A SERIES of road races in the Great Langdale Valley have been taken over by new organisers.

The Ambleside based youth charity, Brathay Trust, is taking over the Langdale Road Races which celebrate its 30th anniversary later this year.

The series includes the Langdale Marathon, the Half Marathon and the Christmas Pudding 10k.

Over the last four years profits have benefitted local causes including the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association, Great Langdale Primary School, Cumbria Community Foundation and The Prince’s Trust.

Now Brathay Trust, organisers of the ASICS Windermere Marathon, Brathay 10in10 and other rowing and cycling challenge events, are confident the races can support its work with children and young people as well as continuing to bring local benefit.

The three races attract more than 1,000 participants, with the Langdale Marathon considered the most challenging of the events - a particularly hilly marathon course with gradients of 1:3 in places.

Scott Umpleby, Brathay’s Head of Fundraising, said: “It’s a great privilege to take over the organisation of the very popular Langdale Road Races. It’s also a great opportunity for us to use our experience of other challenge events, including the ASICS Windermere Marathon, to make sure even more good causes can benefit from people doing something they enjoy in this most amazing valley.

“The Langdale Road Races are very much a community event with the school and local shop involved. We look forward to the good work we can all do together."