RUNNERS will take to the lanes of Arley this month for a fast and flat event for all abilities.

The Arley Hall Summer 10k starts and finishes at Arley Hall and Gardens on Sunday, June 29, and takes in the surrounding country roads.

It has been organised by Cuddington man Michael Harrington, from Cute Fruit Events, who is also a member of Vale Royal Athletics Club and race director for the annual Pie and Peas event in Moulton.

He said: “I picked Arley Hall because I visited the hall and gardens around 18 months ago and felt it was a fantastic site and the flat surrounding roads would lend itself to a course where runners could achieve fast times if that was their aim.

“We do cater for all abilities, only around 10 per cent of our entrants so far are registered club runners and more than 50 per cent of our entrants are women so we aim to be as inclusive as possible.”

The race is also hosting the inaugural Cheshire Fire Service 10k Championships, with firefighters and staff vying to win the titles of fastest man and fastest woman.

Michael said: “As an ex-serviceman I know that there can be quite a bit of competition within the ranks so we are hoping for a good turnout of both firefighters and support staff.

“We are hoping to build upon this with a view to organising the first nationwide 10k championships for fire service personnel in 2015.”

The event is also supporting the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, with a number of free places available to people running in aid of the charity.

The closing date for entries, priced £16 or £14 for UK Athletics affiliated runners, is June 23.

To enter visit cutefruitevents.com or runnersworld.co.uk.