Runners of all abilities are being encouraged to take part in next month’s Over The Hills race to raise money for Alzheimer’s Support and Bradford on Avon Lions Club.

Now in its 20th year, the 12km race starts and finishes at the Tithe Barn in Bradford on Avon and the route features views across the Avon Valley as it goes through Avoncliff, Freshford and Westwood.

The off-road run combines canal and riverbanks with woodland and a minor river crossing, and was set up by Avon Valley Runners as some members had been affected by Alzheimer’s in some way or other.

Tim Lowrie, 36, who joined Avon Valley Runners three years ago, is organising this year’s run and said it was a local, friendly event for runners and spectators. He said: “It takes about 300 people and is usually sold out every year. It is multi-terrain and open for all abilities. People new to running can manage the course and it is challenging enough to give experienced runners something to aim for.

“The most important thing the run is famous for is its cakes, supplied by the women at Alzheimer’s Support. From a runner’s perspective, cakes are very important.”

Mr Lowrie, who works at HJ Knee in Trowbridge, took part in the London Marathon in 2012 to raise money for the charity VICTA and is in training for next year’s event , when he will support the Chernobyl Children’s charity.

He said: “It is important to raise money because a lot of charities don’t get funding from elsewhere.

“Running is very social and it is something anyone can do. It doesn’t cost a great deal – all you need is a decent pair of trainers – and it is a fun sport.”

 

* To take part in the race, which starts at 10am on Sunday, November 3, visit www.avonvalleyrunners.org.uk.  l

Entry £8 for club members or £10 for non-members.