Sunday 13 October 2019 marks the first ever Oswestry 10K, organised by local man Alan Lewis who lives in the town.

Designed with first time runners in mind as well as those seeking a personal best, the Oswestry 10K is a one lap race starting and finishing in the town centre. Roads will be fully closed for the event to ensure the safety of the runners. It will cover town centre streets as well as country lanes with some inclines to challenge participants.

The route, which starts and finishes on Church Street is open to all runners over the age of 15. The start time is 9am and the cost to enter is £21.50. The run is partnered with children’s charity Hope House, who have over 50 running places available.

“I’ve had a vision for a running event in Oswestry town centre for around five years, says Alan, who also organises the Midnight Ride cycle event in the town. “It’s great to see things coming together and hearing such positive feedback from both the local running community and from local businesses. It’s going to be a great day for the town.”

Alan’s sporting background was heavily driven by triathlon – last competing for Team GB in Beijing where he finished in eleventh place.

“I’ve been lucky enough to race in many countries and have taken part in all sorts of multi-sport races, including Ironman, London Marathons, London to Edinburgh Bike Ride in 28 hours and many others.”

The ex-triathlete is adamant though that the Oswestry 10K be open to everyone. “The 10k is a great distance for all runners – it’s achievable and also challenging for runners who are looking to progress up from the 5K Parkrun.

“Organisation is well under way for the run,” says Alan, “It’s a great challenge getting things ready for October – something we are really excited and passionate about. It wouldn’t be possible without the help of Oswestry Town Council and sponsors Fix Auto.”

Entries are already flooding in and organisers hope to hit the 1000 runner mark in their first year.

The popular Midnight Ride, now in its fifth year takes place on 22 June from Oswestry at 6.30pm. The cycle ride passes through the picturesque English and Welsh border villages, including Glyn Ceiriog, Llanrhaeadr and Lake Vyrnwy. The 75-mile route is now open for entries at a cost of £30.

For young riders, there will be a ‘Nippers n’ Rippers’ dusk ride taking place on 23 March 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Cae Glas Park. Perfect for children aged five to 8 years old.

Alan ends: “We would like to see the Oswestry 10k grow year on year and become a big part of the local calendar showcasing our lovely town.

“We are constantly looking at new options for events and have more plans to bring other events to the area in the future. We are passionate about delivering a nice experience for all participants of both the Midnight Ride and the Oswestry 10K.”

There are still opportunities open for commercial sponsors to get on board and for volunteers to help on the day.

To find out more and sign up for the Oswestry 10K or the Midnight Ride, visit www.oswestry10k.co.uk and www.midnightride.co.uk.