The Bermuda National Athletics Association's 2018 cross-country season will begin on Saturday at the Arboretum with the first of six races in the series.

The association is using the series as a chance to identify and develop young middle-distance runners before next year's Carifta Games and in 2020, when Bermuda hosts the event.

“We are looking forward to an exciting season, and all of the running clubs have met to decide and agree on the criteria for the season,” said Donna Raynor, the BNAA president.

“With our preparation towards the Carifta 2019, then towards the Carifta 2020 Games, we are hoping to see several of our middle to long-distance athletes participating in the championships as their base for the track season.”

Each of the races will be facilitated by one of the running clubs, with Swan's Club organising the opening race before West End Running Club puts on the October 13 event at Chaplin Bay. The National Championships will take place on December 8 at Clearwater.

The age group and approximate distances for this year's under-10 and under-12 races are 1.5 miles, the under-14s two miles and the under-17s two to 2.5 miles. The under-20, open females, masters and senior masters (60+) will run on courses between 2.5 and three miles, and the open males between five and 5.5 miles.

The entry fee for participants is $10, rising to $15 for the National Championships.

There will be series winners in each age group, a point system for each race and the top three in each age group will be awarded prizes. A separate champion in each age group will be awarded at the National Championships.

Races get under way at 8.30am, starting with the younger age groups.