RUNNERS can find their stride in the Chalke Valley Challenge’s (CVC) decade year on Sunday, October 11.

The fundraising races will see joggers compete in either a 10k or 3k course through the picturesque villages of Broad Chalke and Bowerchalke.

The 3k fun run is open to everyone from toddlers, to schoolchildren and adults of all ages, so the family can join in. There are prizes for under-10 and under-16 competitors with separate girls and boys trophies.

The 10k run is an adults-only event and can be entered by anyone over 16.

There are a total of 14 trophies for different age categories of men and women and overall winners for the 10k race.

Amanda Brockway, head of Broad Chalke CofE Primary School, which the event is raising money for, is excited.

She said: “The fantastic fundraising by Friends of Broad Chalke School throughout the year, and the Chalke Valley Challenge in particular, make it possible for us to have the funds to take part in activities and to buy equipment for the children beyond what is possible from the school’s normal budget.

“The school is very grateful to everyone who supports the CVC and hope that the 10th anniversary CVC will be the most successful one yet.”

In previous years, the money from the CVC, which is organised by volunteers, has partly paid for a hard-surface playground and for the creation of more colourful play areas for the pupils.

This year the event, sponsored each year by Discover Adventure, Westover Group and Myddelton & Major Estate Agents, is expected to raise in excess of £2,500.

On the day there will be an organised warm-up by Girls Love Fit instructors before the race.

Entry fees range from £4 to £11.

Registration on the day starts at 9.30am ahead of a 10.30am start.

For more details, or to download an entry form, see chalkevalleychallenge.co.uk