The third running of the Devauden 10K challenge will take place off-road around Chepstow Park Woods on May Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May.

Once again £100 is on offer to the first male and female to break the course record.

Both the male and female 10K course records were smashed last year.

Fairwater runner Mark Jennings won in 36 minutes and 5 seconds while Chepstow Harrier Katherine Matthews finished in 41 minutes and 30 seconds.

Following the success of last year's junior 3K race, the format has been improved to include three age categories, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14.

A team competition has also been introduced. Each team will consist of three runners per category and entry is free.

The 3K starts at 10am and the 10K at 11am. During the 10K race there is a shorter race for six, seven and eight-year-olds, and a five and under dash the length of a football pitch.

The top three in all categories receive a wooden trophy made by the Design and Technology Department at Chepstow Comprehensive School.

The oak-based trophy is shaped like a tree to celebrate the tree lined route through Chepstow Park Woods. The wood has been donated by ex-Chepstow pupil and MD of Monmouthshire Timber, Chris Worthy who finished last year's race in 42nd place.

Apart from the usual male and female age categories there is also a local category for unaffiliated runners who live in the villages that surround the woods.

SARA, Severn Area Rescue Association, will provide emergency and first aid cover throughout the event. They are one of the nominated good causes which will benefit from the event which has attracted more than 200 competitors in each of the first two years.

The race has quickly gained a reputation for its route through this area of outstanding natural beauty and its free and generous helpings of homemade cakes and refreshments to all competitors.

The main sponsor is again Western Power Distribution, the electricity distribution company which serves the Midlands, South West and Wales.

You can enter the races and check out the routes on http://www.devauden.org.uk/10k">www.devauden.org.uk/10k

Pre-entry for the 10k is £8 or £10 on the day. Pre-entry for the junior races is £3 and £5 on the day. Races for the 8s and under are free.