THE new Waitrose store in Wichelstowe is supporting the annual five-mile multi-terrain run – the Commonweal 5 – organised by The Commonweal School’s PTA on May 18.

Taking place from 10.30am from The Commonweal School in Old Town, the Commonweal 5 is suitable for runners of all abilities.

The race starts and finishes on the school’s playing fields and descends along the scenic Old Town railway path towards the canal, before looping back into Wichelstowe, past Waitrose and climbing back up to the school via footpaths between Field Rise and Roman Crescent.

Store manager Ian Smith will join 100 other runners in the race.

He said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to get involved with a community event that benefits our local secondary school, especially one which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.” Waitrose Swindon will provide a water station halfway along the route and bananas at the finish line.

Further information about this event and online registration are available at www.commonweal5.co.uk. Entry is open to everyone over the age of 15, but due to the quality of the running surfaces along certain stretches of the route, the race is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Entry costs £10 for unaffiliated runners and £8 for UKA affiliated runners