May is a good month for walkers and runners

The month of May is a good one for those who love the sound of their feet slapping on the earth and fresh air entering their lungs - South Oxfordshire has several fun runs and walks for people to take part in.

It is time to put on those trainers and get your entries in for the fourth Benson 10k Road Race. It takes place on Sunday 13 May at 10:30am from Benson Parish Hall.

The race attracts serious runners from all over the UK but it is also considered a good one for beginners. The route passes through the villages of Roke and Berrick Salome. So far a total of £4000 has been raised from previous events with money going towards local charity groups and Asthma UK.

The village of Hagbourne also has its fair share of keen runners and walkers. The 17th annual Hagbourne Fun Run and Walk starts from the Hagbourne Village Hall on May 7th at 11am.

The course is 4.5 miles long and follows footpaths through West Hagbourne, Upton, Blewbury and East Hagbourne. There are trophies for all events: under 12a and under 16s, men, women and veterans and proceeds will be donated to Prostate Cancer Research and the Hagbourne Village Fund.

For all serious walkers the annual Ridgeway Walk is a must. A 20-mile or 40-mile walk along one of britians most ancient trackways, the Ridgeway, takes place on May 12. Walkers will be taken to the starting point at Streatley Youth Hostel by coach, after which they will walk to the finish.

There are a number of checkpoints along the way with light refreshments. Gas, air and the St Johns ambulance service will be present on the day and will be linked by Raynet radio network. On arrival at the finish, walkers will be welcomed with tea and cakes and given a certificate to commemorate their achievement.

For further info:

Benson 10k Road Race – visit www.bensonbulletin.com or call Les Bond on 01491 838 585

Hagbourne Fun Run and Walk – call Andrew on 01235 813 341

Ridgeway Walk – please email jungledrums@waitrose.com or ron@etape.org.uk and mark ‘Ridgeway Walk’ as the subject.