Preston’s flagship long-distance run looks like it has been saved.

This year’s Run Preston was thought to be the final one after organiser Steve Ashcroft said he was not continuing with it due to the rising cost of staging the event.

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However, Blog Preston understands the operator of a number of other North West runs has been given the nod.

A spokeswoman for Preston City Council said they have granted permission for Sports Tours International to take it on.

The Manchester-based firm would keep the 10k and 5k race going.

Preston runners reacted with sadness at the announcement of Run Preston coming to an end and many called for the city council to step in.

Read more: Part of the Guild Wheel to be named after Ben Ashworth

Chief executive of Sports Tours International Chris Bird said: “We are aware of the current situation with regards the future of the Preston 10K. Although we have had no formal approaches we would be interested in developing a robust community focused event in such a fantastic area.

“As the UK’s leading sport and active leisure travel tour operators our UK Events team have created some excellent mass participation events in Manchester, Salford, Liverpool and Tameside. We continue to search for cities and regions who share our vision for developing great running events as part of a robust health and wellbeing programme.”

What do you think about the future of Run Preston? Let us know in the comments below