Party Time In Preston

10 JUN2010

Run Preston is a fantastic city event that has a real party atmosphere; what's more with a 5K fun run, 10K and elite streetdash on offer there is something for everyone.

NORTHERN RUNNING GUIDE found out more ...

What, where and when?

Run Preston is a popular city centre event featuring a 10K, 5K, fun run and an elite 1500 street dash. All races start and finish in the centre of the city at the Victorian Covered Market with race HQ at the Guild Hall some 200 yards from the start.
All races are on Sunday, September 26 and are led off by the fun run at 9.30am; the 10K at 10am; 5K at 11.30am and the elite mens/women's 1500 at 12.15pm (by invitation only, we are open to offers as there is good prize money to be won. Contact race director, Phil Walsh on 01772 903605).

How many runners expected?

Approximately 1500 runners take part in the races with the 10K being the most popular attracting around 1000 (although a number of runners do both the 5K and 10K).

What is the route like?

The route is not flat but it is an interesting course through the city centre and into the beautiful Avenham and Miller parks following the River Ribble on both sides of the bank. There is a climb back into the city centre with a great downhill finish past the Harris Museum and Flag market; the last 400 metres is lined by pedestrian barriers.
The elite 1500 metre streetdash caters for spectators with an exciting three lap course.

How long has the event been going?

The race was established in 2004 as part of the International City Celebrations and has been a permanent fixture ever since. In 2009 the elite mens and women's races were added with the field organised by Helen Clitheroe, Preston's national steeplechase record holder and president of local club Preston Harriers. The main sponsor's are Forbes Solicitors and Central Lancashire NHS with support from Sweatshop and Science in Sport.

What kind of runner will the race attract?

The races attract all standards of runners, everyone is welcome. There are prizes to the value of £1500 with a similar prize fund for the elite streetdash. The 5K also incorporates a workplace challenge helping to promote an active and healthy workforce. Teams of four from the workplace are encouraged as male, female or mixed teams.

Registration, parking & post race facilities?

Race HQ is situated in the Guild Hall, made famous for hosting many world snooker championships. There are changing, toilet and bag storage facilities. Adequate parking can be found within the city centre car parks close to race HQ. Post race there is music and entertainment and of course the elite race which is closely contested with many well known names.
What will be in the goody bag? We provide a race t-shirt, bottles of water and fruit and medals for those in the fun run.

Any celebrity runners?

We have not managed to attract Prestonian Andrew Flintoff as yet!

What makes Run Preston special?

The atmosphere created by the music, the Batala Samba Band, street theatre, PA announcements and stalls make the covered market area lively and vibrant and you get a good Preston welcome with excellent marshalling from the Rotary Club and Preston Harriers on a scenic course.

What can I do if I want to take up running in the Preston area?

Preston Sports Development and Preston Harriers run three weekly start up sessions. Contact the Sports Development Team on 01772 906188.

A message for the readers of NORTHERN RUNNING GUIDE?

Sample the atmosphere at Run Preston - don't expect a PB, just enjoy the course and the atmosphere. Look out for our special series of races in 2012 celebrating Preston's unique 800 year old, once every twenty year festival, Preston Guild.