MORE than 1500 runners from all over the country will descend on the Lake District this weekend for what organisers describe as one of the most beautiful road races in Britain.

The 36th Annual Coniston 14 Road Race will be held on Saturday March 25.

The run starts at John Ruskin School and makes a 14 mile anti-clockwise circuit of Coniston Water with stunning views over the lake to the fells.

The men’s record time for the course is 69 minutes 25 seconds and the women’s record is 80 minutes 57 seconds, both achieved in 1989.

This year the prizes will be presented by Harold Ogden, who arranged the first Coniston 14 Race in 1982.

The race attracts many types of runners; those wanting to keep fit, to train for marathons, to raise money for their chosen charities, to compete against friends or improve their personal best times.

It is a great community event and there are over 80 volunteers helping on the day.

The race has a good reputation for its sustainable practice. Runners are encouraged to car share, water is provided in recyclable paper cups, food is prepared at the school, every runner receives a Coniston slate coaster and support is given to local conservation projects.

Each year the Coniston 14 Committee raises some £20,000 from the race and this is donated to about 30 local charities and clubs in the community.

Last year £5,000 was raised for St. Mary’s Hospice, Ulverston. A social evening is organised when cheques are presented to these organisations.

The local street band 'BLAST Furness' will play at the event.

Photos and further information are available at www.coniston14.com

For further information contact race co-ordinator Geoff Cooper on 015394 41291 or email geoffcooper548@btinternet.com