RUNNERS young and old are hitting the road to give a bereavement charity a big cash injection for the third successive year.

Organisers of the Brambles Trust 10k Road Race, which attracted an entry of more than 400 last year, are hoping to break the 500-barrier for the event on Sunday, September 21.

The race - now in its third year - attracts competitors aged seven to 70 and raised £5,000 in each of its first two years.

It has become a major fixture in the Wyre Forest athletics calendar and, by incorporating the Worcestershire 10k Champion-ship, some of the county's top athletes are expected to take part.

However, casual runners are not forgotten and those who feel the main event of just over six miles is a little beyond them can take part in a 5k fun run section.

The fund-raiser is organised by Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club and Brambles volunteers and is backed by the Shuttle/Times andf News.

Pubs, clubs and works teams as well as individuals are being encouraged to get on their running shoes. One group from Wyre Forest's Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club could number as many as 80 members.

A Brambles Trust spokesman said: "It will mean so much to bereaved children, young people and their families that others in the community care and want to help in such a visible way.

"This event has become a vital fund-raiser for the trust and we are grateful to all those who have put in so much time and effort to make it such a successful event."

The trust was set up five years ago to support bereaved children and their families and the money raised will go towards holding weekend camps for those who have suffered the loss of loved ones.

September's race starts and finishes at the all-weather athletics track at Kingsway, Stourport, and medals will be presented to all those taking part.

Entry to the 10k event is £6 (£5 for club runners) and taking part in the fun run costs £4.

Entry forms can be obtained from the race secretary, 91 The Birches, Hartlebury Park, Stourport DY13 9NR.

A large stamped addressed envelope should be included and further details are available on 01299 826727.

Help to shape up

NEXT week the Shuttle/Times and News will be publishing the first of a six-week training schedule designed to help readers shape up for September's charity race.

The programme has been put together by a coach at Kidderminster and Stour-port Athletic Club and aims to encourage as many people as possible to take part and support the Brambles cause.

Look out for the schedule starting in our August 14 issue.