The 22nd Cambrian News Aberystwyth Charity 10k race will go ahead this December - but due to the global pandemic it will look very different from previous years.

Up to 750 runners usually crowd onto Aberystwyth prom to test themselves against the course, and to raise money for charity.

It has grown into one of the most popular flat road races in Mid Wales.

Thousands of runners have taken part over the years, raising over £200,000 in total for charity so far.

The Cambrian News adopted the race 10 years ago – as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations – to ensure its survival, and the race has gone from strength to strength since then. But this year is going to look very different.

Aberystwyth Athletics Club, which organises the race, has taken the event virtual, and people are urged to sign up online - entries are open now.

You walk, jog or run a 10k route of your choice - use the normal Aber 10k route if you wish - and submit your result online (full details on how to do this will be provided), then your result will appear on the leaderboard and this will be followed by a downloadable printable ‘virtual’ medal! Every finisher will also receive a commemorative coaster by post, kindly sponsored by the Cambrian News. You’ll even get a printable race number, for a more realistic race experience!

The nominated charity to receive any proceeds from the virtual event is St John Ambulance Wales.

Their funds are down due to a lack of events since lockdown began and with events still banned six months on.

They normally provide the first aid service for the Aberystwyth 10k, and they have helped the NHS during the Covid crisis.

Those taking part must follow government guidance on how many people you run with, maintaining social distancing, and travel restrictions in place at the time.

The race is licensed by UK Athletics.­

In runners’ sights will be the course records - Male: Carwyn Jones, Cardiff AAC, 32:13 (2015). Female: Carys Hughes, Les Croupiers, 37:13 (2015).

The records were both set in the inaugural year of the new course layout - and have yet to be beaten!

Entry fee is £8; your race is to be completed any time from 1 December to 7 December.