Over 3,000 runners will be taking to the city’s streets this weekend as part of the annual Leicester Half Marathon and 10k race.
The events will take place on Sunday, October 1, starting and finishing at Leicester’s Victoria Park.
Runners will set out from the park from 9.15am, on a route through the city and Melton Road, into Thurmaston and Birstall, before returning to the starting point.
It means a series of rolling road closures will be in place to enable the runners to pass safely.
The route includes London Road, St George’s Way, Charles Street, Belgrave Gate and out of the city centre, through Melton Road and out towards Thurmaston, Watermead Country Park and Birstall, before the race returns via Red Hill Circle and parts of Loughborough Road and Thurcaston Road, and then joins the riverside path.
From there the route will return to the city via Abbey Park and the city centre, before continuing up New Walk via De Montfort Street and University Road on its way to the finish at Victoria Park.
The 10k race will follow the same route as far as Melton Road, before travelling along Loughborough Road, Holden Street and Ross Walk to re-join the riverside path, past the Space Centre and Abbey Park on its way back to the city.
Parking and loading restrictions will be in place to keep the route free of traffic, and temporary road closures will be in place while the race passes through. The measures have been signposted along the route in advance. Roads are expected to have reopened fully by 1pm.
The race is a hugely popular event, attracting runners ranging from enthusiastic amateurs to club athletes, all raising money for a range of charities including official charity partner, LOROS Hospice.
Race director, Andrew Ward, said: “We love bringing the Run Leicester Half Marathon and 10K to our city’s streets; it’s by far the biggest running event in the county and serves as inspiration to many to take up running themselves as they cheer on thousands pushing themselves towards the finish line.
“We would encourage everyone to come out and support what is such a fantastic event for the whole city. Run Leicester is not just for runners at the end of the day; there’s loads of entertainment dotted around the route for the entire public to enjoy too.
“We can’t wait to see everyone on race day; the atmosphere will be incredible and the event will ultimately raise thousands of pounds for LOROS Hospice and other local charities.”
Bus services from the city centre will be running as normal but some will be diverted to alternative bus stops nearby while the race is in progress, with any changes clearly signposted.
Full details of roads affected can be found on the Leicester Marathon website at leicestermarathon.org.uk/road-closures or by contacting the organisers directly at leicestermarathon@gmail.com
Traffic and travel updates are available from Area Traffic Control via @ATCLeicester
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