THIS Sunday sees the ninth running of the Wiltshire 10 road race, sponsored by the Wiltshire Times.

The race, which starts in Melksham and follows an undulating course out and around the historic village of Lacock, has now firmly established itself as one of the most popular 10-mile races in the South West.

Six hundred runners have signed up to run, making this the biggest staging of the event so far.

Running clubs from across the country, including Forest of Dean AC, White Horse Harriers, Oxford City AC and Cirencester’s Running Somewhere Else are represented, as well as local clubs from Bath, Bristol and Wiltshire.

Last year’s race saw Shaun Antell, from Bideford in Devon, lead the field home in a time of just over 52 minutes, while Tiverton Harriers' Serane Stone led home the ladies race in 61 minutes.

Unfortunately, neither Antell or Stone are on the start list for this year’s race, which leaves it wide open for a new name to appear on the winner’s roll of honour.

Leading the challenge will be Bristol’s Ciaran McQuade, who was the runner-up in the 2016 event. Also on the start line will be GB international Ultra-distance runner Damian Hall, who made his debut over 10-miles in the Wiltshire 10 last year.

For the ladies, Avon Valley Runners’ Jacqueline Rockliffe arrives in good form and will face a strong challenge from Bristol’s Jess Sanzo.

As well as individual honours, the team title will be keenly contested, with Avon Valley Runners having 41 runners signed up, and last year's team winners, Bitton Road Runners, having 34 runners on the start line.

Full results of the event will be published on the Stampede Sports website at www.stampedesports.co.uk and a full report in next week’s Wiltshire Times and Gazette & Herald.