EXCITEMENT is mounting as the starting gun gets ready to fire on the return of East Cornwall’s much-loved schools’ cross-country series.

The East Cornwall Harriers Primary School Cross-Country League will get back under way later this month after its future was momentarily thrown into doubt.

The opening race of the new season will take place at Blackadon Farm, Great Trethew, near Liskeard, on Friday, October 16.

The popular competition has been given a new lease of life after volunteers from East Cornwall Harriers stepped forward to take over the organisation following the retirement of long-standing organiser Revis Crowle.

And there appears to be plenty of anticipation ahead of the first race, with the series having attracted 37 schools and hundreds of young runners and families’ last season.

The first race, sponsored by Parkes & Pearn Estate and the Cornish Times, gets under way at 3pm – in which young athletes will compete in four categories – Year 3 and 4 girls, Year 3 and 4 boys, Year 5 and 6 girls and Year 5 and 6 boys. Entry costs just £2 per runner.

The new organising team have made minor changes to the format, but are determined to retain the character of a competition which has become a popular fixture for young runners and schools across East Cornwall.

Each race will cover around 1.1 miles – roughly the same distance as a junior parkrun. The races take place on grass courses with organisers advising that spikes or suitable running shoes can be worn.

Participants and parents are also reminded that all runners take part at their own risk. Neither the organisers nor the landowners accept responsibility for any loss, damage or injury, however caused.

Further races within the series will follow during the autumn and winter, with dates and venues to be announced in advance.