Run like an animal through the countryside of Penwith and help raise money to protect Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places.

Race for Wildlife, organised by Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Mounts Bay Harriers is back for the third year and set to be the biggest yet.

Now based at Penwith College, Penzance, it incorporates a seven-mile race and one-mile fun run, taking place on Sunday, October 13. Pre-entry closes on October 4.

Last year the event raised £5,000 and organisers hope this time to reach a target of £7,500 for the trust.

There is a guaranteed medal for all pre race entrants, as well as some prizes up for grabs. The top fundraiser will win a three course meal for two donated by The Old Coastguard Hotel in Mousehole. Overall male and female race winners will receive running kit and vouchers from At Your Pace running shop in Helston, while teams will be running for a case of Barefoot Wine.

Runners are encouraged to dress in fancy dress as their favourite animal and there will be a prize for the best outfit.

This year’s seven-mile route is a multi-terrain run through the countryside north of Penzance, including views of Mount’s Bay and St Michaels Mount. The race is number nine in the Cornish Multi-Terrain Grand Prix Series. While the race attracts many of the county’s top runners, the trust are encouraging anyone who cares for Cornwall’s wildlife to take part.

The alternative one-mile fun run celebrates Fox Club’s 30th birthday and follows an easier route around Treneere Manor. Although Fox Club is the trust’s junior membership all ages are welcome to take part in the fun run.

Local running club Mounts Bay Harriers have been integral to the organisation of this event.

Yvonne Turner, events organiser for the club, said: “We are delighted to once again be helping Cornwall Wildlife Trust organise their Race for Wildlife. The route is challenging but the views are spectacular and whether chasing a personal best or walking the fun run dressed as an animal this is a fun and rewarding day out.”

The seven-mile race starts at 10am with registration opening at 8.30am. The fun run starts at 9.15am and registration opens at 8.15am. Pre entry for both is advised, although it will be possible to enter on the day.

As well as runners, the trust, which has 16,000 members and 95 business supporters, is calling for volunteers to help marshal the event. The fun run and seven mile race need marshals to guide runners along the route and any volunteers should contact Race for Wildlife on raceforwildlife@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01872 273939. No previous marshalling experience is necessary as all training will be given on the day.

Pre-entry fee for the seven mile race is £12 or £10 for UK Athletics members. It will cost £2 extra to sign up on the day. Pre-entry fee for the fun run is £4 or on the day entry fee is £5.

To enter the Race for Wildlife visit www.raceforwildlife.org.uk or call the trust’s office on 01872 273939 for an entry form.