THE Dirty Dozen Races will be returning to Usk on Saturday 11th July this year.

After a successful inaugural year in 2014, the trail races feature a number of obstacles to get across, round, under and over.

With two events taking place in the grounds of Usk Castle Farm, there is a choice of a 6km 'Dirty Dash', or the full 12km 'Dirty Dozen'.

Last year's event saw around 500 competitors taking part with three times that figure hoped for this year.

Doug Spence, co-founder of the Dirty Dozen races, said: "We've processed just over 1,000 applications and are aiming for 1,500.

"The 12km race runs in the morning and has more than 20 major obstacles. The shorter 6km run takes place in the afternoon and still has more than 15 major obstacles."

Those "major obstacles" have been developed to be particularly challenging, with the last one being a 10ft wall just before the finish line.

"We've studied the Navy Seal's course in the United States and we brought in an ex-special forces guy to help with the design of the obstacles. Plus, I have a natural talent for being devious.

"I used to play rugby which was all about the power and brawn, but then got into climbing which is very different," said Doug.

"It works your balance and brain. You have to think about what you're doing rather than just using your muscles."

It is this combination of strength and intelligence that will be tested by the obstacles in the Dirty Dozen races.

Doug said: "All the obstacles are achievable if you think about them and work together.

"It's all about inspiring people. It sounds cheesy but people run with friends, or even grab the person next to them, and work with each other to get them through the course.

The 10ft wall at the finish line is designed to make the most of the marathon factor.

"At the end, you're physically and mentally drained – but the crowd gets you over," said Doug.

Despite a definite emphasis on fun runners, there are elite athletes who will be taking part. One in particular interests the Dirty Dozen organisers – John Albon.

John is an Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) world champion and holds a number of other titles too. Last year he was challenged to complete the Usk course in a sub-60 minute time and had a £1,000 bet at stake.

He missed out on winning the bet by just 40 seconds so this year, he has gone double-or-quits with the organisers and will try and complete the course under an hour with £2,000 at stake.

For more information on the Dirty Dozen races, visit http://www.dirtydozenraces.com">www.dirtydozenraces.com