THOUSANDS of runners are making their final preparations ahead of pounding the cobbles in the 2017 Prince Bishops Durham City Run.

The event, which is taking place for the second time tomorrow, will see a field of 2,500 runners and charity fundraisers taking part in the race around Durham’s historic city centre.

The athletes are expected to be cheered on by thousands of people lining the route, which takes in some of the city’s best known landmarks and the banks of the River Wear.

Both the 10k and 5k races will start in Saddler Street and finish outside Durham Cathedral.

This year’s 10k route will include an additional loop to avoid bottlenecks on other parts of the route.

As well as the 10k and 5k races, this year there will also be a race for members of the emergency services, who will take part in a heated hill sprint.

Members of the police, fire and ambulance services will race up Saddler Street to Palace Green, in an event stage to highlight the vital work of the emergency services that allows major city centre events to take place.

Race director and Olympic medallist Steve Cram, from Events of the North, which is organising the run, said: “After last year’s first event, word has clearly got out about the Prince Bishops Durham City Run.

“We’re delighted to have completely sold out of our increased capacity of 2,500 across the 10K and 5K races and with the support of Durham County Council, we have been able to make some small changes to the route so that the race night experience is even better for runners and spectators.

“Once again, our runners are going to have a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of this historic city.

“The course is challenging, but it’s also hugely rewarding, and the finish on Palace Green is spectacular.

“Everything is set up for a great night on Wednesday.”

Rolling road closures will be in force between 6pm and 9.15pm.

This year, due to increased security across the event, on certain roads no vehicle movements will be allowed once closures are in place, except for access by emergency services.

Closures will be in place in Claypath, New Elvet, Saddler Street, Market Place, Owengate, Silver Street, Elvet Bridge, Old Elvet, Church Street, Court Lane, Elvet Crescent, Quarryheads Lane, Potters Bank from its junction with Elvet Hill Road, Margery Lane, Grove Street, Pimlico, South Street, Crossgate, North Road from Neville Street to Milburngate, Milburngate, Framwelgate Waterside, Freeman’s Place and Walkergate.

Riverside paths between Prebends’ Bridge and the Millennium footbridge will also be closed to the public between 6pm and 9pm.

Runners will be assembling at the starting pen on Saddler Street from 6.45pm.

The hill sprint by representatives of the emergency services will start at 7.10pm, with the main races starting at 7.15pm.

The last runners are expected to cross the finish line at around 9.15pm.