HEY, you young people out there. You've got the chance to start a fever. There's a fantastic Fun Run going on in your area soon - it's in Cheltenham on Sunday, September 9.

And the fever is the excitement you can help to generate, so that lots of cash can be raised for charities. It will give you and the Oldies a great day out - you might even convert them from watching to taking part with you.

You will probably find yourself face-to-face with an international athlete or two during the day. And you and your friends can get sponsorship to raise money for charity or for a project in your local community.

There are youth races - individual for boys and girls - for under 11s, under 13s, under 15s, and under 17s -and its all part of a great new event called The National 10K Run.

Not that young people will be expected to run 10K! Distances range from one mile (Under 11s) up to 10K (for under 17s and adults).

You can enter individually if you like - or as part of a school team, or even as a team for a sports club you might belong to, or organisations such as the scouts or guides.

In each of the age groups up to under 15s, there will be a shield for the winning school, for boys and girls teams.

In the adults and Under 17s race there will be a trophy for the winning sports club and a shield for the best company team - and the teams of three can be mixed.

Charities badly need your help this year - so many fund-raising events have been cancelled because of the Foot and Mouth epidemic and here's a great opportunity for you to do something to help - and to get involved in a sport that has proved to become a healthy lifestyle for thousands and thousands in the UK.

Write to The National 10K Run, The Recreation Centre, Cheltenham BC, Tommy Taylor's Lane, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 4KN or telephone 01242 252098.