Racers can choose to run, walk or even skip during the luminous event.

8. The Maverick Original Dorset Half Marathon is back on May 12. Races range from short 9km routes to long 23km runs with a 14km route for those who cannot quite manage the longest race. It begins at Purbeck Valley Farm and continues through Dorset. Participants will be able to witness the stunning views of Poole Harbour and Swanage as well as seeing the historic Corfe Castle and the impressive Old Harry Rocks.

9. The Dorchester Marathon will hold its second race on May 27 after last year’s highly successful maiden race. The marathon is raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

10. The hugely popular Poole Festival of Running will return over 2 days between June 2 and 3. The event comprises of a wide range of challenges, featuring a Kids Minithons race and a run for cancer 5k on Saturday. On the Sunday, there will be a 10k race and the Poole Half Marathon. Anyone interested in any of the races should enter online promptly, as entries went live on 1st December.

11. The Bournemouth Race for Life is raising money for Cancer Research UK on June 10, with a 10k race this year. The route begins at the seafront and continues towards Boscombe pier. On the day, participants are advised to arrive one hour before the race starts.

12. Boscombe’s very own Salty Sea Dog Triathlon will run over two Saturdays, on July 7 and August 4. The triathlon, which will start at the Overstrand outside the Urban Reef includes three sprint and super sprints races, ranging from 375m to 23km. The triathlons are limited to just 200 entrants per race so be sure to register quickly!

13. For those desiring a greener environment, the New Forest Marathon on September 9 might be more appealing. This will take place at the New Park Showground, Brockenhurst and wind through the New Forest National Park. Races include a full and half marathon, a 10k and 5k run. As well as a junior race for young runners. The objective of the marathon is to raise funds for the New Forest Marathon Community Fund which supports local charities and has raised a phenomenal £1.27 million over the last three decades.

14. Those looking to explore the picturesque isle of Purbeck, should consider taking part in the Purbeck Running Festival, which consists of the Purbeck Marathon and Purbeck 16, taking place on September 16. The marathons enable runners to see the sights of Durlston Country Park, the Jurassic Coast Path and Corfe Castle. They will start and finish in Swanage, with the Purbeck 16 slightly longer than a traditional half marathon.

15. Arguably, the most varied marathon in Dorset, the Bournemouth Marathon Festival is scheduled to take place on the weekend of October 6 and 7. The standard marathon and half marathon races will provide runners with the chance to take in the picturesque views of Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers. But the weekend will commence with the junior races for younger runners, including the junior 1.5k, 2k, 5k and kids’ kilometre run. New runners could test themselves in the supersonic 5k or 10k distances.

For those looking to explore a new area…

16. The Weymouth Half Marathon is set to take place on March 18 and accommodates runners of all abilities. Weymouth provides the perfect, scenic setting for the race, which is 13.1 miles in total. Confident racers will look to complete the run on their own, but those who are newer to the athletic scene can race as part of a team. The race can be separated between the pair with one member tackling 6.9 miles and the other, 6.2 miles.

17. The Hampshire Hoppit Marathon offers something completely different for ambitious runners. There will be a full and half marathon on June 17, which are both trail races, meaning that they are predominately off-road. They will start and finish at Kingsclere on the border between Hampshire and Berkshire, reaching some of the highest points in the county.

18. Southampton City Centre will close its roads to play host to the ABP Southampton Marathon on April 22. The event comprises of a full and half marathon, which provide beautiful views of the city and out to sea towards the Isle of Wight. There will also be a 10k run and a fun run which is open for all ages. Participants in the fun run can walk, jog or run the one-mile long race and are encouraged to do it in fancy dress!