As is traditional with annual events which always take place on December the 27th, the fourth annual Great Brook Run will take place on December the 27th.

Registration starts at 11:00 and all competitors are asked to have signed in by 12:15 to allow for a prompt start.

All competitors will be asked to part with the princely sum of £5 which will be donated to Chadlington School in the hope that the money raised will help educate the children of Chadlington to know how stupid it is to go running in freezing water in the middle of winter.

All competitors should wear sturdy footwear as the brook is silty in places, rocky in others and, while we take great care in removing foreign objects in the weeks before hand, we do occaisionally find debris in the brook so good boots are recommended. Wellies not so good as they tend to fill up with water quite quickly!

Competitors should also bring a dry change of clothes - rudimentry changing facilities are available(!).

For some reason many people turn up in fancy dress.... at least we assume it's fancy dress. Could be we just attract lots of weirdos and the dress is their normal attire. In which case we've had fairies, judges, Ali Baba, a bride, Lady Godiva, Vikings, men in bikinis.... so wear whatever you like as long as it holds the giblets in.

Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times while on the course.

Plenty of marshals are placed around the course to help anyone who needs it and St John's Ambulance are available should anyone need medical attention. If you do need assistance, just ask one of the marshals who can radio for a 4x4 to come and pick you up.

While we're not really in the elements long enough to pose a risk, if you do start feeling the effects of the cold let a marshal know who can get you wrapped in a thermal blanket and whisk you off to the pub where a hot drink and the fire awaits.

Spectators are welcome all along the route - make sure you give the runners plenty of encouragement!