FUN runners will be exploding out of the blocks as a popular annual event makes its return after a year off.

The Crowle Gunpowder Plot 10k and Fun Run for runners of all ages and abilities is making its return on Sunday, May 10, for the first time since 2007.

The last time it ran, more than 600 competitors raised £10,000 for local charities and causes.

Away from the serious business of the road race, there is a quarter-mile fun run in which parents, youngsters, relatives and friends are encouraged to take part, as well as a one- mile run for the under-16s.

Cash raised will be used to boost sporting and social facilities for people living in the area. The start/finish line will be on the playing fields behind Crowle Parish Hall in Church Road. Registration is at 9.30am for on-the-day entries. Pre-entered runners will be able to collect their race numbers.

Fun runners start at 10.30am and the main race begins at 11.30am.

Lee Turner, race co-organiser, said runners had already been clamouring to take part.

“It’s become such an important event in the Crowle calendar and has such a good reputation among runners from all parts of the county and beyond that we had to find a way to stage it again,” she said.

“We’ve already received many entries and so the event looks as if it will be as well supported this year as before.”

Road racers will pound the same scenic rural route set down in previous years, following roads through Sale Green and nearby Huddington Court, where the Gunpowder Plot was hatched.

Roads will be closed to traffic during the event, which will be run under Athletic Association (AA) rules. The short-course fun run is open to young children, their adult helpers, novices and fancy dress runners, with prizes for all finishers.

A more serious, timed, one-mile race will have prizes for the first two boys and first two girls.

Entry forms can be downloaded from crowle-online.co.uk/roadrace. Fees for AA-affiliated runners will be £10, unaffiliated runners £12, with an extra £1 charge for entries on the day. Fun runners pay £3.