Hundreds ready to Reach out and race

The annual event – which takes place on Sunday, September 17 – has already attracted nearly 50 per cent more entries than last year.

Councillor Andrew Tristram, Mansfield District Council portfolio holder for the environment and wellbeing, said: “The council is committed to supporting this event and growing it to encourage more people to dust off their running shoes and get fitter.”

The race starts on Church Street at 9am.

Runners will then head twice around a 5km course through traffic-free town centre streets, before heading to the finish on Market Square.

Entries are also open for a 5km race, involving just one lap.

Among the hundreds of people taking to the start line will be 77-year-old World Record holder Anthony Allsop, from Mansfield.

Mr Allsop, who holds the record for being the oldest man to walk from Lands End to John O’ Groats after the completing the walk in 50 days aged 75, said: “I usually do longer walks, but have been practicing power walking for this event.

“I don’t use walking sticks, but always take an umbrella with me whenever I go for a walk.”

The event is organised by Reach, a charity that supports people with disabilities across Nottinghamshire, who raised £5,000 from the race last year.

Race entry is £16 – entries close on Friday, September 14, at noon, or when the maximum of 1,000 runners is reached.

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