THE picturesque Otter Valley Rail and River Run takes place on Saturday, July 10, at Tipton St John Playing Fields.

THE picturesque Otter Valley Rail and River Run takes place on Saturday, July 10, at Tipton St John Playing Fields. It is a 10km multi-terrain race, with a 2.5 mile fun run for those who like to take things a little easier.

Both runs are mostly off-road on tracks, footpaths and fields in the scenic Otter Valley, taking in the old railway line between Tipton St John and Harpford, and the banks of the winding River Otter to finish on the playing field.

"Organised by Tipton St John Playing Field Association, the run is the major fundraising activity for the playing field, which is struggling at the moment to keep income at pace with costs," says organiser Jo Earlam.

There are prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female, local runner awards and vet category certificates, along with a souvenir for all, with refreshments available, including barbecue food and homemade cakes.

Entry costs are: 10km: �8, discounted to �6 for EA licensed competitors. Fun Run: �3. 10km entries �2 extra on the day, space permitting, as the race limit is 200. Forms can be downloaded from: www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk/Events/WRN_Events.htm, or contact organiser Jo Earlam jo.earlam@hotmail.co.uk or phone her on (01404) 813933.