The 42nd edition of the Coniston Road Race is on the horizon.

The annual event is set to take place on Saturday, March 23, attracting over 1,200 runners from across Britain to Cumbria.

Over the years it has earned the reputation as being one of the 'most beautiful road races' in the UK.

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 while the women’s record stands at 80 minutes 57 seconds.

These were both achieved in 1989 with the new crop of competitors looking to also write their names into the history books.

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 to improve their personal best times.

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

The race has grown into a key community event, with over 80 volunteers helping on the day.

The race has a good reputation for its sustainable practice, seeing as runners are encouraged to car share and 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 roughly 30 local charities and clubs in the community.

Last year, £6,500 was raised for St. Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston and a social evening will be once again organised to allow cheques to be presented to these organisations.

The local Street Band, 'BLAST Furness' will also play at the event, making the race a spectacle to remember.