HUNDREDS of runners will head to Raby Castle this Sunday (May 20) for the biggest event in Teesdale Athletics Club’s calendar.
This year will be the 16th the club has organised the Raby Runs around the grounds of the castle.
Four events will take place – a 1.2km fun run for those aged eight and under; a 3km run for 11 and under; a 5km event for those aged 11 and older and the main event, a 10km race for athletes 16 and older.
A later than usual build-up to the event as the result of ongoing reorganisation at Raby Castle meant entries were slow to start with, but Teesdale AC’s Amanda Pettitt said they had picked up and started to flow in.
She said: “There is something for absolutely everyone at the Raby Runs. I think it is the setting that attracts so many people.
“In the 5k and 10k events you get to see parts of the castle grounds that are not normally accessible to the general public.
“It is also a challenging course and people like that – it does put them to the test.
“It is surprisingly hilly and you get to run on roads and through woods – there is a bit of everything.”
Ms Pettitt said it would be a big day for the host club’s latest batch of Couch to 5k runners.
Having started the training programme in January, they will see their efforts culminate when they come under starter’s orders in the 5km race.
The 3km run was introduced for the first time last year after a change in UK Athletics rules which stated under 11s could no longer run in 5k events.
This new distance proved a success and has been included again this year.
New for this year, athletes successfully completing the course will receive a bespoke medal which features the castle.
The 1.2km run starts at 10am, the 3km at 10.15am, the 5km at 10.35am and the 10km race at 11.15am.
Numbers are restricted to 200 for the 1.2km and 3km runs; 250 for the 5km race and 600 for the 10km.
Anyone wishing to take part who has not already registered is urged to do so in advance.
Late entries will be available on the day – but subject to availability.
Online entry is available via the club website at www.tees daleac.com.
Prizes will be awarded in the 10km race for the first three senior male and female finishers along with the best runners in various veteran categories.
Free car parking is available in the castle grounds, but those heading to the event are asked to arrived before 9.45am.
Volunteers from Barnard Castle charity The Clique are supporting the event by helping to marshal the course.
