RUNNING enthusiasts are being encouraged to conquer a forest later this month as a popular challenge returns to the North-East for its second year.

The No Ego Challenge, which is part of The Head Torch Race series, is set to hit the trails of Hamsterley Forest, in Teesdale, on Saturday March 28.

The Hamsterley 'Conquer The Forest', 10km and 10 mile will be the first in a series of No Ego trail challenges planned for 2015 where runners take on mother nature’s best terrain.

The races are designed to be fun and challenging for both beginners and experienced runners through a 2000 hectare oasis, sprawling along the sides of a sheltered valley.

Competitors will include both top level athletes and first time trail runners looking to improve fitness and try something new in a programme that aims to entice people of all fitness levels to leave the comfort of their treadmills and see what County Durham has to offer.

This event starts at 10.40am for the 10 mile and 11.05am for the 10km.

Entry costs £22 (transaction fees apply) for either 10km or 10 mile event and a tech t-shirt is included in the registration price.

Runners must be at least 16 years old and a parent must be present at registration to sign a waiver for under 18 year olds.

Enter online at www.noegochallenge.com