Runners will yet again be preparing to lace up as Preston Road Races return to the city.

Hundreds of runners annually take part in the sponsored sporting event which follows the scenic route from Walmer Bridge Village Hall.

With the option of competing in a five or ten-mile course, this year the races will be helping Rosemere Cancer Foundation with their 20th Anniversary appeal.

The charity is aiming to raise funds for three future projects that will make a real difference to patient care, including a DaVinci Xi Robotic Surgical System, a state-of-the-art cancer research facility and a brand new cancer ward.

Read More: These friends are tackling the UK’s three peaks for Preston man with brain tumour

The aim of the appeal is to raise a total of £1.5m to fund the projects.

Last years race attracted nearly 500 entries with runners traveling from all over the country, with runners as far afield as Glasgow, Lincoln and Southampton travelling to Preston to compete.

As part of the course, runners will be looping around the Brickcroft Nature Reserve.

Michael Brennand, Director of Preston Road Races, said: “We had a great event last year and are looking forward to be even better in 2018.

“Our club and race sponsors Marsden Rawsthorn Solicitors are delighted to be helping Rosemere Cancer Foundation with their 20th Anniversary appeal.

“We already have a lot of entries for the race, with many people returning from last year.

“It’s a fast, flat course with a nice loop of the lake, so there’s something for everyone really.”

Organised by Central Lancs Running and Triathlon Club, this years event will be sponsored by Marsden Rawsthorn Solicitors who are helping to raise funds for the races charity partner Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

Gary Priestley of Salford Harriers won last years ten-mile race with a time of 52:55 and Catherine Howard from Knowsley Harriers was the first lady home in 61:05.

The five-mile race was won by Blackburn Road Runner’s Josh Crowther in 27:06 with Amanda Crook of Southport & Waterloo AC being the first lady home in 27:39.

The winners were awarded trophies and received large hampers showcasing produce from Preston based companies including Beeches Chocolates, Blacksticks Blue Cheese, DVino Wines & Hart Brewery.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online from Comteq Events.

You can support Rosemere Cancer Foundation by adding an optional pound to your race entry which the Central Lancs Running and Triathlon Club will match, doubling the donation.

Have you competed in Preston Road Races before? Will you be competing this year? Let us know in the comments below