The London Marathon is the running event that many people want to do at least once in their lifetime. However, outside the ‘running circle’, not many local people know that the Istead and Ifield Harriers-organised North Downs Run (NDR) is another very popular running event, and one which attracts participants from all across the United Kingdom. The 27th running of the event takes place on Sunday 20th June starting and finishing at Cascades leisure centre in Thong Lane, Gravesend.

The race has been voted in the Top Five races in the UK for each of the last four years by Runners World magazine and takes place over 30km of beautiful Kent countryside. It is certainly a challenge, but one which makes it over-subscribed every year.

Entries to the main event are limited to 550 runners, and they are rapidly selling out. For budding young athletes, there are also a couple of children’s fun runs held in conjunction with the main event. The fun runs take place within the grounds of the leisure centre and are therefore entirely traffic-free. Under eights run over 1km whilst older children take part over 2km. With the event being held in June fine weather normally ensures that there is a great post-race atmosphere with lots of home-baking for the finishers. All finishers of the main event will also receive a medal, T-shirt and are entitled to a free swim in Cascades.

Further information on either the NDR or the associated children’s events can be found at www.isteadandifield.org.uk.