RUNNERS are being urged to line up for the annual Hawkesbury Upton 5K race.

The event, in aid of the village primary school, takes place on Saturday, June 14 and is open to adults and children alike.

The route of the race which has been nicknamed the HU5K will take participants along what is known locally as the ‘yellow brick road’ with views stretching across to the Severn Vale and into Wales.

It starts and finishes on Hawkesbury Primary School's large school playing field and includes the village cricket ground and a large, slightly undulating section of the Cotswold Way.

Debbie Young, who is helping to organise the race on behalf of Hawkesbury Upton Primary School PTA, said: “HU5K is suitable for runners of all ages and abilities.

“There will be a staggered start - competitive runners at the front, joggers in the middle, and walkers at the back of the field - to ensure serious runners striving for a personal best will not be impeded.

“Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each of the men's and women's categories (junior school entrants, secondary school entrants and adults).”

The run, now in its third year, will be led by Hawkesbury’s marathon team Beauty and the Beasts consisting of David Williams, David Anderson, Vicki Starling, Jim O’Brien and Geoff Robson who finished the London Marathon in April raising thousands of pounds for their chosen charities.

Added Debbie: “Although organised by the PTA, the event brings together a wide cross-section of the community, and from entrants further afield.

“Previous entrants have come from as far as Oxfordshire and Wales to enjoy this fun, friendly and scenic run.”

The run starts at 10am prompt and participants are welcome to arrive from 9.15am onwards. Children over the age of seven are welcome to enter but juniors must be accompanied by an adult. For more information go to www.hu5k.org or follow @HU5KRun on Twitter.