USUALLY beer is that last thing you’d reach for if you were on a run - but not if you’re in the Wanborough Beer Race.

This bank holiday will be the 62nd year of the tradition, where runners will take on the whistlestop tour of four pubs, along a two-mile stretch of the village, sinking half a pint of ale at each ‘filling station’.

The race starts at 12.30pm on Monday at The Harrow Inn. It is also the last port of call on the circular route.

Michele Rostami, landlady of The Harrow Inn, said: “This event is one of the highlights of the year for everyone involved. It is a village tradition that brings the community together.

“It makes me proud that this year we will be hosting the event.”

To enter the race, people need to pre-register at one of the pubs.

Participants can sign up and choose which pub they want to represent. Entry is £6.

The other pubs taking part in the village are The New Calley Arms, The Brewers Arms and The Cross Keys.

Michele added: “I must admit that it does get competitive between all of the pubs, but it is great fun and a friendly atmosphere.”

The race was set up in the 1950s by Michael Janner after a bet with friends and has grown ever since.

Every year it starts at a different venue.

This will be the first year that the Plough Inn will not be taking part.

Invigilators will be on hand at each pub to make sure there is no cheating.

Mike Kent, 48, one of the event organisers who has run the race over 20 times – and still holds the record for completing the course in 13 minutes and 54 seconds.

Last year, Sotiris Karfakis, 27, narrowly missed the record falling short by 21 seconds.

The race attracts a lot of fancy dress and over the years has seen people taking part as Minnie Mouse and Del Boy and other obscure costumes.

Once the race is complete there will be presentation for the winners, followed by a barbecue at The Harrow Inn.

There will also be live music later on in the day.