The countdown is on for a new running event which will debut in Oswestry.

The inaugural Oswestry 10K will take place on Sunday, October 13, becoming the first event of its kind in the town.

More than 700 competitors are already signed up to take part in the event, with everything from experienced long-distance runners, to new-starters.

Starting at Church Street, the 10K track will loop around the town, with people taking part for charity, health and fitness, or simply just for fun.

There will be extra motivation for those more serious runners taking part, with a big prize up for grabs for the fastest male and female racers.

In partnership with Polka Dot Travel, those with the fastest times will win themselves a holiday each.

Oswestry-based gym, Lion Quays, has put together a 12-week training programme to prepare runners.

It is hoped this could encourage members of the community to take up running and participate in their local event.

Advertizer reporter Jack Butler has signed up to take part in the event and will be following the 12-week training programme.

Here’s what he had to say about the challenge ahead of him:

“After stopping playing football when I moved away to university, I have since found it difficult to motivate myself to train as I have nothing to aim towards.

“I finished university and went straight into an office job – this coupled with my appalling diet and borderline addiction to unhealthy food as made me really want to focus more on getting fit.

“I have little to no experience of taking part in running events, so, with the help of the Lion Quays gym, I am hoping to follow the training programme and attempt to run the 10K race in a respectable time.

“This week I will be completing four light runs, three for a 20-minute duration, and the fourth being a 30-minute long run in accordance with the training plan.”