Thousands of runners expected as Run Leicester returns
More than 5,000 runners will be taking to the city’s streets this weekend for the annual Leicester Half Marathon and 10K race.
The event takes place on Sunday 11 October and a series of rolling road closures will be in place to enable the runners to pass along the race route safely.
Starting at 9:15am in Victoria Park, both races follow a route through the city to Melton Road, into Thurmaston, Watermead Park and Birstall, before returning through the city centre on the way to the finish line back at Victoria Park.
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 re-opened 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 the biggest and best running event in the county and is a real celebration of our communities.
“We would encourage everyone to come out and support this fantastic event. Run Leicester is not just for runners at the end of the day; there’s loads of entertainment dotted around the route for everyone to enjoy too.
“We can’t wait to see everyone on race day; the atmosphere will be incredible, and the event will also 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 Run Leicester Festival website at runleicester.co.uk or by contacting the organisers directly at info@runleicester.co.uk.
