AN 800-metre running route has been installed in Yate as part of a project that aims to challenge and encourage runners in the town.


The route was been installed on Yate Common playing field in November as part of the 321 Run England Project which provides a range of marked out running or jogging routes across the country and a new information sign for the route was put up earlier this month.


The running route, an 800-metre course which has posts installed at 100 metre intervals marking the distance, was funded by a grant obtained by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) through England Athletics and installed by Yate Town Council.


Yate Town councillor Sue Walker said: “This is fantastic idea and encourages more people to get out running or jogging.


“They can also run a distance that best suits them which means that people of all abilities can have a go with the bonus of knowing how far they have run.”


Run England is the official England Athletics recreational running project which aims to get the whole nation running.


England Athletics awarded the grant to South Gloucestershire Council in April last year 2014 for development work to take place up until March this year, including £2253 for the development and installation of three 321 routes on non-SGC land and for the marketing and promotion of routes and groups.


South Gloucestershire Council active lifestyles team leader, Brian Gardner, said: “It’s been great to work in partnership with Yate Town Council to create even more opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy running.


“The tenth South Gloucestershire 3-2-1 route will also be in Yate, at Brimsham Fields.


“If you are looking for other people to run with, there are also twenty Run England recreational running groups in South Gloucestershire, five of which are in Yate or Chipping Sodbury.”


The 3-2-1 project aims to provide a range of marked out running or jogging routes across the country that anyone can have a go at and provides a challenge to help more people to get running when it best suits them.


Run England groups are supervised by qualified leaders and are open to the public and suitable for all abilities.


To find out more about the project visit www.runengland.org.