THE annual Imber Ultra Marathon will take place this Sunday, with organisers expecting a record number of entries.
Now in its fourth year, the Ultra Marathon which is organised jointly by Avon Valley Runners and Westbury Rotary Club, is expected to welcome 150 runners this year.
Starting at 9am and finishing at the Leighton Sports Centre in Westbury, the large circular course covers just over 33 miles.
President of Westbury Rotary Club, Sue Ezra said, “The race has raised over £7,000 for charities since it began and this year money from the event will be divided between Julia’s House children’s hospice in Devizes, Dorothy House and other local charities and community causes supported by the Westbury Rotary Club charitable trust.
“Entrants from as far as Cornwall will be taking part, as well as the usual strong local contingent from Avon Valley Runners and Bath Running Group. We are also pleased that there is an increased number of Westbury runners this year who are training hard and we wish them all every success
“Each competing runner receives a goodie bag including water, chocolate, bananas, a souvenir mug and other items.
“The Westbury Rotary Club is appreciative of generous event sponsorship from Elkins Ford, Myddelton & Major chartered surveyors & estate agents, Morrisons supermarket, White Horse Pottery, Tesco and Co-operative Group Funeral Services. Particular thanks go to Myddelton & Major who have sponsored the event every year.
“Elkins Ford will have a car on display during the day at the Leighton Sports Centre, together with stands from Julia’s House Hospice and Dorothy House. Light refreshments are available at the Leighton Sports Centre bar courtesy of the Westbury Cricket Club. Rotarians will be on hand to explain more about Rotary to any interested spectators.
“We are very grateful for the facilities which have been provided by Leighton Sports Centre and Westbury Cricket Club. Thanks also to Matravers School for providing parking and the Army Regular Commissions Board Westbury for displaying our promotional banner which was created by Westbury company Fine Signs.
“Spectators can view the race from the start to finish point with runners expected to finish between 12.45 – 4pm; a trophy presentation will follow at 2.30pm approximately.
“Marshals from Westbury Rotary Club will give suitable encouragement and refreshments at each of the five marshalling points on the course.
“As president of the Rotary Club of Westbury, I’m looking forward to meeting members of the public who come to support the runners.”
