Runners and would-be fundraisers from across Cheshire are invited to go underground to enter a unique 10k running event in the country’s biggest rock salt mine.

The event is planned for Saturday, September 3, and will use some of the 160 square miles of underground tunnels that run under the Cheshire countryside.

Winsford Salt Mine, which provides much of the country’s salt for the road network, is usually closed to the public so this will be an amazing opportunity to experience an exclusive running venue.

Update: The race has now been postponed

Using the mine’s motorway-sized, roadway-like caverns, the run will take a 10k route. English Athletics and Run Britain have given their support to the event which is being organised to raise money for charity.

Gordon Dunn, managing director of Compass Minerals’ Salt Mine in Winsford, and Nicola Dunbar, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Development Board, have helped develop the event.

They hope to raise money for cardiac screening charity CRY (in memory of Gordon’s daughter Emily) and to help fund a desperately-needed new all-weather athletics track for the local community of Mid Cheshire.

Places for the prestigious charity run will be highly-prized with only 120 slots available for charity fund-raisers and runners.

The event will be heavily marshalled, with runners wearing reflective clothing during the run, and is open to those aged 18 and over.

Ms Dunbar said: “This is a unique opportunity for people to experience running in a working salt mine and Mid Cheshire Development Board is extremely grateful to Gordon Dunn and the team at Winsford Salt Mine who have given so much time and operational support to make this amazing event possible.”

Mr Dunn added: “Compass Minerals is committed to innovation and playing its part in the local community. This run is a world first for the mine and we look forward to receiving applications from those interested in taking part. We hope to raise a considerable amount of money so those taking part are asked to pledge to help us in that aspiration.”

Applications for entry open this week and successful applicants will be notified by July 30. The run is open to people aged 18 years and above.

To download an application form, please visit www.midcheshiredevelopmentboard.org.uk/?p=8718 or email nicola@profilecommunication.com