Unusual races.

Getting to the finish line can be the strangest part of a race. Tetbury adds a woolsack, Gawthorpe adds coal and Knaresborough adds a bed. Man v Horse changes the opposition, while Olney’s pancake race makes the equipment part of the tradition. These events reward more than a quick pair of legs. Read the guide to see what has to reach the finish and what competitors must do along the way.

Similar names don't mean similar races. Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling and Stilton’s cheese event belong to different places and run in different ways, so choose from the individual descriptions rather than expecting one guide to cover both. Cilgerran’s coracle races take the contest onto water; the Real Ale Wobble uses marked mountain-bike routes around Llanwrtyd Wells. Ask yourself whether your ideal day means watching a short burst of action, following a bigger programme or tackling a serious course.

Some races are rooted in one community or need specific qualifications. Others give visitors a way in, with age groups, teams or separate categories to think about. Nos Galan, for example, runs distinct running races rather than lumping everyone into one field. Go by the organiser's current conditions when deciding whether to enter. Fancy dress, fundraising for charity or experience in another race won't get you round this event's rules.

For spectators, the practical question is where you can see the race comfortably without getting in its way. Find the start, finish or official viewing details in the relevant guide and fit them around the rest of your day. A lovely-looking route on a map isn't necessarily an open public path while racing is on. Confirm dates and any booking before you commit to travel, and leave time to enjoy the host town too. Cheering an exhausted bed, boat or heavily laden runner over the line is a perfectly respectable sporting contribution.