Junior runners are about to embark on one of the busiest periods of the year with a string of events scheduled over the next couple of weeks.

The popular Telford Electric Magic Mile takes place at the National Sports Centre this Saturday and many of the same children will be back out a week later for the fourth event in the current KPMG Junior Series being run in conjunction with the IAS Park 5K in Sandys.

Then on Saturday, March 8, the Pro Shop Junior Races, which have traditionally attracted several hundred schoolkids, will take centre stage at the National Sports Centre.

Race director Cal Simons is again expecting a bumper entry for this Saturday's Magic Mile which will see a series of races in and around the Sports Centre, starting at 12 noon.

Parents are reminded that the late entry deadline is today with forms available at Telford Electric in Somerset and at Well Bottom as well as the Sportseller in Hamilton.

No entries will be accepted on the day.

The IAS Park 5K on Sunday, March 2, replaces the former MRM Five-Flat Miles with organisers hoping that the shorter distance (3.1 miles) will result in an increase in entries among the senior ranks.

The new route sees the start and finish near the Shell Station on Boaz Island with athletes heading out to Dockyard and back. Juniors competing in the KPMG series will, however, run a shorter distance.

Entry forms for both the senior and junior event can be picked up from Sports R Us, Sportseller and the offices of IAS Park at 44 Church Street. However, athletes can also register online at www.raceday.bm.

While several prizes will be on offer, the big attraction will be two US Airways tickets to anywhere in North America, which will be drawn for among all those competing.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Bermuda Heart Foundation.

Meanwhile, next month's Pro Shop Junior Races have been switched from Police Field to the neighbouring Sports Centre while long-time race director Brett Forgesson has now handed over the reins to David Doyle.

The meet is now in its 21st year making it one of the longest-running and most popular events on the junior calendar.

The first race on Saturday, March 8, will be at 9 a.m. with events continuing through most of the morning for girls and boys in four age groups - four and five, six and seven, eight and nine, and 10 to 12.

Entry forms will be distributed to the schools or can be picked up and returned to the Pro Shop on Reid Street by Friday, February 28. Late entries will be accepted up until March 5.