ENTRIES have now closed for a 10k race starting and finishing at the athletics arena within the grounds of St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats this weekend.

The event, organised by North Ayrshire Athletics Club (NAAC), has attracted participants from all over Ayrshire and this year will also feature a 2k run for children, as well as an 800m fun run.

The festival of running will kick off with the 2k youth run at 11am on Sunday, September 4, before the 10k starts at 12 noon and the shorter fun run takes place at 1.30pm. Entry for the latter event will be available on the day.

Up to 400 competitors are expected to join the main 10k event, with the race set to follow a very flat, fast route which includes scenic promenade, tarmac old railway track and some sections of pavement.

There is one small hill in the second half of the race, and runners are advised to remain on pavements and refrain from running along the roadside. There will be plenty of marshals on route and the course will be well signposted.

Organisers confirmed prizes will be given out for first, second, and third male and female racers, plus prizes for the winners of the V40, V50, V60 and V70 categories.

A t-shirt and medal will also be presented to all 10k finishers.

Organisers said: “The event will be held in accordance with the Covid guidelines at the time of the event.

“As a family club, we are striving to encourage more children to get involved in the event and are pleased to announce that the 2k chip timed fun run will be returning for children aged 6-15 as well as an 800m fun run.

“Alongside the club championships and annual awards this is NAAC’s biggest annual event; let’s get behind it and make it another major celebration of what we do.”

For more information, visit the ‘NAAC10k’ page on Facebook or search for ‘North Ayrshire Athletics Club (NAAC)’.