Saturday, March 4 sees another running of one of the most challenging and iconic races through the Elan Valley.

The Rhayader Round the Lakes Race 30km has attracted athletes from as far away as Hastings, Plymouth and Bournemouth - and even a runner from Brussels!

For runners fancying a shorter run there is a 10km race, again taking in the beautiful Elan Valley. Entries for both races are now closed.

The biggest club contingent - 28 athletes - will represent Builth and District Running Club and, unsurprisingly, Welsh clubs will predominate with Cardiff and Swansea to the fore.

Top English clubs are also represented as the world famous Tipton Harriers, who often provide the winners of this testing event, are again sending a trio of athletes.

Rhayader’s running cub will put 10 runners on the starting line and also provide a good many of the volunteers needed to put on this race.

The races will start at Rhayader’s Rugby Club with the main race starting at 11:30am with the 10km runners setting off earlier at 11:15am.

The top runners are expected to complete the hilly 30km well under two hours.

Round the Lakes committee member Jude Boutle, responsible for promoting the event and organising the entries said: “ All our 400 places for the 30k, went quickly and we have over 170 runners coming to race the 10k,.

“The first ever race was held in 1984 and we are delighted that nearly forty years later it remain such a firm favourite for so many athletes of all standards.

“Feedback from the runners is always very positive and the stunning countryside makes this event very, very special and, importantly, a welcome by-product of the race is that we will have over a thousand visitors to the town and this is a brilliant input to the local economy at a difficult time.”