Entries for the popular Selkirk event will close on Saturday - April 26.

The 2014 British MTB Marathon Championships are part of the Selkirk MTB Marathon, which attracts riders from all over the country, on Saturday May 10.

The 80km single-lap race was first held in and around Selkirk last year - and the event proved so popular arrangements were quickly made for it to return.

A British Cycling spokesman told the Border Telegraph: “We are delighted to be returning to Selkirk for the 2014 Marathon Championships. “The Scottish Borders have some excellent trails, and it’s one of the few areas in Britain that can provide a course over a single loop. The Selkirk bid was considered to offer the best combination of date, proven course and established event infrastructure.’” The British MTB Championships are open to male and female riders (19 or older) who are British citizens and hold a full BC or UCI recognised racing licence; with coveted red, white and blue jerseys up for grabs.

There are also integrated championship categories for veteran men and women. Also on Saturday, May 10, is the ever-popular Selkirk MTB Marathon for non license holders.

There are three fully marked courses with distances of 25km, 50km and 80km - something for families, novices, intermediates, enthusiasts and racing snakes alike. Even 12 to 15 year-olds can ride the 25km course for free if accompanied by an adult.

And entries for the accompanying 'sportive’ courses will remain open right up to race day, if there is availability.

Paul McGreal, from organisers Durty Events, told us: “All the courses are mainly real mountain biking with a fantastic mix of natural and hand-made singletrack, twin-track forest roads and ancient drove roads. “Riders will visit the valleys of the Rivers Tweed, Yarrow and Ettrick. They can expect lung and thigh busting climbs that are rewarded with epic grin-inducing descents. The 80km course will also include some of the very best man-made trail centre routes at Innerleithen.

“Renowned trail builder and course designer, Pete Laing, is already scouting new sections to freshen up the marathon courses and will include a few special timed 'Enduro’ sections to add a little more spice to the events.” The British MTB Marathon Championships and the Selkirk MTB Marathon will be based at Selkirk Leisure Centre.

Entry includes on-site camping and use of the swimming pool on Saturday afternoon.

Selkirk MTB Marathon is part of a weekend-long festival of cycling.

Events on the Friday evening Friday include a free Pump Track, MTB Track, Stunt Show, Roller Racing and World Record Attempt at the longest Stoppie. On Sunday May 11, Selkirk will host a round of the Scottish MTB Orienteering series.

Online entry is via www.entrycentral.com and there are also links from www.selkirkmtbmarathon.com.