THE DATE has been set, the routes have been confirmed and preparations are underway for the 2014 Oldbury Fun Run.

The race will take place on Sunday, June 22 – a departure from the normal date of Father’s Day, which falls on June 15 this year.

There will be a competitive road race and a fun run so people of all abilities can take part.

The Red Start Road Race, which starts at 11am, is organised in association with Thornbury Running Club and is popular with competitive runners from all over the county.

The Blue Start, which starts 11.10am. Participants can run, jog or walk, push a pram, take a dog or dress up for this race.

Chairman of Oldbury Fun Run Chris Awde said: “We have changed the date having listened to many people who said that family commitments on Father's Day had prevented them running the race in the past.

“It's a new course this year so here is your chance to set a new course record. The record for the old course was 18.30 minutes.

“The Fun Run committee are really excited about this year's event and plans are already in place to try and make it one of the best and largest fun run event in the region.

“We expect this year's male and female races will be very competitive with interest already shown by some very good local runners and clubs.”

Organisers have launched a new website that will make it much easier for runners to register. Online registration is now open and has the added advantage of a reduced entry fee. Participants can also register on the day but online registration is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment, as a very large take-up for this year's event is expected.

Each year the fun run supports the work of CLIC Sargent, a charity working with children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Smaller donations are also given to village-related charities and events.

Entry forms are available at The Anchor Inn, Oldbury and Bonds of Thornbury, Thornbury Motors and Elite Fitness Centres.

Postal applications or team entries will not be accepted June 14.

Runners can enter in person at The Anchor Inn Oldbury from Monday June 16 to Friday June 20, between 6.30pm to 7.45pm.

There will be stalls and displays, rides and candy floss, a tug of war competition, treasure hunts, barbecues and roasts and local ice cream on sale.

There will be music at various venues. This year there will be a classic car display. There will also be a Punch and Judy show. Finishing the day will be a songs of praise session at the Methodist Chapel on the Pound.

More details at http://www.oldburyfunrun.co.uk.