A 50-mile relay run to highlight the journey of salmon up the River Exe is set to take place later this month.

The Salmon Run, which will begin in Exmouth and finish on Exmoor, will take place on Sunday 25 September and see runners pass a symbolic handmade salmon baton on the route.

The free event is a pilot project of the 'Creative Arc', a collaboration between the University of Exeter, Exeter City Council and The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and has been created by Tidelines, a community-led organisation.

It is designed to "highlight the epic journey of the Atlantic salmon and explore what it can teach us about our city [that is, Exeter], the health of our river and climate change".

The route (Tidelines)

A 10-year ban on netting salmon in the Exe is currently in force. The salmon population in the river has dwindled, reportedly due to weirs, climate change, loss of species diversity, and pollution.

Jo Salter of Tidelines said: "There will be people on hand to share their knowledge, passion and concern for the salmon, which are a keystone species, and an accompanying 'Salmon Run' podcast and imagery and performance.

"These fish occupy a critical and important place in our river's ecosystem, culture and history, and can tell us much about the health of the environment. We're inviting people to be part of this as a runner, a steward or to cheer on the running salmon!"

How can I take part?

The run will start in Exmouth at 8.30am on Sunday 25 September, passing through Exeter between 10am and midday.

Registration is now open to take part as a runner over a short distance in Exeter, or longer distances over the rest of the route. People are also welcome to take part as stewards.

Supporters are welcome as bystanders, with "suitable salmon attire" if desired.

Click here to sign up.