New name and new course but the annual 10K that takes place around Cirencester Park at this time of year is proving as popular as ever.

The race, which has been running for around 30 years and this year takes place on Sunday 17th September, has been renamed the Autumn Assault.

“I’m not sure why,” chuckled Cirencester Athletics and Triathlon Club publicity officer Liza Darroch, “I think it’s to tie in with the 10K we run in June which is called the Summer Sizzler.”

The always helpful Liza may not know all the details behind the name change but she’s certain that this year’s race will be just as good as in previous years, even though the course takes a different route this time around.

“It will still take place in Cirencester Park and is still classified as a road race,” said Liza. “It’s on tarmac but it’s traffic free and there aren’t many races like that.”

So why the change of course?

“It’s because there’s also a polo match and a dog show taking place in the park on Sunday,” explained Liza.

“The new route is wonderful, less hilly and definitely faster.”

That will please Dave Bell, the Fairford-based Cirencester AC runner who is in prime form after winning the recent Stratford 10K.

The impressive 32-year-old is determined to run a sub 32-minute 10K – his best so far is 32.08 – and Liza for one wouldn’t be surprised if he achieved his target on Sunday.

He certainly likes the race, having won it last year in a time of 32 minutes, 55 seconds, which was a course record.

The organisers are hoping that around 400 runners will take part in Sunday’s event – which starts and finishes in the park – with the race getting under way at 10am.

Before that there will be a race for junior runners over 3K, which will start at 9.30am.

Entries will be accepted for both races on the day.