Is this last Run Preston ever?

There is still a glimmer of hope that the popular Run Preston 10K event can continue after it was staged for possibly the last time on Sunday.
The Run Preston 10k and 5k runs set off and finish on Market Street in the town after a route that takes in Avenham Park, Preston. Friends united at the end of the 10k run. Picture by Paul Heyes, Sunday September 24, 2017.The Run Preston 10k and 5k runs set off and finish on Market Street in the town after a route that takes in Avenham Park, Preston. Friends united at the end of the 10k run. Picture by Paul Heyes, Sunday September 24, 2017.
The Run Preston 10k and 5k runs set off and finish on Market Street in the town after a route that takes in Avenham Park, Preston. Friends united at the end of the 10k run. Picture by Paul Heyes, Sunday September 24, 2017.

More than 2,000 took part in the event’s three different distance runs at the weekend - 1,400 for the main 10k, almost 500 in the 5k and 300 in the 2k.

Runners for the biggest event went through Avenham Park and the city centre.

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Despite the event’s popularity and this weekend’s success, organiser Steve Ashcroft says increased costs has put its future in serious jeopardy.

The Run Preston 10k and 5k runs set off and finish on Market Street in the town after a route that takes in Avenham Park, Preston. One for the album. Picture by Paul Heyes, Sunday September 24, 2017.The Run Preston 10k and 5k runs set off and finish on Market Street in the town after a route that takes in Avenham Park, Preston. One for the album. Picture by Paul Heyes, Sunday September 24, 2017.
The Run Preston 10k and 5k runs set off and finish on Market Street in the town after a route that takes in Avenham Park, Preston. One for the album. Picture by Paul Heyes, Sunday September 24, 2017.

He said: “Basically, the road closures, advertising and moving barriers in and out on the Sunday has really pushed up the costs.

“It’s very sad - the runners love it and it also brings 2,000 people into Preston, which is good for the city.”

However, Mr Ashcroft says the event could be saved if a bigger organisation is able to take it on.

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