Mad Jack's is proving a hit as bosses eye record entries
Shrewsbury Athletic Club bosses are targeting another record turn-out when the Mad Jack's Five Mile Race returns for its eighth annual instalment later this year, writes Matthew Viney.
The event, which began in 2008, will take place on November 7 at Attingham Park, starting at 11am.
Last year's edition attracted a bumper attendance of 392 runners and organisers are keen to break the 400 mark this time around.
Shrewsbury AC spokesman Tony Scales said: "The race has proved to be an increasingly popular annual event for runners of all abilities and the club are hoping to break the 400 entry mark this year for the first time.
"We achieved a record entry last year of 392 runners, half of whom were unattached or first time entries."
Club bosses are encouraging runners to enter in advance before October 29 but participants will also be accepted on the day up to the race limit of 550.
Scales said: "We had about 150 entries this time last year and we have had about the same number sign up again this year so far.
"A lot of people leave it quite late to sign up in advance and a lot of people tend to join on the day. There are always big queues of people doing that on the day."
The race, which is run in conjunction with and with permission of the National Trust, provides runners with some fine views as the route takes them through the picturesque park and farmland around the Mansion and Deer Park.
The course is a traditional cross country route incorporating obstacles including fences and ditches, which finishes with a crossing through the Trust's pond just yards from the finishing line.
Last year's men's race was won by Mercia Fell Runners' Daniel Maskew while Shrewsbury Athletics Club's Amanda Wright-Smith won the women's race.
Organisers are keen to encourage people of all ages to the event. Free family admission for the day to the park and grounds for up to two adults and three children will be included with each race entry.
The event is again being sponsored by Rybrook BMW, Cotswold Outdoor, Up and Running and Tesco.
A spot prize of a weekend car, provided by Rybrook BWM, will be up for grabs on the day.
Entry forms for the race can be downloaded at Shrewsbury Athletics Club's website, www.shrewsburyac.org.uk or at www.runbritain.com
