LOCAL group, the Sikh Sports Association, is preparing to stage their own mini-marathon around the streets of Redbridge.

Harmander Singh, leader of Redbridge-based running club Rogue Runners, is the brains behind the operation and is hopeful of attracting people of all abilities to take part in the Relay Marathon in Ilford on Sunday, August 30.

Twelve clubs have already signed up to the race, including a European team from Luxembourg, Barking Road Runners, Gants Hill Rotary Club and 'Sikhs in the City', the five Sikh elders who have a combined age of 338 years.

The team can boast one of the oldest runners in the world, Fauja Singh, who hails from Ilford. Now 98, Fauja holds 12 world records for runners over the age of 90 across distances ranging from 100m to the marathon.

Harmander has earned a reputation as something of an inspirational motivator over the years with Rogue Runners. He helps stage sessions each week, and amongst other achievements, he has encouraged an 89-year-old man to run for the first time, as well as inspire a 24-stone woman to pound the streets for eight miles per session in just five weeks.

He is, to his knowledge, the only runner in Redbridge to have taken part in the London marathon for 25 consecutive years. As part of the Sikhs in the City team, Harmander has flown all over the world, from Pakistan to Kenya, and Toronto to New York, to take part in marathons. Their exploits have also earned Fauja a contract with sports giant Adidas.

“I've been all over the world doing these sort of things, but I thought that we should do something closer to home to bring the community together,” said Harmander. “Everyone is welcome and it will be a great event.”

The two kilometre route will take the runners along Woodford Bridge, Lodge Hill, Woodford Avenue and Roding Lane South. The course is suitable for wheelchair users and a staffed water station can be found along the way. Mobile paramedic cover will also be provided.

The race will also include a grandparents and grandchild race, with goodie bags for all the runners, which will contain healthy living information and promotional vouchers for local businesses.

Anyone over the age of 11 is encouraged to come and take part. It is £20 per runner to enter, and anyone interested should email Harmander at harmanders@btinternet.com or call him on 07958 946868.