On their marks for Poole Festival of Running (From Thisisdorset)

On their marks for Poole Festival of Running

12:00pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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THE countdown to this year’s Poole Festival of Running has begun with the launch of the 29th race day.

Poole Runners’ event for serious runners and novices and with a host of races for children, takes place at Poole Park on Sunday June 6.

The launch at Lockyers School, Corfe Mullen, saw some keen junior members of the club raring to get off the blocks and organisers are hoping to beat records with the numbers taking part.

“The main Poole 10k race is over subscribed well before race day,” said co-race director Steve Wardman. “So we have increased capacity this year by half as much again.”

To view our gallery of the Poole Festival of Running 2009, see the Related Link below

With a field of 1,500 runners and the age limit dropping from 18 to 15, there will be more opportunity for clubs and individuals to take part. Prize money has increased and there is a £100 reward for beating the 29:06 course record.

And with a new charity to support, the Poole Hospital Wish List raising funds for the maternity unit, they also hope to beat the £8,000 raised last year for Julia's House.

The shorter distance race has been re-named the Born to Run 5k and there are boys’ and girls’ minithons for 8/9 years and 10/11 and a mixed 12/14 race.

Last year around 600 medals were given out to all youngsters who took part and organisers are hoping to better that.

A new sponsor, Newton Magnus Accountants from Broadstone is on board, along with Condor Ferries, support from Borough of Poole leisure services and Esporta, and backing from the Daily Echo and the Runners are holding a spring fair on the day with lots of fun events.

Olympian Liz Yelling was unable to attend the launch due to participation in the Silverstone half-marathon the following day, but hopes to run in the race, and a couple of elite African runners have also shown an interest.

• Entry is £10 for the 10k and £5 for the other races and you can enter online at poolerunners.com where stalls for the fair are also available.