The race is on to track down runners who fancy a change of scenery.

Brentwood fitness trainer David Bland is putting together a team of runners who will represent the borough in the annual relay race due to take place near Brentwood's twin town of Landkreis Roth in Bavaria on Saturday, July 12.

The race is a 28 stage relay event with stages of varying distances from 4km to 11km. Each stage is run as a separate race.

David, team captain of Brentwood Runners, said: "I am keen to field more runners from local running clubs and sports club and hope to improve on last year's position where we finished 30th out of 50 teams.

"There is an award for the first mixed team, fielding a minimum of ten ladies, so that husbands, wives and partners can all take part. We are also asking several local schools to provide runners, to give a wide age representation, an aspect both twinning organizations are keen to foster."

The cost of the trip is £95 for adults and £55 for students in full time education. The team will depart from Brentwood by luxury coach on the evening of July 9 and return on Monday, July 14.

Participants will be hosted by German families involved in the race. Sightseeing tours and barbecue events have been organised by the hosts.

Anyone who would like further information should call David Bland on 01277 231456.

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

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