The 38th Annual Coniston 14 Road Race - often referred to as the most beautiful road race in the UK - will be held on Saturday, March 30.

This year the race was fully booked in February with registrations from 1,500 runners from all over the country.

The run starts at John Ruskin School in Coniston and makes a 14-mile circuit of Coniston water, with stunning views over the lake to the Coniston fells. There will be a short road closure between Coniston and Torver for the start of the race and along Lake Road, Coniston for the finish.

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.

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. Many club runners return each year to compete for the coveted team prizes.

More than 80 volunteers help 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 on the website: www.coniston14.com

For further information please contact the race director: Geoff Cooper 015394 41291

geoffcooper548@btinternet.com