INTERNATIONAL runners from 13 nations compete in the Puma Trailfox Garburn Trail Race in the Lake District on Sunday.

The event was rated "the most scenic race in Britain" by Runnersworld magazine last year and has grown from 80 to a capacity 800-strong field this year.

The 20.7km course starts in the village of Staveley and finishes in Windermere, via the gruelling climb of one of the highest mountain passes in England, the Garburn Pass at an altitude of 1500 feet.

A £3,000-plus total prize fund thanks to sponsorship by Puma and funding from Cumbria Vision, the development agency, have attracted a world-class entry.

Heading the international competitors are African runners Tomas Abyu from Ethiopia and Malachi Byansi from Uganda, Billy Burns from Switzerland, Rolf Moholth and Hans Engerbreston from Norway, Owen Gahan from Ireland, Majka Serafini from Italy, with representatives from Colorado and California in the United States, France and Germany, as well as the home nations.

Three of the UK's top marathon runners, including Andi Jones (Salford Harriers), who was 10th in this year's London Marathon in 2.17.49, are also down to compete.

The Puma Trailfox Garburn Trail Race is one of a number of events and competitions taking place throughout the day during the Lakeland Trails Festival, catering for all ages and abilities.

There is a 20.7km Garburn Challenge, for less competitive walkers and runners, setting off an hour and a half before the main race.

The Garburn Nordic Walking Challenge, again over 20.7km, is for the dedicated Nordic walker, using special walking poles.

For children under the age of 12 there are the Peter Rabbit Fun Trails. Last year's event had 255 children taking part from Elleray School in Windermere, where all the senior 20.7km trail events finish.