September 20, 2010 10.34 am This story is over 161 months old

Spires & Steeples challenge to run 26 miles

Challenge: Runners and walkers are up for a 26-mile challenge through the county’s heritage, starting from Lincoln Castle.

Runners and walkers from across the country are gearing up for a 26-mile marathon from Lincoln to Sleaford on October 17.

The Spires and Steeples trail, from Lincoln Castle to the Hub in Sleaford, is a charity run/walk following public footpaths and bridleways.

Participants in the challenge can see artworks and church architecture along the way, as well as exploring a variety of Lincolnshire villages and countryside.

The name of the circuit refers to the spires of the churches being the landmarks to which visitors make their way and to the rural sport of steeple chasing.

Last year the challenge attracted over 400 participants, coming from as far away as Edinburgh, Swansea, Liverpool, and London, as well as regional and local towns.

Organisers are expecting even more participants in this year’s race on October 17, which starts at 8.30am for walkers, and at 9.30am for runners.

The route will be comprehensively marked, and food and refreshments will be available at five checkpoints along the way.

Advance entry fee for the charity challenge is £10, or £12 on the day.

There will also be a £4 fare for those who want to leave their car at the finish line in Sleaford, and get bus transport to Lincoln in the morning.

For accompaniment along the run, you can also download audio files for your MP3 player with recordings from villagers along the route from Lincoln to Metheringham.

Source, Photo: Spires & Steeples