TYNEDALE is gearing up to welcome up to 250 runners as the SCA Prudhoe 10K Miners’ Race returns on Sunday.

Last year’s event was the most popular since it was resurrected, and more than 100 children took to the roads along with the 150 or so adults.

The original race saw miners and other local men from Prudhoe, Mickley and West Wylam take to the streets to compete annually for a prized silver trophy.

It came to an end in the wake of the Second World War but was revived by Prudhoe Town Council as part of the London Olympic celebrations in 2012.

And it continues to go from strength to strength in the modern era with the town council joining forces with local business SCA Hygiene and events company Run Northumberland.

The 10K race for adults, operating under UK Athletics rules, starts at 10am and tracks a scenic, undulating route around the town.

Little legs will also be following in the footsteps of East Tynedale’s mining heritage as the annual miners’ race calls on youngsters from local schools and clubs throughout the area to take part in the junior 3k Run for 11 to 16 year-olds and a 1.5k mini run for five to 10-year-olds.

The junior events take place after the adult race on a flat, off-road course at the Tyne Riverside Country Park.

,Site manager at SCA’s Prudhoe Mill George Placogiannakis said: “The miners’ race is a great event for the town. It’s attracting more entries each year, showcasing Prudhoe and, most importantly, it brings people together to have fun and get active.”

Coun. Jennifer McGee, of Prudhoe Town Council, said: “The council is excited at the prospect of achieving another record number of entries for this year’s miners’ race.

“We are also looking forward to celebrating the achievement of all those who take part, whether they are seasoned competitors hoping for a personal best, or runners who have been inspired to start their sporting adventure in this historic event.”

Last year, Wylam resident Lee Bennett, of Elswick Harriers, set a new course record as he romped home in a time of 34 minutes and 11 seconds.

The women’s race was won by Michelle Avery, of Sunderland Harriers, in 42:17 with the junior event won by James Morris, of Gateshead Harriers, and Christopher Perkins, of Birtley AC, winning the mini event.