I say lucky because I have friends who can't do events like this due to medical conditions.

So, although it wasn't pretty and was torturous in parts with many hills and thousands of stairs, I don't take for granted the fact I got to do it.

There is something addictive about these events. The scenery is one reason but the on-course support you receive is amazing.

You meet people along the way, share your stories and help each other through. By the end you're hugging each other. It is something unique and special and I'm already looking forward to next year.

And there are so many inspirational people of varying ages up to 80 doing it, which is awesome.

The event continues to grow and added the 11km this year, a great introduction to trail running, to the existing 22km, 50km and 100km. Not to mention the 1km for kids.

Back in the Hunter region, many of the Newcastle contingent who were at the UTA will return to road running with the Maitland River Run on June 2.

The event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and has introduced a half marathon (21.1km) to go with the 4km, 8km and 12km courses. There is also the River Maitland Mile sprint event.

Event organiser Paul Humphreys said they were all fairly flat courses, making them appealing to new runners or those trying to clock a personal best mark.

For the more advanced there is also the option of doing the 12km, 8km and 4km in succession. The trio of runs were won by Ben Toomey last year.

Mr Humphreys said it was a good spectator event too with looped courses along the river bank, through The Levee, CBD and Maitland Park.

Over 800 runners from across the region and state are expected to participate. Entries are still open and you can find out more through maitlandriverrun.net.

Body Beyond Limits gym in Cameron Park are holding an open day on May 25 to raise funds and awareness for House With No Steps.

Gym spokesperson Jasmine Dixon said the day would start with a boot camp at 7.30am for a small fee. Participants can just turn up on Saturday to the gym in Kalinya Close to support the event with all funds raised going to the chosen charity.

The boot camp will be followed by the much-anticipated Train the Trainer, where Ms Dixon said you can "pay to torture the trainer".

There will be a kids bootcamp and a healthy kids nutrition plan information session .

At Adamstown on May 26, Infuse Health will be raising funds for Charlie's Run 4 Kids with a day of yoga, movement classes, breath workshops and more at 4/10 William Street. Google 'Adamstown Wellness Day' for details.

Maitland River Run, Maitland, June 2: A range of distances are on offer, including 4km, 8km, 12km, 21.1km and the River Maitland Mile. The courses hug the banks of the Hunter River.

Raffertys Coastal Run, Raffertys Resort at Lake Macquarie, July 13: Offering 12km, 22km and 36km options, this trail running event is held through Lake Macquarie, along the shores of Catherine Hill Bay and in the Munmorah State Conservation Area.

The Bloody Long Walk, Newcastle, July 28: A 35-kilometre walk from Belmont to Newcastle beach to raise funds and awareness for Mitochondrial Disease.

Add a warm-up and cool-down to this session:

5 squats, 10 bear crawls, 10 squats, 20 bear crawls, 15 squats, 20 bear crawls, 10 squats, 10 bear crawls, 5 squats.

5 push-ups, 5 shoulder press, 10 push-ups, 10 shoulder press, 15 push-ups, 10 shoulder press, 10 push-ups, 5 shoulder press, 5 push-ups.

5 dead lifts, 10 lunges, 10 dead lifts, 20 lunges, 15 dead lifts, 20 lunges, 10 dead lifts, 10 lunges, 5 dead lifts.

5 glute bridge, 10 ab rotation, 10 glute bridge, 20 ab rotation, 15 glute bridge, 20 ab rotation, 10 glute bridge, 10 ab rotation, 5 glute bridge.

Send your health and fitness news to r.valentine@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

Renee Valentine is a writer, qualified personal trainer and mother of three.