RUNNERS are warming up for a popular race which will help raise school funds.

The Mizuno Wave Castle Howard run, which is in its third year, is being held on Sunday, June 14 to raise money for Welburn Primary School.

This year the race is going green thanks to the efforts of entries secretary Martine Green.

Ms Green has ensured that all the race goodie bags are reusable shoppers containing Fairtrade teabags and chocolate bars, and that there are plenty of recycling bins available for runners to throw their plastic drinks bottles into.

Mark Rees, whose children Arthur, six, and Scarlett, 10, go to the school, is a member of the PTA, which is organising the run.

He said: “This is an ideal race for competitive running clubs, as well as for anyone who just wants to give it a go.

“Last year the race grew by 20 per cent and we had 500 runners in the 10k and 60 in the 6k, so I am hopeful we will have a good turnout this year.

“We attribute most of our success to the venue which is spectacular. The course is challenging and interesting and also provides some beautiful views of the estate, and the monuments, such as the Temple of the Four Winds.”

Welburn Primary School is the closest school to the Castle Howard estate, and Simon Howard allows the PTA to use the grounds for the run each year. Last year, the run raised more than £2,000, which paid for 60 pupils to go on a school trip, new playground equipment and a new sound system for school presentations.

Mr Rees said: “The amount of support we get from local community, our sponsors and Castle Howard is just fantastic. We are really looking forward to this year’s race.”

The 10k race is open to anyone over 16, the 6k to 13s and over, and there is a 1k race for children of all ages.

To enter the race, go to www.ukresults.net, go to ‘race calendars’, click on ‘2009’ and scroll down to June.