AROUND 1,500 runners from across the country will descend on the South Lakes this weekend for the 38th running of the annual Coniston 14 road race.

The field for this year's race has been full since February, with clubs from the area such as Hoad Hill Harriers and Black Combe Runners set to be represented.

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 69mins 25secss and the women’s record is 80mins 57secs, both of which were 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.

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 and a social evening is organised when cheques are presented to these organisations.

The street band BLAST Furness will play at the event too.