ORGANISERS of the Rhayader Round the Lakes Race are urgently seeking volunteers to help marshal this year’s event – taking place on Saturday (tomorrow, September 18).

The popular event, which has been run around the Elan Valley’s picturesque dams since 1984, returns this year after Covid-19 postponed it a year ago, with the traditional 30km route on offer, as well as a new 10k route for this year, which replaces the old 5-mile race.

But on the eve of the race, organisers lost several marshals and are appealing for any volunteers to come forward.

We have an urgent appeal,” organisers posted on their Facebook page on Friday morning.

“We have just lost a few marshals – whilst the race will still be safe we'd love to make super sure everything goes smoothly by covering all the bases. If anyone can do the following please we'd be very grateful for your help:

“We need a couple of people to assist the race recorder at the race finish between 12.15pm and 3.30pm and a couple of people to marshal at Elan Village between 11.45am and 3pm.

“If you can help us out please post here and one of us will be in touch.”

The first Round the Lakes Race, then 20 miles, was held in 1984 and has grown in popularity since. A 5-mile race was introduced shortly afterwards and has been replaced by the 10k route this year.

The 30k route takes runners out of town and around the beautiful Elan Valley dams, while the 10k route goes up to the Elan Valley and back.

The start and finish lines for both races are at Rhayader Rugby Club; with an 11.30am start time for the 30k and 11.40am start for the 10k.

To get in touch with organisers, contact them via the Rhayader Round The Lakes Race Facebook page or email rhayaderroundthelakes@gmail.com.