The popularity of the annual Frampton 10K is well known in running circles around Gloucestershire.

This year’s race, which took place in the height of summer, was ‘sold out’ in just two hours.

As Jim Adams, the chairman of Stroud and District Athletic Club, told The Local Answer in June: “There are only 500 entries and they were all taken within two hours of them becoming available in January.

“People are sitting by their computers to make sure they can get one of the race spots.”

But while the race’s ongoing appeal is very impressive, just as impressive is the amount of money that the event, which is organised by Stroud AC, raises.

“Stroud and District Athletic Club prides itself on being a community club at the heart of the community,” explained Adams.

“Every July hundreds of runners assemble on the famous green at Frampton on Severn, to run a 10K race around the beautiful lanes down to the River Severn and back.

“This race is affectionately known as the ‘Cider Race’ as all finishers receive a bottle of local cider, rather than the usual T-shirt and medal.

“The race is organised as a partnership between the Athletic Club and the Stonehouse 41 Club, and is a major fundraising activity for local charities.

“We are very grateful to the Frampton Estate and for the residents of Frampton and the local area who welcome us and come out to support the runners.

“This year’s race resulted in the presentation of a cheque for £1,250 from the Athletic Club to the 41 Club, who plan to pass the money on to Stroud and Stonehouse Rotary Community Awards – an initiative from Rotary that delivers funds into our community by providing an opportunity for small local organisations to apply for grant funding.

“Stonehouse 41 Club has been a major contributor for many years to the organisation of the Five Valleys Fireworks event, which traditionally takes place after the Stroud Half Marathon.

“This year the half marathon will be run on Sunday 21st October, with many runners raising thousands of pounds of sponsorship for their chosen charities, with the fireworks the following day organised jointly by Stonehouse 41 Club and the three Rotary Clubs from Stonehouse, Stroud and Nailsworth.

“All of the proceeds are donated to local causes, which have benefitted by more than £250,000 over the many years of the event.”

For more information, visit www.stonehouserotary.org.uk or www.fivevalleysfireworks.org.uk