We're well into this year's running season, and I've been fortunate enough to take part in three half-marathons over the last few weeks.

There's nothing like running to make you appreciate how fortunate we are to live in such a pleasant part of the world. Yes, there is more spectacular parts of the country – you must admit, Norfolk isn't great when it comes to mountains – but for fine rolling fields and well-kept village greens, we're as good as anywhere in the UK.

First up on March 12 was the Broadland Half-Marathon, based in South Walsham, a distant cousin to its more famous northern relation. I was lucky to reach the starting line in time, thanks to the nascent Northern Distributor Road cutting off the route preferred by my experienced support team (mum and dad).

As ever, I ran in the colours of my team the Norfolk Gazelles, though this gazelle looked like he'd suffered a mauling from a lion as he joined the back of the pack and set off in last place. The route took us through past the churches and thatched rooves of Salhouse and Ranworth, while in Woodbastwick we suffered the exquisite torment of passing by the Woodforde's pub and brewery not once but twice. An idea for next year's race: instead of water stations, why not an ale station, for us runners who prefer something a little more full-bodied?

Next on, April 2, came the Bungay Half-Marathon, part of the Bungay Festival of Running. This race took us from Bungay to Beccles and back, skirting the border with Suffolk and God's Own County along the way. They may not have the luck of being in Norfolk, but Bungay and Beccles still look decent places, though I was distressed to learn, courtesy of a handwritten notice on Nethergate Street, that Pete the Tortoise was missing.

If you live in Bungay, please check your garden for Pete; as a former tortoise owner myself, I know tortoises are determined escapologists tortoises and how difficult they are to find once they get loose. Aside from this, the event went well, blessed with fine weather, unlike the hailstorm that hit runners during last year's race.

Finally, we came to the 'big one', the Norwich Half-Marathon, which took place last Sunday on perhaps the finest April day an English spring could manage. Those who took part in the last Norwich Half-Marathon in November 2015 will recall the sleet shower just before the race, and the torrential rain and hail which afflicted the stragglers over the two-hour mark, and so would've been glad of the sunshine, but as those who ran in last year's Dereham ten-mile race can confirm, warm sunshine is just as troublesome as rain.

Of the 2,300 or so starters, it looks from the official results that over 200 didn't make it to the finish, and I hope all concerned are recovering well. I for one worry over the fates of the individual dressed in a Spiderman costume, and the fellow who combined an Elvis costume with a Bernie Clifton-style comedy ostrich. One man I passed along the route was running barefoot while others were dressed in specially printed shirts commemorating lost loved ones. Cheering us on were a surprisingly high turnout of supporters dotted all over the course, as well as those making a day of it at the event's base at the Norfolk Showground.

The heat ensured we runners were even more grateful than usual for the water stations along the course, and hats off to the homeowner somewhere near Marlingford who sprayed passing competitors with a garden hose to cool them down.

Sir, if you were shocked by my language as I passed through the spray, it's only because I prefer to take my water with whiskey, and the taste of unadulterated water was a shock to the system. The heat took its toll on several, but they were well cared for by fellow runners and afterwards, the race medics.

Of the three races, this was perhaps my favourite, if only because I gained revenge on Paul McVeigh for pipping me at the line at the first Norwich Run event – take that, you former Nothern Ireland international, you!

Big thanks go to the organisers of the three races all of which, as far as I could tell, went without a hitch, and to all those who turned out to cheer the runners on.

If you were inspired, then contact any of the local running clubs or ParkRun events and give it a try yourself. It's the best way to see the finer parts of Norfolk you otherwise miss in a car.