It’s probably fair to say that singer Ed Sheeran is unlikely to ever take part in the Frampton 10K.

And yet the award-winning megastar has got more in common with one of the leading races on Gloucestershire’s calendar than you may think.

That’s because just like one of Sheeran’s concerts, the ever-popular Frampton 10K ‘sells out’ within hours of places going up for grabs.

“There are only 500 entries and they were all taken within two hours of them becoming available in January,” said Stroud and District Athletic Club chairman Jim Adams. “People are sitting by their computers to make sure they can get one of the race spots.”

Okay, the numbers involved are slightly different to those going to see Sheeran but the feelgood factor is just the same – people want to be involved in something that is very good.

The Frampton 10K is one of a good number of races organised by Stroud AC over the course of year – this year’s takes place on Monday 2nd July at 7.30pm – and Adams added: “It’s probably the most popular race on our calendar, it’s the one everyone wants to take part in.”

And that’s not really surprising when you hear what Adams has to say about it.

“It’s a lovely friendly race,” he said. “It’s based on the green in front of The Bell and a barbecue is provided by the local members of the '41 Club' - a branch of of the Rotary Club for members over  40.  It’s a really nice race to participate in, spectate or marshal.”

The race also finishes on the green but it’s not just the start and finish that makes it such a popular event.

“The runners head down to the village of Fretherne and then down to the River Severn,” continued Adams, “before coming back in a loop to Frampton. There are lovely scenic views.

“We get competitors from all over the county taking part – from Dursley Running Club, Almost Athletes, Gloucester City, Cheltenham Harriers. It’s a very, very well represented event and it’s great to see all the runners from the other clubs.

“It’s a nice competitive race but it’s also a social race.”

And once the Frampton 10K is done and dusted, don’t think for one minute that it will mean Adams and his organising team will be putting their feet up for the rest of the summer.

It’s only a few short weeks since the club ran the ever popular Stroud Beer Race – that took place around Minchinhampton on 4th June – and it won’t be long until all eyes will be on the Cherington 10K.

That takes place on Thursday 12th July (7pm) and is different from the Frampton 10K because it is open only to Stroud AC members.

That doesn’t make it any less interesting, however, especially as it is based at Cherington Cricket Club, which must be among the most beautiful cricket grounds in the country.

“The race is run round the beautiful lanes of Cherington,” said the ever agreeable Adams, who added with a chuckle, “they put on a barbecue for us as well – there’s a bit of a theme here!”

And there are other races that the club put on as well before their flagship event – the Stroud Half Marathon – which this year takes place on Sunday 21st October.

The first of those is the Standish Woodland Chase on Sunday 12th August and that is followed three weeks later by Woodchester Park. Both races are run over about eight miles and start at 10am.