Will you be cheering on the Winter Warmer runners?

A special appeal for enthusiastic spectators has been issued by the organisers of Blackburn’s annual 10k road race.

Blackburn Road Runners are asking for people to line the route of the ‘Winter Warmer’ and help ensure the event further grows its reputation as being one of the friendliest around.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor  Faryad  Hussain is officially opening the event on Sunday, February 7th at 10am.

The event, which is sponsored by a variety of local businesses,  is full with 500 runners signed up and a waiting list in place. There is a separate 2k race for young people aged between 5 and 15. The 300 spaces are filling up fast with some local schools taking teams.  Online entries can be done via https://bookitzone.com/jane_matthewman/922FFX

There are lots of viewing points or ‘cheer stations’  along the scenic route with member of the popular 5k Run Group already signing up to cheer alongside the official marshals.

Chairman of Blackburn Road Runners, Sue Wolstenholme, said:

This is our 30^th anniversary celebration year so the Winter Warmer will definitely have a good vibe.

It’s great that so many people have already said they will come and line the route and support and encourage the runners. We are constantly being told what a friendly bunch we have in Blackburn.

There is a really good mix of runners, everything from the fastest club runners from across the north west to first time runners and  people raising money in memory of loved ones.

It’s committee member John Clucas’s first time as race director and he along with all the team are doing an amazing job.”

The route starts on Witton Park track goes out behind the pavilion and up the hill to Witton Park School car park out onto Buncer Lane, along Billinge Ave and Assheton Rd and back onto Buncer lane, left at the top onto Billinge End Road. Then downhill passing The Clog and Billycock Pub on the left hand side. Rising up towards Pleasington then left turn before The Priory  and along the pathway towards the Duck Pond . Right at the duck pond down Cemetery Road. Left at the bridge and follow the river path back past the Tower Road car park and AstroTurf  pitches. A final swing left over the bridge and following the main park road back round the rear of the pavilion and into the track. One and a half loops of the track to finish!