RUNNERS wanting to take part in next year’s English Half Marathon races can now sign up to take part in the anniversary event.

More than 2,000 have already secured their place on the start line via the pre-sale and places will be on sale againwhen general sale reopens on Sunday at 5pm.

More than 7,500 people took part in 2017 across the four distances of half marathon, 10k, 5k and one mile.

The 2017 event incorporated the inaugural Friday night 5k in Victoria Park with more than 800 runners taking part.

Rob Griffiths, race director said “2017 was a great year for us: “We saw thousands of people coming to Warrington from out of town to experience what the great town has to offer.

“We are so excited to re-open registration for 2018, with 2,000 people already signed up I can’t wait for runners to see what we have in store for our 10th anniversary”

The main event finished through the town’s iconic Golden Gates and the Town Hall will again be the backdrop to the 2018 season.

The English Half Marathon is known for its scenic course through south Warrington with an electric finish line fanfare and entertainment.

The half marathon and 10k starts at 9am in front of the Golden Gates before runners head over Bridge Foot before taking a scenic route along the southern parts of the town.

The race finishes for runners with a tour of Warrington’s town centre, passing many famous landmarks including the Oliver Cromwell statue, The Halliwell Jones Stadium, The Guardians, The River of Life and the Cultural Quarter before finishing through the Golden Gates.

The one mile family fun run starts at 12.45pm, allowing participants to run both distances if they want to.

Organisers say both races conclude with a finish line festival and headline concert.

  •  Visit run-ehm.com for more information or to register for a place online and follow frequent updates on Twitter (@RunEnglishHalf) and Facebook.