The Scott Physiotherapy Dave Phillips Road Runs are starting on April 8th and are in a slightly revised format for this year's series, writes Ben Scott.  The number of races in the series has been cut from 6 to 5 and the long run is now a certified 10km race.  The athletics development committee have spent a great deal of time trying to reorganise the Manx fixtures list to avoid clashes and increase the number of potential runners at each race.  The new format of the Scott PhysiotherapyDave Phillips Road Runs sees it take on a standardised distance for the first time since its move to the St Johns course.  With many runners, both experienced and new to the sport, keen to test themselves over a 5km or 10km course the development committee were aware that there was a decided lack of races over these distances.  Working closely with Western AC and Northern AC, Manx athletes now have the more opportunities to run these distances. The Scott Physiotherapy Dave Phillips Road Runs are 10km over the long course and the existing 2 laps for the short course. Subject to final confirmation, the Up & Running Ramsey Park Runs are 5km for the short course and the existing 3 laps for the long course. There may be a few teething troubles.  There may be people who disagree with the changes.  What we hope for is that athletes of all abilities will see the new distances as a worthwhile event to traiin for and come along and compete in.  So if you want to set a new 10km of 5km PB, you know where to come! The Scott Physiotherapy Dave Phillips Road Runs are organised by Western AC The Up & Running Ramsey Park Runs are organised by Northern AC