ENTRIES for this year's Parkwood Porthkerry Five, formerly known as the Porthkerry Plod, have been pouring in the last few weeks.

This year the hugely popular race will be the first fixture in the inaugural South Wales Running League, followed by a mixture of road, multi-terrain and cross country races throughout the season.

Running clubs are encouraged to enter teams of six men and four women to take part in the scenic and challenging race.

The race will also be part of the 2014 South Wales Regional Athletics Council Trail Championship as it continues to go from strength to strength and attract runners from across South Wales.

This years race will take place on Sunday, May 11, but places are limited to 300, so if you are interested get your entry form to Penarth and Dinas Runners as soon as possible.

The event this year is to be sponsored by Parkwood Leisure, who operate the Cardiff International Pool in the Bay. They are offering t-shirts to everyone that finishes the race in Porthkerry Park in Barry. This year the t-shirts will be made of a wicking material, rather than the traditional cotton, making them perfect for training in or racing in future events.

The race starts on the main field and then has a climb up through the woods towards Porthkerry Caravan Park. It then touches on the pavement alongside the road that passes the end of the runway at Cardiff Wales Airport, before a great descent back into the park with some wonderful views of the spectacular viaduct.

The course then goes through Porthkerry to the hill in Mill Wood on the opposite side for another challenging rise into the fields by Lon Fferm Felin. After that it is a drop back to the main field and grassy run into the finish area near the Forest Cafe and car park.

The race has attracted some great local runners in the past and Penarth and Dinas Runners, the organisers, believe that this year it will be even popular.

For an entry form visit the Penarth and Dinas Runners website at www.penarthanddinasrunners.org.uk

You can also enter online at www.runnersworld.co.uk

Any questions email porthkerry5@hotmail.co.uk