THE countdown is in full swing to this year's Thurrock Cycle marathon, which will take place on Sunday, 8 June, based at Blackshots Civic Hall.

There are rides of seven and 21 miles (although experienced riders often do two laps to make 42 miles) with support facilities and emergency assistance. Routes will be well-managed by club officials and volunteers and there will be refreshment stops available.

Entry fee is £10 per cyclist payable online or on the day. Under 16s ride for free.

The 21/42 mile route can be viewed here:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39485309 and the seven mile route is a reduced loop via Orsett

Over the years the event, organised by the Rotary Club of Mar Dyke Valley, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local good causes. Riders can get sponsored and raise funds for their own charities (sponsorship form downloadable here) and the club will also share out the money raised from entry fees and monies donated directly to it.

As usual the event will start at 9.30am, with registration available on the day from 9am.

The event is supported by a number of local busineses including Decathlon at Lakeside who will host a technical and mechanical centre on site to check out riders' cycles and they have also donated a £100 voucher to a rider, picked out at random from all those who enter.

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Riders can get sponsored and raise funds for their own charities (sponsorship form downloadable here or via the pdf link below) and the club will also share out the money raised from entry fees and monies donated directly to it.