TWO Black Country groups which celebrate their silver anniversaries this year are joining forces once again for an upcoming charity road race.

Founded in 1991, Halesowen-based Cobra Running and Triathlon Club are actively marking their 25th birthday by using their annual Cobra Classic 10k race and 3.5km fun run to raise funds for Stourbridge’s Mary Stevens Hospice.

Following a successful partnership last year, the 2015 running event managed to raise £1,800 for the Hagley Road charity.

Laura Millard, community engagement officer for Mary Stevens Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that Cobra have decided to do this for us in celebration of both organisations turning 25-years-old.

“Their events are always absolutely fantastic and the money they’ve donated towards supporting patient care here at the hospice on the back of those events has helped so many people.

“It’s a lovely birthday present for them to be giving us, and we can’t wait to see all of the runners and families taking part.”

The race and fun run will take place at Old Halesonians Rugby Club on Sunday May 15, with the 3.5km fun run starting at 10am followed by the Classic 10km race at 10:30am.

Each finisher will receive a medal, while a prize will also be handed out to every ‘category winner’.

Race director, Chris Pearson, said: “All abilities are welcome for the Classic 10km, which is a great race that runs through Halesowen and ends in the idyllic countryside of Wassell Grove.

“We’re also greatly looking forward to the fun run, which will be held in the grounds of the Old Halesonians Rugby Club for people of all ages and abilities.

“It’s going to be a great day for all the family!”

After the race, the Old Halesonians’ club house will be putting on refreshments and homemade cakes for all of the runners and their friends and families who took part in the day.

As well as organising the Cobra 10k race, a team of runners will be taking part in the Midlands Tough Mudder event – a 10 mile obstacle course race through the grounds of Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, including mud traps, electric shocks and dangerous obstacles – less than 24-hours prior to the start of the Halesowen run.

Registration for the race costs between £10 and £13, with 50 per cent of the proceeds being donated to Mary Stevens Hospice.

Runners can register for the 10k online at bit.ly/21iX4wO, but entrants for both the 10k and the fun run will be allowed on the day.

For more information, email the club at secretary@cobrarc.co.uk, or call Laura at the hospice on 01384 377778.