Run Wigan Festival set to return

Entries are pouring in for the fourth annual spectacle, which starts and finishes on Market Street, in the town centre, on Sunday, March 22.

There will be four races - a half marathon, 10-miler, 5k and family mile - meaning people of all ages and abilities can take part.

The routes will take in various landmarks in the borough, including Mesnes Park, the DW Stadium and Haigh Hall.

Leading the way for the half marathon runners will be a car from sponsor HW Moon.

It is the fourth time the firm has supported the event and bosses have now handed over the branded sponsored car to Joining Jack founder Alex Johnson.

Each race will also be led by volunteer cyclists who usually take part in the charity’s Wigan Bike Ride held in the summer.

Medals will be presented to all finishers, along with a token to claim a free pie from Pound Bakery for all distances apart from the family mile.

T-shirts will also be given to those completing the half marathon.

For the faster runners, vouchers and cash will be presented to the first three men and women to cross the finish line in the half marathon, 10-miler and 5k, while vouchers will also be given to age group winners and teams.

Afterwards, runners and walkers, along with their supporters, can enjoy live music from a stage in the town centre once again.

The line-up of acts performing this year is expected to be announced in coming weeks. So far more than 660 people have registered to take part in the half marathon, 240 for the 10-miler, 330 for the 5k and 80 for the family mile.

With less than five weeks to go, people are now being encouraged to sign up for the popular event.

All money raised will go to Wigan-based charity Joining Jack, which funds research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

It was founded by former Wigan Warriors star Andy Johnson and his wife Alex after their son Jack was diagnosed with the muscle-wasting condition.

Last year’s festival raised more than £30,000 for Joining Jack, with some participants also choosing to raise money for other causes close to their hearts.

The Wigan half marathon and 10-mile races start at 9.30am, with the 5k at 10.15am and family mile at 1pm.

For more information and to register, go to runwiganfestivals.co.uk.