The race is on to raise funds to protect Cornwall’s wildlife with runners from all over the county gearing up to take part in the annual Race for Wildlife on Sunday, December 4 in Penwith.

The 7.5 mile race through the countryside north of Penzance takes in breath-taking views of Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount and is part of the Cornish Multi-Terrain Race Series for 2016. This will be the sixth year it has been held, and it attracts some of the county’s top runners. The event is organised by the Mounts Bay Harriers in collaboration with leading local wildlife charity Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and will once again be hosted at Penwith College.

Race for Wildlife is open to anyone who is passionate about Cornwall county and wants to help the Trust raise vital funds for the work they do. A percentage of entry fees will be donated to the Trust.

A challenging route, it includes off-road tracks through fields with the added obstacle of Cornish stiles to cross, uneven stony ground across the moors, as well as tarmacked roads. The first half of the run is uphill with the second half being downhill with a slight kick uphill to the finish at Penwith College.

You need to be over the age of 16, and due to the terrain the race is not suitable for wheelchair users. No dogs are allowed on college premises or to run in the race. Anyone wearing earphones, iPods, or personal stereos will be instantly disqualified. Race headquarters, parking, baggage area, toilets and showers are at Porthcurno Building, Penwith College, St Clare Street, Penzance. Registration will open at 8.30am and the race will start at 10am.

Yvonne Turner, event organiser for Mounts Bay Harriers, said: “Once again we are working with Cornwall Wildlife Trust to organise Race for Wildlife. We see them as a very important charity and will be donating a percentage of all entrance fees to them as well as encouraging people to actively fundraise for them. The route is challenging but the views are spectacular and whether chasing a personal best or just taking part this is a fun and rewarding day out which at the same time will help the Trust.”

Howard Curnow, trustee at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, added: “We hope the Race for Wildlife will raise as much money as possible for Cornwall’s wildlife. There is still a huge challenge ahead to ensure Cornwall’s natural environment and the fantastic wildlife we have is protected for future generations. From our bottlenose dolphins to the rare dormouse, to the wonderful heathlands found in Penwith, we work to protect Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places. Runners raising sponsorship will make a real difference to their local wildlife.”

The pre-entry fee for Race for Wildlife is £13 or £11 for UK Athletics members; on the day entry fee is £15 or £13 for UK Athletics members. To enter visit mountsbayharriers.co.uk/mbh-events/race-for-wildlife where you can download an entry form.