The countdown is on to the 14th annual Wigan 10k, with thousands of runners and walkers set to take part
The 14th Wigan 10k will take place on Sunday, September 6, starting and finishing at Mesnes Park.
Thousands of people are preparing to lace up their trainers and toe the start line of the Wigan 10k.
The popular annual event returns to Mesnes Park on Sunday, September 6, organised by Wigan-based charity Joining Jack.
So far 2,500 people have signed up to take part and with registration open until midnight on Wednesday, September 2, it is expected that the number of participants will approach last year’s total of 3,000.
The 10k race starts at Mesnes Park at 10am and will see runners and walkers head along Park Road and Woodhouse Lane to The Brick Community Stadium and Martland Park, before returning to the park.
Drivers are warned roads will be closed for the race.
Participants are set to be cheered on by both loved ones and strangers as they take on the course.
Everyone who finishes will be handed a medal featuring the pavilion at Mesnes Park.
Prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third male and female runners, as well as the winners of a number of other categories, and there will be an awards ceremony for the winners.
The event raises money for Joining Jack, which was set up by former Wigan Warriors player Andy Johnson and his wife Alex when their son Jack, now 18, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Last year’s event raised £55,000 - the largest amount since the 2016 edition of the Wigan 10k - and took the overall total to more than £500,000 since the race was first held in 2013.
Some participants will be raising money for other causes close to their hearts, including Coun Chris Ready, who is fund-raising for treatment for four-year-old Standish boy Patrick Jennings, who has cerebral palsy.
After the 10k, there will be a family mile at 12.30pm, which offers a chance for youngsters to earn their own medal.
Registration for this will be available both online and on the day.
There will also be live music and food and drink stalls in the park, available to both runners and spectators.
To find out more or register, go to www.wigan10k.co.uk.
Registration costs £27.50 for the 10k (£25.50 for attached runners) and £5 for the family mile.