It’s been said before.

But there really is no better place to enjoy the great outdoors than in New Zealand.

And there’s no better excuse for a healthy and fun weekend away than entering an off-road running event – perhaps for the very first time.

Off-road running is just like it sounds. Instead of pounding suburban pavements, or dodging traffic on the nation’s roads, off-road runners take to gorgeous tracks and trails which wind their way around some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

Sound great? It is, so it’s no surprise that running off-road is becoming more and more popular in New Zealand.

And it’s not just super-athletes who are taking it up. There are more and more events for first-timers being offered over terrain that’s both beautiful and challenging, but definitely not over-the- top for newbies.

Off-road running is a great way to keep fit and enjoy the company of friends while soaking up the scenery. But it’s also a perfect excuse to pack up and head away for the weekend – all in the name of doing something healthy.

Now there’s another reason to dirty up those running shoes and book a hotel – preferably one with a hot spa! The N-Trail 2009 off-road series has been launched, offering New Zealand’s newest series of five off-road running challenges.

Runners are grouped with others of similar age. And the series offers a range of course lengths - short (5km – 10km), medium (10km – 15km) and long (15km – 20km).

That, and the fact that walkers are also more than welcome, is the best reason yet for first-timers to get involved.

The first event is in Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty on May 24 and has runners or walkers enjoying both native forest and open pasture on the Summerhill Recreational Farm.

The final event will be held in Kawerau, also in the Bay of Plenty on October 18 over undulating trails alongside the Tarawera River at the base of Mount Putuaki.

In between there are two events in Rotorua in the world-renowned Whakarewarewa Forest, and one starting on the white sands of the spectacular Ohope Beach near Whakatane. For more information, see www.n-duro.co.nz

Off-road running events are held right through-out New Zealand and attract a huge range of people. For an over-view of what’s on offer near you, see www.coolrunning.co.nz.

For advice on how best to train for these types of events, ask one of our qualified staff at Contours