A CROSS country race from Hay-on-Wye to Kington is making a return later this year.

For 25 years, the Offa’s Dyke 15-mile Race – along the route of the Offa’s Dyke long distance footpath – was a huge success with runners attending from around the country and even further afield.

The event was forced to be cancelled in 2002 due to the foot and mouth outbreak and once stopped it was difficult to get the impetus going again.

But it is set to return on Sunday August 30 this year.

It will start at 2.30pm at the Hay Town Clock, with changing facilities at the Cusop Village Hall on the outskirts of Hay.

The race finishes on the Lady Hawkins' School playing field between 4pm and 5pm and coaches are laid on to return some of the runners to Hay.

Spectators can see the runners as they leave Hay, see them through the villages of Newchurch and Gladestry, or greet them in Kington at the end of their challenge.

Both Allan Lloyd, whose original ideal it was, and David Joyce, the organiser of the event during the 25 years, are pleased that the event is returning.