THE MOST thrilling an action-packed Sunday on Dymock's calendar is about to come round again, as a heady mix of music and athleticism.

The prelude to the Dymock Music Festival, on Sunday May 24, will be the Dymock half-marathon, in what by now is becoming a popular local tradition.

Race organiser, Annie Dobson points out that the race is a good way to take in the local landscapes.

She said: "The 13.1 mile race is held on a scenic, undulating and challenging course through rolling Gloucestershire and Herefordshire countryside. It commences at Rose Hill Farm, two miles from the village on the B4215 Leominster road on firing of the traditional shotgun starting gun and proceeds back through the village to take a left hand turn at the Beauchamp Arms pub to Ledbury. It then turns left at the Ross road island just south of Ledbury and proceeds to Much Marcle via Preston Cross.

"At Much Marcle it turns left towards Wynds Cross where it turns right on to the B4215 again and goes through the village once more to finish at the cricket ground."

There will be prizes for the leading finishers in several categories and all who complete the course will receive a commemorative medal and T-shirt.

The marathon was a feature on the local scene well before the music festival, having its origins back in the early 1980s.

Places are still available and entries will be possible on the day at the race HQ of Dymock Cricket Club, between 8am and 9.30am at the latest.

The race will start at 10.00am and as an incentive to make a day of it, runners, families and friends can stay on for the Dymock Music Festival (tickets available on the day or on-line from the website at www.dymockfestival.co.uk/#tickets ) which is also based at the Cricket Club and takes place from 1.00pm – 11.00pm (doors open 12 noon)

Acts this year will include The Electric Swing Circus, By the Rivers and Jon Kenzie.