Local club runners have had an extra spring in their step since the clocks were put forward in March.

They are ready for the off in the hugely popular Road Runners Ten Series, which gets under way next Wednesday, giving athletes from 12 clubs in south-west Hampshire the chance to compete once a fortnight throughout the summer.

Each one of the clubs takes a turn in helping to organise ten races that make up the off-road series which are over four to five miles long. Only runners belonging to one of the organising clubs can compete in the races, which are free.

Royal Victoria Country Park keeps its tradition of being the first venue and that event is being organised by Southampton Running Club.

There will be just a one-week gap between races three and four and the final race on August 17 will be held at IBM Hursley Park.

New Forest's Lee Rodriguez (top) is the reigning champion in the men's league and will be running for his third title this summer. Team Solent's Laura Brenton (right) was crowned women's champion in 2004. Men's team honours went to New Forest Runners and to Hardley Runners' women last year.

Races:

April 20: Royal Victoria Country Park, 7pm (Southampton RC)

May 4: Nature Quest (Deer Leap), Ashurst, 7.15pm (Totton RC)

May 18: Wilverley Inclosure, Sway, 7.30pm (New Forest Runners)

May 25: The Rose Bowl, West End, 7.30pm (Team Southampton/Running Sisters)

June 8: Blackfield Recreation Ground, 7.30pm (Hardley Runners)

June 22: Manor Farm Country Park, 7.30pm (Eastleigh RC)

July 6: Itchen Valley Country Park, 7.30pm (Winchester AC)

Jul 20: Farley Mount, 7.30pm (Wessex RR/Romsey RR)

August 3: Stoke Park Wood, 7.30pm (Lordshill RR)