Where: Dymock, near Newent, Gloucestershire

When: Saturday, March 21, 9am

Taking place from the event HQ of Dymock Cricket Club and to be held on Saturday, March 21, the 8th annual 'Poets Path Potter' is primarily organised as a charity fund-raising event for runners or walkers.

Entrants have a choice of three lovely Gloucestershire rural, scenic and mainly off-road paths with five different events of approximately 8 miles (two events), 10 miles, 16 miles and 26 miles (a marathon).

There should be spectacular displays of the now rare native daffodils, for which the area is noted, to enjoy on many parts of the route.

Based in Dymock near Newent, Gloucestershire, all events will start on Wintour's Green in front of Dymock Church at 9am. They will be held over the locally famous paths of Poets Path I and Poets Path II (both of 8 miles) and the Daffodil Way (10 miles). The longer events do multiple loops.

As usual, to mark its literary heritage, there is expected to be a fun reading of running poetry before the start by the Ed & Phil 'Resident Poet' and fellow runner, Kathy Tytler.

The paths commemorate the fame of the area as being the home of six celebrated poets during the period leading up to the First World War. The famous author of 'The Soldier', Rupert Brooke, was one of those who spent some months in the area in 1913 and 1914.

The different paths are steeped in the history of the lives and work of the poets and their relationship with the Dymock area. They also mark the changes that have occurred during the last century, like bridges over old railway lines, traces of old canals and historic buildings such as ancient churches and old farm houses.

Although participants are asked to enter in advance (online entry is available), entries on the day are also possible. Anyone turning up on the day should arrive in time to be ready to leave the HQ at 8.30am for an event briefing at the start at 8.45pm.

There is a generous 10 hour time limit to complete any of the distances, allowing walkers to also comfortably tackle the full marathon distance.

All the proceeds after costs have been deducted will be equally split between Dymock Cricket Club (to contribute towards their new pavilion) and Friends of the Dymock Poets (for upkeep of the Poets Paths).

All entrants will be given maps, route descriptions and the course will be marked with tape. They are advised to treat the events as self-navigation and self-supporting with no marshals or water stations anywhere on the route. However, refreshments will be available at the end of each 8 or 10 mile loop since all pass through the HQ.

Entrants should carry enough water and food to last their chosen event, wear tough trail-type shoes or boots to cope with the wet and muddy conditions to be expected in many places and wear/take spare clothing appropriate for possibly unsettled spring weather.

Finishers of all distances will be given a commemorative medal, souvenir copies of the printed maps with the poetic history of each of the three courses they have elected to cover and receive a goody bag. They will also have the chance to win spot prizes of products from race sponsors which are sold by organisers Ed & Phil.

Entry forms including the online entry information can be downloaded from the

Dymock Cricket Club website at www.dymockcc.co.uk/blog/events or are available at local running and sport shops.

Further information is available on the Ed & Phil Facebook page at www.facebook.com/edandphilactive

Ed & Phil are distributors for a range of running and outdoor activity products, with the event organiser, Phillip Howells, also being a well-known marathon runner himself. He

is a devoted fan of using and preserving these historic paths as an important amenity to enjoy the lovely surrounding countryside whilst keeping fit and active.