A TEN kilometre race is the distance of choice for many athletes, and Thornbury Running Club will again be holding its own open event on Thursday July 14.

The accurately measured course starts at 7.30pm close to Race HQ at Thornbury Rugby Club, and is on quiet, undulating country lanes.

In 2016 for the first time, chip timing will be used.

Also for the first time, and in line with UK Athletics ruling, the wearing of headphones or earpieces is banned and will lead to disqualification of any athletes using them.

The club aims to make this a relaxed, hassle-free, but very competitive road race with prizes of £100 for anyone who can break the course records.

These are currently set at 30.59mins for men, which was set in 1991, and 36 minutes for women, set in 2002.

For those not quite so quick who are aiming for a new personal bests over the distance, pacemakers will take runners around at 50-and 60-minute race pace, and to encourage anyone who wants to try the distance for the first time, there is no cut-off time.

Even the runner at the very back will have a Thornbury Running Club member with them.

The Team Trophies, first presented in 2015, are again up for grabs.

Teams may comprise work colleagues, sports clubs – running or otherwise – or just a group of friends, and a declared team will consist of up to five individuals, with the placings of the first three added together, the lowest score wins.

Entries can be made online (£13 affiliated; £15 unaffiliated) and teams of five runners will get one place free. Entries could be made on the night if places remain.