Runners, walkers and families are invited to take part in The Great Pumpkin Chase 2020, a socially distance, Covid-safe event over half term in Hawkesbury Upton.

The Great Pumpkin Chase, sponsored by Sodbury Fuels, is a socially-distanced autumn remix of the village’s annual 5km event, which was cancelled due to COVID-19.

It takes place until Sunday, November 8, can be done at your own time and pace, and will raise much-needed funds for the local primary school.

The chase follows a scenic 5km circular route on lanes and bridleways around Hawkesbury Upton.

Chasers can push for a fast time on the undulating all-weather course, or take a relaxed approach and participate in a Critter Hunt along the way.

People can get together with friends to complete it, up to a maximum of six in a group.

Chasers must register for the event at www.hu5k.org. Entry costs £5 per person.

Everyone who completes the course will get a Great Pumpkin Chase 2020 medal.

Participants can choose to wear fancy dress and take part in the Critter Hunt where they will be looking out for 20 stones, beautifully illustrated with spooky creatures, along the route.

Chase Director, Caroline Pederick, said: “We were so sad to cancel our flagship fundraiser, the HU5K, due to COVID.

"HU5K is enjoyed by so many runners and family groups in the village and beyond, so we put our heads together for a fun but COVID-safe challenge in its place.

"We hope The Great Pumpkin Chase will give people something fun and active to do over half term.

"Sodbury Fuels kindly sponsored the event, enabling us to donate even more to the school.

“We had to think creatively to overcome the challenges of running an event over a few weeks in autumn.

"For instance, chasers collect their medals from the village shop instead of us being there to hang them round necks at the finish line.

"We also re-thought the route, so people won’t be wading through mud or wet grass if we get a lot of rainfall.

“The Chase launched on Saturday 17 October and we’ve had an amazing response so far, with 200 registrants from serious runners to families with small children. The photo gallery on our website is filling up with happy critter hunters, some dressed as superheroes and werewolves!”

To enter and for more details of the route, critter hunt and COVID precautions, click here