VILLAGERS in Boxted are following in the footsteps of counterparts in nearby Dedham and Langham with their own annual 2k and 10k races this spring.

Runners can now enter the Boxted 10k or 2k fun run, starting and finishing at Boxted St Peter’s Primary School, in Carters Hill.

Avid runner Vanessa Dolling is chairman of the race committee, a group of 20 locals who have so far managed to secure nearly 150 sign-ups.

The mum-of-two first founded Boxted Runners last year before moving on to an event which not only has created a buzz within the village but is raising money for an outdoor learning space at the school.

She said: “At the point we said to give the 10k a go last September, I don’t think we imagined we’d be at this point now. It’s created such a buzz.

“Another part of this story is I qualified as a personal trainer during this time and changed careers.

“My first job was organising an after-school running club so that’s fitted in nicely as I’ve got to know the children, who are designing the medal.”

East Links and Milsoms are both sponsors for the event which takes place on May 20.

Up to 500 runners can take part in the 10k and 200 for the shorter run.

Vanessa has compared the run to both the Nayland and Dedham 10k for its intensity as 40 per cent of it is off-road.

She said: “There’s some beautiful scenery but it’s completely different to Langham which is a flat race and where runners go to get their personal bests.

“We’re trying to make it motivational with things like jelly baby stations and drums playing at the most challenging areas.

“The Sea Cadets and school choir should hopefully be performing around the course. Sometimes that beat of a drum when you’re halfway up a hill or just starting one can be quite encouraging.

“Hopefully people remember us for those unique features and return the following year.”

The response from the community has been overwhelming, Vanessa said, and she hopes this will really united villagers.

She added: “People have made friends and have put so much effort in.

“Obviously there’s nerves too but I think this will be really good for Boxted and give our village more substance.”

For more details, visit boxted10k.co.uk or call Vanessa Dolling on 07817 351321.