Local village holds annual 10k Challenge and Fun Run to fundraise for the parish church.

Organisers are busy preparing for the 2017 Cornwood 10k Challenge and Fun Run to be held on Saturday, July 22, at 6:30pm in Cornwood Square.

The event, held under UK Athletic rules, takes runners aged 16 years and above around Cornwood and Lutton, mostly on roads but with some tracks and fields. Younger competitors and families can take part in the less demanding 4k fun run or walk.

Previous record times withstood the challenge last year with Jim Cole’s 34 minutes 32 seconds and Naomi Flanagan’s 39 minutes and 46 seconds, both set in 2015, keeping the top spots.

Online entries have opened and registration will also be available on the day. There will be medals for finishers and a £50 prize should a new 10k record be set.

The Cornwood 10k Challenge and Fun Run both raise funds for the parish church of St. Michael’s and All Angels, and last years event saw great success in raising £3,800, the most to date.

Organiser, Marilyn Sharp said: “Last year was our best ever. We are almost entirely reliant on donations and regular giving from our congregation to enable us to keep the life and fabric of the building going.

“But the day is about more than fundraising and the church, it’s about the wider community coming together for a celebration of life in our lovely part of the world.”

She continues: “We’re very grateful for Sibelco’s ongoing support of the races, without which we’d struggle. I know too that some of the firm’s staff enjoy the day as much as we do with several of them taking part.

“We look forward to welcoming them and the other runners on Saturday July, 22 and perhaps new records being set.”

Minerals firm Sibelco has its Devon china clays works just outside the village. Manager, Ben Uphill has undertaken the 10k challenge and lived to tell the tale.

He said: “It’s a fairly tough course but the camaraderie is great, we’ve been involved with the races for several years now and are proud of our association.”

He added: “Being a local employer we want to be part of the community beyond the quarry gates and this is an excellent way of achieving that.

“More power to Marilyn and her team for delivering a wonderful event and here’s to a huge turnout this year.”