Lee Stopford will look to defend his title at next week’s Summer Sizzler, the ever-popular race organised by Cirencester Athletics Club.

The Stroud Athletic Club runner won last year’s 10K in a hugely impressive 32 minutes, three seconds, and will clearly be the one the others have to beat on Wednesday. He finished more than three minutes ahead of his nearest rival.

The showpiece event, which takes place in Cirencester Park, gets under way at 7.30pm and has attracted more than 500 entries.

That is something that has delighted Cirencester AC chair Pam Wheeler who said: “We’re back up to the numbers we had before Covid. Last year was the first time we held the event after missing out the two previous years and the numbers were down on what they were pre-Covid, so we’re obviously very pleased.

“It’s great that Lee Stopford is running again this year and Rachel Felton, who was the first female home last year, is also returning.”

Felton, who runs for Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, was the fifth runner home in 2022, finishing in 36 minutes, 50 seconds.

The Summer Sizzler has become a major feature on the running calendar in recent times and Wheeler said: “It is one of the highlights of our year.

“It’s an ideal opportunity to run in the beautiful Cirencester Park. On a nice summer’s evening there is no better place to be.”

The event is a Gloucestershire AAA championship race with cash prizes to the first three male, female and age groups winners.

There is also a team prize – three to count – and a bespoke medal for all finishers. To enter this year’s race, visit www.entrycentral.com. Online entries will close on Monday.

The adults race will be preceded by a fun run for juniors over approximately three kilometres. The junior race, which has so far attracted about 50 runners, will get under way at 6.30pm.