Entrants sought for 33rd Gordon Whelbourn week

Entrants are wanted for an annual running festival which starts on Monday.

The 33rd Gordon Whelbourn Week includes four 5k races and a 10k race over five consecutive evenings.

The first 5k race is on Monday, June 4, from the Tom Mann Pavilion, Sconce And Devon Park, Newark, at 7.15pm.

The 5k races, from Tuesday to Thursday, will also start at 7.15pm, from Newark Academy (Tuesday) Flowserve Sports and Social Club, Hawton Lane (Wednesday) and Farndon Riverside (Thursday).

The week of running finishes on Friday, June 8 with the 10k run, starting at Flowserve Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.

It will follow the old railway cycle path to Cotham and return to Newark.

Organised by Newark Athletic Club, the series is named after Gordon Whelbourn, a former leading member who put in a lot of work to establish the club.

Two trophies will be awarded at the end of the week — the Mary Whelbourn Trophy, which is presented to the leading female over the series, and the Doctor Simeon Hansard Trophy for the leading male.

Simeon Hansard, a member of the club, died in an accident while competing in a triathlon in the 1990s.

Last year more than 100 entrants took part on each night, with 70 runners completing all five days of the challenge.

Runners can compete in as many races as they want.

Entries are available on each day or in advance at www.new arkathletics.co.uk

Those running all five races will get a souvenir.

The 10k road race, which includes separate prizes, can be run as an open event.