ENTRIES are open for this year's running of the Sir John Talbot's Whitchurch 10K.

The fourth running of the road race is fast approaching and this year takes place on Sunday, April 5.

Agro Merchants and a number of local businesses have continued their sponsorship of the road race, which has more than doubled in size since the first race in 2017.

Starting and finishing at Sir John Talbot’s School, the course is mainly flat but does have some short hills just to keep the participants a little challenged.

It is confined to roads within the boundaries of the historic market town centre, with its half-timbered buildings, bustling pubs and the imposing Georgian Grade 1 listed St Alkmund’s Church forming part of the course.

It is hoped the residents of the town and visitors alike will congregate to shout, cheer and encourage all runners.

Race director Hayley Alldridge says she is delighted at how popular the event has become.

"I hope local residents will support the runners as they make their way around the town – each year the support gets better and better," said Hayley. "I never imaged just how popular this event would be.

"I am proud to be part of it and seeing so many people take up an active lifestyle in order to take part.

"We really do have a delightful town to take in the sights of along the way.

"I am also looking for volunteers to help on the day, please contact sjt10k@gmail.com or call 07968 410067 if you are able to support.’’

Places are still available and more information can be found by visiting www.sirjohntalbots.co.uk

There will be a number of roads closed on April 5 in order to keep the runners safe. Roads will close at 9:45am and reopen at about 11am.

Anyone wanting to travel out of Whitchurch will be directed during these times up to the bypass if it is safe to do so.

The list of roads closed are as follows: Prees Road, Edgeley Road, Wayland Road, Station Road, London Road, Bargates, High Street, Green End, Bridgewater Street, Newport Road, Dodington, Watergate Street, Castle Hill, Sherrymill Hill, Smallbrook Road, Chemistry, Wrexham Road, Highgate, Alkington Road, Beech Avenue, Queensway.