The second City of Preston 10k race has been announced with the route following a familiar course.

Runners will start at the Flag Market before heading down through Avenham Park, along the river then back up the hill.

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This year, the 10k will be held on Sunday September 29 and organisers The Running Bee Foundation say they would like to see 2,000 Prestonians sign up to the challenge.

It is the first year of operating the race for the Running Bee Foundation, a new initiative founded by Sports Tours International, which aims to encourage more people to get active and develop a sense of local pride.

Sports Tours International took on the running of the event after it was feared the 2017 race could be the last.

In addition to the main 10k event, there will be a fun run which starts and ends at the Flag Market.

All the money raised through the event goes towards improving health and wellbeing in the town or city it is held.

Chris Bird, chief executive of Sports Tours International and the Running Bee Foundation, said: “The great thing for us is that we wanted to build a community event. 

“There are many big events across the North West but they are looking for thousands and thousands of runners.

“We want an event that everyone can get involved in.”

Research by the Running Bee Foundation found that 33% of adults in Preston are considered overweight with a further 17% classed as obese.

Obesity is a factor in 0.7% of hospital admissions in the city, double the national average, and 18% of children leaving primary school are already obese.

Profit from the race will go towards projects to tackle childhood obesity or health and wellbeing initiatives in the city.

Read more: How this surpise donation is helping Prestonians get out and about

Projects and initiatives are invited to bid for grants from the Running Bee Foundation to support the work they do in the community.

Chris Bird said: “Every runner counts. Every step that a runner takes is a step towards changing the lives of people in the community, either through health and wellbeing or fighting childhood obesity.”

The Mayor of Preston, Cllr David Borrow said: “The Flag Market is the heart of the city. It is very special to Preston.

“The route we have got, going around Avenham Park, by the river and back to the Flag Market really brings people together.”

For more information or to enter the City of Preston 10k visit https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/sportstours-events/city-of-preston-10k/

Will you be taking part? Leave your comments below.

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