Preparations are well advanced for Horsforth Harriers' popular summer race, the Apperley Bridge Canter (known colloquially as the ABC).

It is almost but not quite, a 10K race and is largely off-road.

The course gives runners an opportunity to enjoy the tracks, paths and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath in a rural part of the Aire Valley on what have previously been evenings blessed by sunny weather and moderate temperatures - ideal for running.

This year’s event will be held on Thursday, May 26 from the race’s usual headquarters at Woodhouse Grove School.

In keeping with the tradition of the ABC offering runners something other than the traditional race t-shirt as a finisher’s memento, Horsforth Harriers will be giving each finisher a pair of 1000 Mile anklet socks, worth £8, as a memento.

Horsforth Harrier Ian Park, a member of the race- organising committee, said “We are most grateful to 1000 Mile for their enthusiasm and help in supporting our race.

"This has enabled us to obtain a quality product to give to our runners. They work hard, so we work hard to give them something of value at the end of the race that we hope will contribute to their running going forward and will continue to maintain the ABC’s slightly quirky reputation as a race with a difference”.

In a new addition for this year's race, sponsors and local running retailers Up & Running will offer runners a ‘hydration station’, featuring the High5 range of energy drinks.

Entries can be downloaded from www.horsforthharriers.co.uk or online entries can be obtained via the Runners World UK and John Schofield’s UK Results websites.

Subject to the race limit not being reached, entries will also be available on the evening.

Further information is available from Ian Park on 0113-278-4286 or by e-mailing ian@tcpleeds.com.