A POPULAR race has been reinvented with a community focus and carnival feel.

Prudhoe Miners’ Race originally started with members of the town’s working men’s clubs but died out after the second World War, before being brought back in 2012.

This year, running group Prudhoe Plodders is organising the race after Prudhoe Town Council, which supports the event with funding, put it out to tender. It was previously organised by Run Northumberland. As in previous years, it is being sponsored by Essity.

But Prudhoe Plodders’ hope to make the race a more community-friendly event won favour.

Lisa Napier, race manager of Prudhoe Plodders, said: “The majority of our members are from Prudhoe and we are keen to do it more as a community feel rather than being run as a business.”

For those who aren’t taking part, Eastwoods Park will become a hive of activity with games, entertainment, community groups and a tombola. The organisers hope this will create a lively carnival feel.

The five mile measured race has also changed its route. Starting and finishing at Eastwoods Park, the run will head along Broomhouse Road and down to Princess Way before heading up to Front Street and back down to Eastwoods Park.

“The original one went on Beaumont Way which was an awfully steep hill which put a lot of people off running it who live in Prudhoe,” added Lisa. “We’re in Prudhoe so you can’t avoid hills but we have tried to make it appealing to everyone and not just serious athletes.

“I would say come along, join in, and you don’t need to run it. People worry about coming last but you will never be last – we have tail runners for that. The main thing is enjoying it.”

There will also be a 1.5km mini race and a 3km junior race. All finishers receive a goodie bag including a t-shirt and medal.