MORE than 2,500 people from around the world will join Oxfordshire residents for a ultra marathon next weekend.

The Race to the Stones is a 100km event to Avebury Stone Circle, which stretches for two days from Lewknor, near Thame.

Richard Venables, the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, is running the event for the Huntingdon Disease Association because his best friends from university, Chris and Mark Wood, are both in the advanced stages of the disease.

The 51-year-old said: “I am aiming to raise the profile and importance of sport and to champion sport in deprived areas of Oxfordshire and disability sport.

“(The race) is particularly appropriate because it starts in south Oxfordshire and takes in some beautiful countryside."

Nick Tuppen, of organisers Threshold Sports, said: “The race is all about getting people out and about for mental health and physical wellbeing. Everybody’s welcome. There will be some very fit athletes who run the course, as well as lots of people who want to walk at a much more relaxed pace over two days.

“It’s a tough challenge for anyone, but the spectacular views and great atmosphere will keep everyone motivated. We’ve got pit stops every 10km full of treats - hot power showers, massages and mountains of delicious food.”

More information is available at racetothestones.com