RUNNERS can take on a 5k challenge with a difference through Prestwich this spring.

Forestry Commission England has joined forces with Wild Rumpus, producers of the award-winning Just So Festival, to introduce Art On The Run.

Art On The Run is the first event to take place at the newly regenerated Livia Forest which spans Salford and Bury councils.

The space is part of the City Forest Park, an initiative by City of Trees and the Forestry Commission to create a huge public park in Greater Manchester, bigger than New York’s Central Park.

Trees have been planted across the site in recent years to provide a haven for wildlife and an expanse of woodland for local communities to enjoy.

Livia is part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail and made up of many community woodlands and nature reserves linking Clifton Country Park and Drinkwater Park.

Runners will pass large-scale art sculptures at the event, which will take place from 11am on Saturday, April 1.

Sarah Bird, director of Wild Rumpus, said: “We love running, we love music, we love art and we love exploring forests, so we put all this together to create a new event.

“We’re thrilled to have found such a beautiful and inspiring site to host our first ever Art On The Run.”

Richard Topley, forester for Livia at Forestry Commission England, said: “We are delighted to be able to host the Art On The Run event at Livia.

“The woodland has developed over the last few years and this event is a great chance to open the doors to a wider audience and invite families to enjoy the site in a different and unusual way.

“Livia is host to a wide range of habitats and wildlife, and being stone’s throw from Manchester city centre it’s a great place to spend a day walking, cycling or running.”

For information, visit artontherun.org.uk

Tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children.