Ivanhoe Runners will celebrate their 30th year anniversary 'take 2' of the Aldi Ashby 20 road race this Sunday.

The initial 30th anniversary event was planned for 2020, but this was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Last year, they successfully organised the first virtual Ashby 20, with 1,200 athletes from throughout the UK taking part.

But this year, on March 20, around 1,500 runners will be welcomed back to Ashby.

They will participate in the two-lap circuit around the local villages of Packington, Swepstone, Heather and Normanton Le Heath - finishing on Ashby Bath Grounds.

The starting point is Upper Packington Road at 10am.

The event, which is ideally placed for pre-spring marathon distance runners, has again received a 'gold award' by the British Association of Road Races, who are involved in the governance and standards setting for the sport of road running.

The Aldi Ashby 20 is a fantastic community event, which over the years has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

advertisement

The 2022 event will again be supporting Wishes 4 Kids, Teenage Cancer Trust, and in addition, as a thanks you to the NHS, several NHS employees will be taking part.

The event also brings money to local business including shops, restaurants and hotels.

Aldi continues to be the main sponsor, with Everyone Active (Ashby Leisure Centre & Lido) providing the prizes for the Paul Enion award which is given to a local female and male runner, who completes the race.

There are many other organisations involved in supporting this award-winning local event including Ashby Castle Rotary Club, Explorer Scouts, Ashby Spa WI, Leicestershire Search and Rescue, Conkers Parkrun, Ashby Town Council, along with many other local community groups.

On Saturday, Ashby's Venture Theatre will be holding an open day from 10-4pm - with a book launch at the same time.

The day will be to celebrate the theatre's centenary and give an exhibition of its history.

There will be costumes and props on display, as well as refreshments for visitors.

Guided tours of the theatre will also be made - and the event will also see the launch of a new book: Ashby Dramatic Society - Our First 100 Years. Admission is free.

advertisement

Tonight (Thursday) you can celebrate St Patrick's Day at the White Hart - the Market Street pub has acoustic music and an Irish themed evening.

Also on Market Street, Brew has another Lazy Sunday Afternoon session. This time, Kevin Bradley will be playing live from 3pm.