THE AUCKLAND Castle 10K, sponsored by New Balance and Running Fitness and supported by the Northern Echo, has been awarded the annual North v South v Midland v Wales Inter-Area match, writes Frank Johnson.

The decision to bring the prestigious fixture to the North-East on Sunday, August 25, underlines the emergence of the Auckland Castle race as one of the country's top events.

The Inter-Area Championship will ensure there is a high standard, in-depth domestic field in both the men's and women's races.

This, with the usual sprinkling of top-class overseas competitors, will maintain the top-quality entry standard which has been a feature of the first three years of the race - and in the near future the organisers, Wear Valley District Council, are likely to apply to host the National 10K Championships as part of the event. The race has already attracted interest from some of Great Britain's leading distance runners.

Kevin Peart, a member of the Auckland Castle organising team, said: "Two athletes who have been selected for the England Commonwealth Games team contacted us the week after the trials to make sure of a place in the race.

"It is very pleasing that athletes at this level see our race as part of their plans."

Entry can be secured by using the entry form on this page - photocopies will be accepted. The race has always achieved its entry limit and early application is essential.