THIS year's running of the Kirkbymoorside 10k draws ever nearer and its popularity among runners is well illustrated by the testimony of Scarborough athlete Neil Scuton.

A member of Scarborough Athletics Club, Neil ran the Kirkbymoorside 10k in 2000 and wrote to the organisers to praise the race to the rooftops, describing the atmosphere as the best in years at a local event.

Said Neil: "It was without doubt the best atmosphere I have known in many years at any local event. The local people were friendly, giving support to everyone, the event was well organised, with plenty of marshals, the route was scenic and testing and the hospitality at the Memorial Hall and the King's Head spot on.

"The brass band put the icing on the cake. You had a good-sized field of all abilities. My wife, who was well to the rear of the field, said the support was amazing - often the back of the field are forgotten."

This year's Kirkbymoorside 10k, which is sponsored by the Gazette & Herald and the King's Head, Kirkbymoorside, will take place on Sunday, April 28, at 2pm. The entry coupon for the race can be found on our website www.thisisryedale.co.uk.

Updated: 11:20 Thursday, March 28, 2002