INVERCLYDE Athletic Club through a local partnership is hosting the Scottish Athletics Young Athletes Road Race Championships at the Battery Park on Sunday (March 17).

This is the fifth time in recent years that Inverclyde Local Athletic Partnership has brought the prestigious event to Inverclyde. It is the largest young athlete road race held in Scotland.

National vests are up for grabs with the races being used as a selection event by Scottish Athletics to send teams of four boys and four girls in both the U15 and U17 age groups to the London Mini Marathon next month.

During the event, the main car park immediately beside the skate park will remain open, as all races take place around the main path route. However, the access road heading down towards the Battery Park pavilion will be closed until around 2.30pm with barriers across the road.

Dog walkers are requested to keep their dog(s) on a lead during the period of the event.

Race declarations are at the Battery Park pavilion, with all medal presentations taking place in the park. There will also be catering available at the boat shed before and during the event.

The age group, race start times and distances are as follows:

U13 Girls 11.30am 3k

U13 Boys 11.45am 3k

U15 Girls Noon 4k

U15 Boys 12.25pm 4k

U17 Women 12.50pm 5k

U17 Men 1.15pm 5k

IAC also intend to hold a number of young athletes’ races in the park starting at 10am.

On the day there will be race marshals positioned around the park.