Road runner Mia Pauwels aims to run this Sunday’s Butterfield & Vallis 5K backwards.She will rely on a friend running alongside her to act as her ‘eyes’ and warn of obstacles or twists and turns up ahead.While Pauwels intends not to turn her head during the event, the heads of onlookers and fellow competitors will surely be turning at the unusual sight of a runner travelling forward while facing backwards.In was by accident that she came across the idea of backwards running. She does much of her training on the beach and found that she recovered better from workouts when she finished off with a little bit of backward striding.“I noticed my recovery was quicker when I did a few backward runs it really helped my muscles. Then I Googled it (backwards running) and found out how it is good for the abs,” she explained.In some countries, such as the UK, there are fully-fledged backwards running races. Enthusiasts say it can improve stability, tone muscles, and give a more intensive workout in a shorter space of time than traditional running. It is also promoted as a way of avoiding common running-related injuries.“You use completely different muscle groups. You are going from toe to heel rather than heel to toe.”Pauwels has enjoyed success over the past few years as a runner, particularly in cross-country events. She was one of the lead finishers in the inaugural Bermuda Triangle Half Challenge in 2008.However, problems with her knees led to her reducing the amount of running she does. Lately she has competed as a race walker and, away from sport, is also a keen Latin dancer.Pauwels admits that running 5K backwards is probably a little further than she would ideally wish to race.“I’m quite comfortable with doing a mile backwards. But this is the first 5K of the year and so I thought I’d mix it up a bit,” she said.She has walked the 5K course a number of times to familiarise herself with its twists and turns, and earlier this week she and running friend Claire Nichols did a dry run, with Pauwels running backwards and Nichols running forwards beside her to act as a guide. The pair will do the same on Sunday.The Butterfield & Vallis 5K is expected to attract around 500 competitors. Stephen Allen and Jennifer Alen were the respective men’s and women’s winners last year.This Sunday’s adult race and 5K walk both start at 9.30am. There is also 2.7K junior race, which start at 9am.Age category prizes will be awarded and there is also a prize draw for all who take part. The races all start opposite the Reading Clinic on Serpentine Road and finish outside Butterfield & Vallis on Woodlands Road, Pembroke.Entries can be made online until 5pm today at www.racedayworld.com. Race number pickup will be at Butterfield & Vallis, on Woodlands Road from 10am to 2pm on Saturday.