RUNNERS from around Wiltshire are preparing for the tenth annual Imber Ultra run on Sunday 3rd March.
The event, which is a collaboration between Avon Valley Runners (AVR) and the Rotary Club of Westbury, will see runners taking on a multi-terrain route of approximately 33 miles across the Imber Range perimeter path.
There will be a mass start from the Leighton Recreation Centre at 9am, presided over by the town crier, preceded by small speeches by AVR and the Rotary Club president.
“The route follows (mostly) the Imber Range Perimeter path starting and finishing at the Leighton Recreation Centre,” says the Rotary Club. “We have five checkpoints along the course run by volunteers. As well as encouragement and emotional support, we offer hot drinks, cold drinks and various foodstuffs to sustain the runners on their way and we also act as safety points for any distressed runners.
“The event usually attracts about 150 runners from as far afield as the home counties and Cornwall. We hope to attract even more in our 10th running of this prestigious event.
“If anyone feels up to the challenge then a simple search for AVR will get you their website; we still have spaces available.”
The prizes for runners will be presented by the Westbury mayor, cllr Mike Sutton. The runners will also receive a goody bag at the end with a certificate, fruit and a pottery mug from the White Horse Pottery.
The Rotary Club added, “Some runners have enough mugs to furnish a small café! We have local sponsors who contribute in no small way in order for this event to take place.
“These include Myddelton and Major, Westbury Ford [Islington Motors], Sam Gooding Accountancy, South West Hearing Care, Parham Physiotherapy, Morrisons and last but by no means least, Lidl of Westbury, who provide fruit and other eats for the runners.
“Spectators are more than welcome to witness the start and also to support the runners along the route or at the finish.”
More information about the event and about the Rotary Club can be found by searching Rotary Club of Westbury.
