Everything you need to know as Run Wigan Festival returns this weekend
More than 2,500 people will pull on their trainers and toe the start line at this weekend’s Run Wigan Festival.
The popular annual event returns to Mesnes Park on Sunday and the final preparations are well under way.
Organising charity Joining Jack has received the lead car from HW Moon, with the keys presented to namesake 18-year-old Jack Johnson.
Race packs have been posted to the majority of participants and medals are ready to be handed out.
Places in the 5km race have already sold out, with 1,100 people signed up.
But there is still time to take part in the half marathon and family mile, with entries remaining open until midnight on Wednesday.
The half marathon (13.1 miles/21.1km) starts at 9.30am and will take runners past Wigan landmarks including The Brick Community Stadium, Leeds-Liverpool Canal and Haigh Woodland Park.
There will be pacers to help people aiming for certain finishing times and participants will receive a medal, goody bag and T-shirt as they cross the finish line.
Runners and walkers taking on the 5k (3.1 miles) will start at 10.15am and follow an out-and-back route along Park Road and Woodhouse Lane, before collecting their medal.
The family mile begins at 1pm and offers a chance for children to earn their own medal.
Spectators usually cheer on runners as they tackle the races, while there will also be live bands, as well as food and drink vendors at the park.
Run Wigan Festival launched in 2017 and has so far raised more than £200,000 for Joining Jack, which funds research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, following Jack’s diagnosis with the incurable condition.
Participants are asked to do the Joining Jack “salute” in his honour as they gather on the start line.
People can also raise money for other good causes and there will be a number of large charity teams taking part this year.
Paul Bateman, owner of Roundhouse Tyres in Whelley, will run the half marathon to raise money for Daffodils Dreams, which supports children and families in Wigan.
He will be joined by councillors Chris Ready and Lol Hunt, who will complete the 5k to support causes close to their hearts, including the Royal Free Hospital, Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Daffodil Dreams
Maureen Holcroft, founder of Daffodil Dreams, said: “We’re so thankful to Paul, Chris and Lol for supporting us. Every donation helps us bring comfort and care to families when they need it most.”
Road closures will be in place between 9am and 3pm on Mesnes Park Terrace, Parsons Walk, Park Road, Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse Drive, Scot Lane, Fourmarts Road, Walthew House Lane, Challenge Way, Stadium Way, Mesnes Road, Kenyon Road and Bridgeman Terrace.
There will also be delays to allow runners to pass at the canal crossing on Manchester Road, Ince, and on Wigan Lane, from Plantation Gates to the Cherry Gardens roundabout.
To find out more about the event or to sign up, go to runwiganfestivals.co.uk.
There will be entries available on the day for the family mile at the Joining Jack desk.