Preston 10k: Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend's event

Organised by charity The Running Bee Foundation, the event takes place from 9.30am to 11.30am on Sunday through the streets and parks of Preston.

More than 1,000 people are expected to take part, including Coun Neil Darby, who is taking his place on the startline as the city’s first citizen.

>>>Click here to take part in the run

Having previously run the Manchester Marathon and having regained a love for running during lockdown, Coun Darby decided that the Preston 10k would be the perfect event to tackle in 2022.

He said: “The fact that it’s got Preston in the title right there, City of Preston 10k, really means a lot to people and it’s that feeling of family that can be found throughout Preston.

“I’ve lived here for basically my whole adult life, I grew up elsewhere but one of the reasons I ended up staying in Preston is just how friendly the people are.

“There’s a real sense of pride in the city.”

Coun Darby will be raising money for his mayoral charities, The Intact Centre and Lancashire Teaching Hospital.

What’s the route?

Starting and finishing in the historic Flag Market where the athlete’s village will be located, the 10K route will take in Avenham Park, before the riverside section swings back towards the city centre for the finish.

>>>Click here to see pictures from last year’s 10k run

The race also sees the return of MyFirst™ Mile, an initiative created and delivered by the Foundation which encourages people of all ages to complete a mile and begin their health and fitness journey, whether they run, walk or jog.

All finishers will receive a commemorative SPAR City of Preston 10K medal and technical T-shirt, and the race includes official chip timing, route markers at every kilometre, and a fully marshalled route.

"Incredibly proud”

Lead of the Running Bee Foundation, Steve Kenny said he was “incredibly proud” to welcome the Mayor of Preston to the run, and that this year “has been a welcome return to normality for our running programme and events calendar”.

He added: “We believe we have planned the best SPAR City of Preston 10K yet in terms of overall package, and it is one where entire families can participate in either by running or spectating to get into the spirit of the occasion.”