MORE than 300 runners have signed up for this year’s Northwich Festival of Running on Sunday, July 9.

The festival takes place at Carey Park, and is raising money for The Joshua Tree children’s cancer charity.

The event is in its second year and is organised by the Northwich Running Club, which is headed up by Alan Wilcox.

Alan said: “I am pleased to have inspired the Northwich community to come back and take part in the 2017 family festival of running.

“It’s a brilliant event for Northwich, exposing the hidden trails of Carey and Marbury Park to local runners and their families.

“I’m also delighted to support The Joshua Tree this year - having seen the work they do with local families we know that this event will help a lot towards the charity’s fundraising efforts.”

The Northwich Festival of Running has received business support again from Chester West and Chester Council, Roberts Bakery, Tesco, Bailey Audios, Brio Leisure and Northwich Running Club.

Theresa Candy from Fabb Fitness will be warming up the runners for the 2k, 5k and 10 races starting at 9am.

Box of Treats, Glitter Tattoos, Cheshire Fire Service and Ale on a Bale will also be in attendance as well as other family friendly activities in aid of The Joshua Tree.

Runners can sign up at northwichrunningclub.com/northwich-festival-of-running/ - or enter on the day.

The 2k race starts at 9am, followed by the 5k at 9.45am and 10k at 11am. The 2k is for all ages, and the minimum entry age for the 5k and 10k are 11 and 15 respectively.

Online entries have closed, but on the day entries are accepted.

Allow extra time to park and get to the race village to register. Cash only. No UKA discounts.  Fun run – £3.50; 5k – £14; 10k – £17.

The 2k fun run is aimed at all ages and abilities.  For anyone under 16, accompanying parents and grandparents are welcome and encouraged.

The 5k takes you into Northwich woodlands to enjoy trail paths.

The route heads out on Marbury Lane and around the tranquil Dairy House Meadows, crossing back to pass Lesley’s Leap and Haydn’s Pool before re-joining the lane and heading to the finish.

The 10k leads you around Northwich woodlands on pretty trail paths. The route will pass through Dairy House Meadows and into Marshall’s Wood and Anderton before crossing the Trent and Mersey Canal to take in the peaceful countryside setting of Marbury Park.

From here you will re-join Marbury Lane to the finish.