THE final preparations are being put in place for this weekend’s Darlington 10km road race.

More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in the race with a series of road closures being put in place to ensure the safety of competitors.

And as an extra temptation to run that bit faster, more than £1,000 worth of prize money is being offered across several categories of runners, including cash for the first six men and women to cross the line, a young athletes prize, veteran prizes and men and women’s team prizes.

An extra prize of £150 is also on offer to the overall 10k race winner in the men’s and women’s category who also secures a new race record.

This year’s grand event, which also takes in a family fun run and a junior 3k race, will take place in Darlington town centre on Sunday.

Phil Haymer, Events Manager for Darlington Borough Council and Race Director for Darlington 10km, is encouraging spectators to line the route and show their support for the competitors as they take on the challenge.

He said: “We’ve reached our target entry level, with more than 2,000 people set to take to the streets of Darlington this Sunday.

“Everything is in place for another great event, we’re really looking forward to what will be the 32nd Darlington 10km.

“This is the first year that we’ve had SG Petch as principal sponsor, and we’re looking forward to welcoming their representatives to the Market Square on Sunday to present the prizes.

“Participants in the event are always grateful for the wonderful support they get from the public along the route and I’m sure this year will be no different.”

Darlington and Stockton Times:

The route of the 10km race

Darlington Rotary Club will continue its irreplaceable voluntary support of the 10k by assisting the race organisers throughout the day.

The group has been awarded a gold standard for Outstanding Race Management by BARR, the British Association of Road Races, and in return, race officials give a donation to Rotary’s chosen charity.

This year, the Families and Conductive Education children’s charity in Darlington will benefit, as well as the town’s St Teresa’s Hospice.

Children and young athletes themselves can take part in the fun-filled event, with eight to 14-year-old’s welcome to join the Junior 3k road race, with the family fun run is open to participants of all ages.

  • Road closures that will be in place during the event include Horsemarket; Bull Wynd; Blackwellgate Entirely; High Row; Post House Wynd Entirely, East Row; Northgate; Prospect Place; Tubwell Row and the Westbound carriageway from Church Row to East Row – all from 6am to 2pm.
  • Skinnergate will be closed entirely from 6am to 1pm as will Bondgate; Houndgate; Commercial Street from Regent House to Bondgate; Duke Street from rising bollard to Skinnergate; Grange Road from Northumberland Street to Coniscliffe Road; Beaumont Street from Houndgate to Beaumont Street West; Coniscliffe Road from Blackwellgate to West Street and from West Street to Carmel Road; West Street; Stanhope Road; Woodlands Road outbound from Stanhope Road North to Staindrop Road; and Carmel Road North southbound from Staindrop Road to Coniscliffe Road.