All you need to know about The Amazing Northampton Run

Aimee DexterEast of England
News imageAdrian Howes Photography A group of people standing next to each other in the middle of a High Street. They are all posing with their arms above their heads and are smiling at the camera.Adrian Howes Photography
Runners are set to gather in Northampton to take part in the half marathon on Sunday

Runners are gearing up to tackle a town's half marathon this weekend.

About 1,700 people are expected to take part in The Amazing Northampton Run on Sunday.

The 13.1-mile (about 21km) loop will start and finish in the Market Square and go past Sixfields Stadium, Franklin's Gardens and the County Ground.

As well as the half marathon, there will be a three-person relay race and a 5km (about three mile) run.

Where and when does it all begin?

News imageAdrian Howes Photography A group of six runners running from right to left. They are on a path which is elevated on a bank above a football stadium.Adrian Howes Photography
The route will pass the town's three premier sports clubs

The event, which was previously known simply as the Northampton Half Marathon, was first held in 2013.

The half marathon and the three-person relay are expected to start at 09:30 BST, with the 5km run starting at 09:45 BST.

Runners will start at the Market Square before running downhill over South Bridge and following the river past the sports grounds.

They are expected to head through three parks before passing through the University of Northampton campus and running back to the Market Square.

Event director Simon Hollis said: "Good luck to all those taking part. A special thank you to our charity runners raising much needed funds for good causes [and] not forgetting our incredible marshal team of over 120 people making sure that you have the best time on the beautiful route."

How will traffic be affected?

News imageAdrian Howes Photography Runners heading towards the camera in the middle of a High Street. On the right is a silver barrier with spectators standing behind it.Adrian Howes Photography
About 1,700 runners are expected to take part in this year's event

The closures will start at about 08:30 BST with various roads will be shut at different times along the route.

Wood Hill is expected to be closed at about 09:00 BST and is set to reopen at about 10:00 BST.

St Giles Terrace, which also features in the 5km, is expected to close at 09:30 BST and reopen at 12:30 BST.

Abington Street, where the race will start and finish, will remain closed.

Towcester Road and Bedford Road will remain open for access to car parks.

People are being advised to park by 08:00 BST in car parks, including Mayorhold, Grosvenor and St John's.

Where can spectators watch?

News imageAdrian Howes Photography A group of runners on a road coming towards the camera. There are buildings on both sides of the road, and people standing on the pavements watching.Adrian Howes Photography
The event, which was previously known as the Northampton Half Marathon, was first held in 2013

Organisers say that, with some planning, people can take advantage of short cuts within the loop.

If you're walking, the first viewing point is at the start, with the next at the Spencer Bridge Road and Barrack Road junction, Christchurch Road and then back at the finish.

The halfway point on the course is The Racecourse, which is near some restaurants and bars.

This is within walking distance of the finish line – as is Abington Park, which is about a mile from the finish.

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