RUNNERS in the West are preparing for one of the toughest events of the year - the 31st Wellington Road Race which takes place on Sunday, December 17, this year.

The event, organised by Taunton Athletics Club, is billed as ‘quite possibly the hilliest and toughest course on the Blackdown Hills’ and is run over 6.27 miles.

The race starts and ends at the Catherine Wheel pub in Hemyock and there will be mulled wine, a mince pie and awards for all finishers of this gruelling event.

The route of the race takes runners to and around the monument which is the half-way point of the race. The event is limited to 300 runners and starts at 10.30 a.m.