MORE than 7,500 runners are expected to descend on Warrington as the English Half Marathon (EHM) returns for its ninth year.

Runners will cover the equivalent distance of two-and-a-half times around the globe during the course of the weekend with more than 10,000 litres of water expected to be consumed.

The EHM weekend kicks off on Friday in Victoria Park.

More than 800 competitors have signed up for the new 5k night run.

The sold-out half marathon and 10k will take place on Sunday in front of the back drop of the town’s Golden Gates.

This iconic Warrington landmark was also the inspiration behind this year’s medals. 

Warrington Guardian:

While tickets have already been snapped up for three of the four events, there is still time to sign up to the WireFM Family Mile, which will also take place on Sunday.

Organisers have worked throughout the year in the hope of making it an event to remember. 

While spectators are encouraged to show their support along the route and at the finish line, there is also the option to watch runners online using the live feed and on a massive screen at the event powered by David Lloyd Warrington. 

More than 4,000 people from outside of the area will be coming to Warrington this weekend.

Rob Griffiths, race director, said: “The team have been working hard over the past 12 months to bring runners a world class race experience. 
“We have some great sponsors on board this year which really elevates the event. 

“With this year set to be our biggest to date it’s so exciting to bring so many runners from outside the area to show what our great town has to offer. 

“We can’t wait for Sunday and hope thousands of spectators come out to support the runners by making as much noise as you can.”

For more information or to sign up to the WireFM race click here or to watch our live Facebook interview with Rob visit our Facebook page. 

The route:

The race starts at 9am on Winmarleigh Street. 

As runners make their way across the town there will be a number of road closures in place.

Starting on Winmarleigh Street, competitors will head across Bridge Foot and east along Knutsford Road, before heading south through Grappenhall and Appleton Thorn. 

They will return via Lumb Brook Road and Knutsford Road, then passing through the town centre and finishing by running up Winmarleigh Street to the Golden Gates.

Warrington Guardian:

Road closures: 

5am to 2pm:
Sankey Street and Winmarleigh Street (South from Palmyra Street South will be closed until 10am only)

8.55am to 9.20am
Wilson Patten Street (from Winmarleigh Street to Bridge Foot – temporary closure 8.55am to 9.20am). Bridge Foot (temporary closure 8.55am to 9.20am. Various lanes are open after 9.20am including Mersey Street (A49) to Knutsford Road (A5061) eastbound and Wilderspool Causeway (A49) to Wilson Patten Street (A5061) both ways. Knutsford Road (from Grange Avenue to Bridge Foot. Only the westbound carriageway towards the town centre is affected. Closed westbound 8am to 1pm. However exit westbound to Bridge Foot from St Mary’s Street allowed at all times, except from 8.55am to 9.20am.)

8am to 10.15am
Stockton Lane and Church Lane    (From Chester Road to Broad Lane)     

8am to 10.30am
Loushers Lane (Eastbound lane only. Westbound is always open. No access to Wash Lane and Station Road until 12.30pm)

8am to 11am
Broad Lane, Cartridge Lane, Grappenhall Lane, Witherwin Avenue (Between the Lumb Brook Road junctions)

8am to 12.30pm
Station Road (From Wash Lane to Cantilever Bridge), Cantilever Bridge, Cantilever Bridge Southwest Approach, Ackers Road    (From Cantilever Bridge Southwest Approach to Chester Road), Chester Road (From Ackers Road to Lumb Brook Road), Lumb Brook Road, Bridge Street

8am to 1pm
Halla Way, Wash Lane (Entry and exit to Station Road allowed after 12pm), Academy Way    (Westbound open to market car park), Academy Street, Scotland Road, Winwick Street, Rylands Street and Suez Street

8am to 2pm
Palmyra Square South