We thought it couldn’t be done. When we started the #ELLEUKrunning club in January, 5K was a distant goal, and the 10k We Own The Night event we organized with Nike seemed nigh impossible. And yet here we are— Editor Lorraine Candy included— gearing up to take on Purple Patch Running’s Grand Union Canal Half Marathon on November 10th. The scenic (and thankfully, flat) route starts in Uxbridge and follows the canal towpath up to Watford, ending in picturesque Cassiobury Park. Crisp autumn air, turning leaves, bright November sun… and 13 miles from start to finish. Here we go…

The Details

What: Grand Union Canal Half Marathon

When: Sunday, November 10th, 2013

Where: Grand Union Canal, from Uxbridge to Watford

Distance: 13 miles (21 kilometers)

Fit Factor: 3/5

Why We’re Running: After our success at Cancer UK's Race for Life, ZSL’s London Stampede, Woman’s Trust 10K, and 15k San Sebastián Clásica, it’s time to take on a new challenge

Race Mantra: Don’t fall in (to the canal)

Run it: Register online via Purple Patch Running here

Watch it: This race welcomes spectators. Line the route or welcome the finishers at Cassiobury Park

Support it: Tweet us some encouragement on race day at @ELLEUKrunning

Follow it: We'll be tweeting from the race @ELLEUKrunning

Find out more: Visit www.purplepatchrunning.com for information about this and other events

Want to get started? Follow the Running Club's 0-5k plan

Check out Nike Master Trainer Joslyn Thompson Rule's tips on how to run 10k