THREE generations of one family are set to run and have fun together at Poole Festival of Running next month.

The Echo-backed annual event, which is now only a month away, takes place in Poole Park on Sunday June 7. It features 10k event, 5k Run for Cancer, and minithons for eight to 14-year-olds, as well as an under-eights fun run.

Among the thousands taking part will be one of the event organisers Mike Towner of Poole Runners, his son John and John’s daughter Amelia, who will be joining in with the under-eights event.

Mike, who ran his first Poole 10k in 1986 and has been part of the organising committee for a decade, added: “It’s a family day out aimed at all generations, from the under-eights who run with their parents through to competitive races for children with team prizes. Then there’s the 5k charity race which is for all abilities with to Poole Hospital cancer centre, and in the afternoon we have the competitive UK Athletics licensed 10k race, again open to all, encompassing top local club runners recreational runners and fun runners.

“Irrespective of ability there’s something for all ages 0 up to 90.”

His son John, who ran his first minithon in 1990, will be taking part in the 10k. He said: “It something we’ve always done together growing up with my family, and I hope to pass it on to my children as well.”

He is getting 19-month old Amelia started. “I think she’ll love it,” he added. “Hopefully she’ll do the minithons as she grows up and maybe the 5k and 10k as she gets older if she enjoys it.”

The festival, which is sponsored by The Ark in Poole Park and Horizon Honda, features the ever-popular 10k event, which attracts international elite runners every year, as well as club and recreational runners.

There is the 5k Run for Cancer, once again raising money for the Dorset Cancer Centre at Poole Hospital. Runners taking part have raised £40,000 through sponsorship for Poole Hospital Charity over the past five years.

And for children the minithons for eight to 14-year-olds are also back, as well as an under-eights fun run.

All the races will be chip timed for the first time this year, excluding the fun run. To take part visit www.poolerunners.com