A POPULAR fund-raiser race is returning to Yate for its ninth year in aid of a primary school in the town.


Every year around 300 runners from around the area sign up to take part in St Mary’s 5k Race which is set to return on Saturday, June 6.


The race, which is run by the Friends of St Mary’s School, starts and ends at St Mary’s School, in Church Road and takes runners over paths, country lanes and footbridges.


This year’s race will start at 11am, with the presentation of prizes to follow at 12.30pm, and is open to male and female runners, and includes a youth and child section as well.


There are medals for all entries and trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places and for fastest male, female and youth.


Hywel Lloyd, a member of Friends of St Mary's School, said: “We're really looking forward to this year's race and are hoping to get our biggest ever number of runners. It's a course that's suitable for all, from experienced runners, to those looking to run their first 5k.


"Registrations for the race are now open and all the money raised from the event goes to the school, which in the past has allowed us to help fund the new school hall, improvements to the school grounds, and a new email/text message service."


All of the money raised from the race goes to St Mary’s School and last year raised more than £3,000 for the school.


There’s an early bird discount for runners signing up before May 16, and to register visit www.stmarysrun.co.uk.