Get ready to 'Dash' around the countryside

The Caythorpe Dash will be going ahead all being well on Sunday April 25, with a half marathon and 5km fun run planned.

The races will once again be held in the countryside around the cliff village of Caythorpe on a mixture of old drovers trails, tracks, footpaths, bridleways, and a limited amount of tarmac surfaces. The routes will be fully signed, with marshals at the critical points.

The half marathon route will see the runners set off from the playing fields and heading out of the village down towards the PFI Karting site, along Stragglethorpe Lane to Stubton, through the backroads to Hough on the Hill and then back into Frieston and arrive back at the playing fields.

To maintain government coronavirus guidelines, the maximum entries for the races are 144 runners for the half marathon and 48 for the 5km, and there will be six minute staggered start times, with the half marathon runners setting off first at 9.30am from Caythorpe playing fields.

All competitors must signup before the event and temperature checks will be in place prior to the start of the races - anyone failing those or feeling unwell will be asked to leave.

Runners will be given a start-time via email closer to the event to keep the numbers gathering before their race time down, and help to ensure that social distancing is maintained.

Competitors must arrive 'ready to run' as there are no changing facilities or bag drop-off, but a secure car-key drop via the cafe window will be available.

The pavilion will not be open to competitors, but toilets will be available via a one-way system.

Medals will be given to all finishers as they cross the gate. Competitors in the half marathon event will receive a goody bag and tech T-shirt, as well as an energy bar and water. The runners competing in the 5km will also receive water and an energy bar.

There will be trophies awarded and posted out to the fastest three women and three men in both runs, and the fastest three runners in the 5km 12 to 15 years age group.

Competitors are welcome to run with their dogs on a lead.

Entries cost £20 for the half marathon event, and £7 for adults and £4 for 12-15 year olds for the 5km, and entries are welcome until Tuesday April 27. All money raised goes towards the upkeep and maintenance of Caythorpe playing fields.