Runners set for a jaunt around the streets of Fairford (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Runners set for a jaunt around the streets of Fairford

THE streets of Fairford will once again thunder with the sound of hundreds of feet when the ever popular 3k family fun fun and Fairford 10k road race get under way on Sunday, June 1.

The 3k run, which starts outside St Mary's Church in the town, is an enjoyable, fun-filled event for all ages. It will be started by town crier Maurice Jones and the mayor, Dave Nelmes.

The course meanders round the local streets and through the beautiful Fairford Park, by kind permission of the Ernest Cook Trust, and all finishers will receive a medal.

There are eight trophies in four age categories to be won: 1st infant boy/girl (seven years and under), 1st junior boy/girl (8-11 years), 1st boy/girl (12-17 years), and 1st man/woman (18 years and over).

In addition, the first Fairford boy and first Fairford girl in the 8-11 years category also receives a silver crown, kindly donated by a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous.

For those who want more of a challenge and a trip through idyllic picture postcard Cotswold countryside, then the Fairford 10k road race is the one to do.

This event, which stipulates a minimum age of 17, has a UK Athletics/MCAA permit, is accurately measured and incorporates the GCAAA 2003 Road Race Championship.

A number of local clubs, such as Bourton RR, Cirencester AC and Highworth RC, have included this race in their club championship series.

Should he choose to enter again, Bourton Roadrunner Dennis Walmsley will be looking for a fourth consecutive win.

Dennis, as an MV40, successfully completed the London Marathon in 2.5 hours in April and this year might see a long awaited return duel between Walmsley and his old rival, Mike Smith.

When the pair last met at a Fairford 10k in 2000, Walmsley broke the course record while Smith finished a close second.

Another record holder is Martin Ford (Cheltenham & County Harriers), aiming to win the MV50 age category for the fifth year in a row!

There are 16 prizes to be won. The categories are: 1st, 2nd, 3rd male/female; 1st Fairford male/ female; 1st male veteran 40, 50, 60; 1st female veteran 35, 45, 55; 1st male team (three to score); 1st female team (three to score).

A gold sovereign, sponsored by Bourton-on-the-Water Gold-smiths, will be awarded to the first man and first woman finishers.

This year sees the introduction of a new award, the 1st Fairford male/female finishers.

Both events are sponsored by The Old Police Station, Fairford (main sponsor), Bourton-on-the-Water Goldsmiths, Fairford Sports Centre, Fairford Physio-therapy and Sports Injury Clinic, Osteopathic Clinic, Lechlade and Park Close Stores in Fairford.

Registrations for on-the-day entrants will take place in the marquee, Walnut Tree Field. Late entries will be accepted until 10.30am.

Presentation of trophies for both events are in the marquee at Walnut Tree Field about 12.15pm.

Entry forms are available from Fairford Sports Centre and other outlets in Fairford, Lechlade and Cirencester as well as on the web www.fairford.org

For further enquiries, phone George Abouyannis on 01285-713748 evenings and weekends.